Millennials, particularly those who grew up on the West Coast, may have fond memories of Tangerine Dream. (The pot strain, not the German electronic music group.)

Tangerine Dream was actually created by Barney’s Farm in Amsterdam, even though it was commonly seen in California and Colorado in the mid-1990s. It’s still available and potent; in fact, it finished in first place at the 2010 Cannabis Cup.

But as often happens, the son has surpassed the father – at least, metaphorically speaking.

In reality, the Tangie strain isn’t a direct descendant; Tangie was created as either a remake of or a tribute to Tangerine Dream. But it has most of the same terrific qualities and effects and has received even more honors than Tangerine Dream.

Just like its predecessor, this is a strain developed in the Netherlands but you’re probably most familiar with it if you live in the Western U.S. However, its availability throughout North America is growing rapidly. And most who’ve sampled Tangie would say that’s a very good thing.

Tangie: The Quick Summary

Tangie is a hybrid, but it’s unabashedly Sativa-dominant with most of the benefits that come with a Sativa strain. The THC content is impressive and the cerebral high hits quickly, making Tangie an excellent choice for those in search of a creative, focused experience. Oh, and it tastes and smells really good as well. There is very little CBD content.

Tangie: The Background

Tangie was created to pay homage to Tangerine Dream, and each strain was originally cultivated in the Netherlands, but the two strains have different lineages. The original Tangerine Dream was a cross between G-13 and a Haze descendant, while Tangie is the cross of California Orange and a skunk (probably Skunk #1, the strain used to create so many well-known hybrids).

The well-known Dutch grower DNA Genetics is behind Tangie. Its distribution and use began in Europe, but clones and seeds are readily available to cultivators and home growers. DNA Genetics has also reached distribution agreements to increase Tangie’s availability throughout the United States, Canada, and Central America.

Users who’ve given this strain a try often consider it a go-to favorite, and “professionals” love it too. It’s a regular award-winner at Cannabis Cup competitions; in one hard-to-believe ten-month period, Tangie won ten different Cannabis Cup awards.

Tangie: The Effects

This strain may be “Example A” for what you can expect from a potent but user-friendly Sativa-dominant.

Tangie’s uplifting and cerebral high sets in quickly last for a good amount of time and recedes gradually. That not only allows the user to continue functioning but to function with greater focus, creativity, and energy. The euphoria and happiness often make the work to be done more enjoyable, too.

No discernable body lock or tiredness sets in during or after the use of Tangie, due to Sativa’s predominance in the strain. The residual effect is more of long-lasting happiness and contentment, leaving the user refreshed rather than fatigued. There is a lot of THC content here, however, so the effects are best handled by regular smokers instead of novices.

Tangie: The Taste and Aroma

Since this hybrid has some skunk roots, you can expect Tangie to provide some of the sensory experiences associated with a traditional weed strain. But they’re not the features you notice most when smoking a bowl of Tangie.

The taste and smell of this strain are clearly citrusy, thanks to its California Orange parentage. They’re sweet and pleasant; you may not be able to distinguish between the flavor and aroma of tangerines and oranges in real life, so it’s likely that you can’t tell whether Tangie tastes and smells more like oranges or tangerines. That doesn’t really matter – whether you’re a citrus aficionado or not, this pot is pretty delicious.

That’s why budtenders in dispensaries, when asked to recommend a yummy strain, quite often suggest Tangie as their first choice (if they have it available, of course).

Tangie: Possible Medical Benefits

You’re not going to turn to a Sativa or Sativa-dominant weed strain for potent pain relief, and Tangie is no exception. Without the strong body high which is useful for easing serious or chronic pain, Tangie isn’t the best way to deal with pain issues.

Instead, it’s better for use against depression and anxiety because of its uplifting and energetic head high. Even those suffering from mild stress or mood problems will find that this strain can help. It’s a good choice for people dealing with fatigue as well.

Secondary benefits of Tangie can include appetite enhancement, and the easing of digestive problems, and insomnia that can be triggered by anxiety. Some report that it also helps them with nausea, but there are better antiemetic strains out there.

Tangie: Possible Side Effects

Surprisingly for a potent Sativa, there is very little chance that an experienced user will have anything to worry about when it comes to paranoia, an increase in anxiety, or other common side effects of THC-heavy Sativa strains. Naturally, novices will be a bit more prone to those issues.

All that most users may have to deal with are the usual bloodshot eyes or dry mouth, or – if this can be considered a negative side effect – the munchies.

Tangie: The Plant

Tangie isn’t the easiest plant to grow indoors. The biggest issue is that it grows extremely high during its first 5-6 weeks, meaning it needs a lot of headroom and requires constant topping-off (or growth with the FIM technique) in order to stimulate lateral growth.

On the other hand, this plant is quite sensitive to temperature, preferring warm (70-85° F) climates that are relatively dry. That limits the areas of the country where Tangie will thrive as an outdoor crop.

If you are lucky enough to live in the right climate, however, outdoors is the way to go. Tangie loves growing in warm soil, as long as it’s tended properly with applications of nitrogen in its early stages, and potassium and phosphorus when flowering; the nutrients will enhance the plant’s distinctive aroma and taste. Those who use grow rooms have found that moving their plants outdoors during the flowering stage can be beneficial.

Tangie flowers for nine weeks or so, with late September to early October the best target period for harvesting. The plant’s yield can be very good when grown with best practices: between 400 and 550 grams per square meter, with the more bountiful harvests produced by outdoor plants. The buds are quite sticky, making them a good source of resin and other concentrates.

The post Tangie Marijuana Strain Information and Complete Review appeared first on Weed News.

People in many parts of Texas love their Big Red soda.

In New York, not everyone loves Cel-Ray soda but everyone knows it. Then there’s Vernor’s in the upper Midwest, Moxie in northern New England, Cheerwine in North Carolina, and Kemper’s in the Pacific Northwest.

Those are all local favorites that are virtually unknown elsewhere in the nation. That’s the opposite of Coke and Pepsi, of course, which are not only ubiquitous in America but around the world.

There are lots of obscure pot strains, too. Some are only well-known in the areas where they were developed or where they’re grown. Others are simply not very popular.

Then there are strains which are famous and beloved almost everywhere – just like Coke and Pepsi. One of those strains is White Widow. It’s revered for its potency, its balanced Sativa/Indica effects, and the wonderful high it produces. It’s also one of the cannabis plants commonly used around the world to create outstanding new strains.

One of the best is White Gold. Its appearance and effects aren’t quite the same that you may have experienced with White Widow, but it’s still potent, versatile, and extremely enjoyable.

White Gold: The Quick Summary

Would it be insensitive to say “Once you go white, you’ll never go back?” White gold is a powerhouse of a 60/40 Indica-dominant hybrid that’s able to both provide a creative and relaxing high if you’re chilling, and a more focused and energetic high if you’re trying to get stuff done. The THC content is very high, the medicinal properties are strong, and the taste and aroma are interesting.

White Gold: The Background

You already know about half of White Gold’s parentage; it’s a descendant of the famed White Widow strain. The other half of the equation is Himalayan Gold, well-known for its energizing highs. Amsterdam-based Sensi Seeds crossed the two and came up with a versatile strain that’s able to provide Sativa and Indica effects depending on the amount smoked and the mood of the smoker.

Other breeders have created their own versions of this strain with somewhat-varying results (Expert Seeds crossed Grapefruit and Ice, while Archive Seed Bank used strains developed from GSC, GG#4, and OG Kush, among others). But Sensi remains the gold standard for White Gold and the best of the bunch. This is not the most readily-available strain, but connoisseurs know where to find it – and they seek it out whenever possible.

White Gold: The Effects

One of the most captivating features of White Gold is its ability to be all things to all people, thanks to its lineage. Looking for an active Sativa head high? More in the mood for a relaxing Indica experience? This versatile strain is actually able to provide both.

At first, White Gold delivers an uplifting euphoria that’s motivating, stimulating, and able to help with focus and clarity. That’s followed by a slowly-developing calm that spreads through the body without seriously affecting the ability to think clearly and be productive.

The 40% Indica in White Gold can be effective for inducing a restful sleep as well, but only when used in large amounts. Otherwise, the high is more of a calming, relaxing buzz for those who want to just hang out, think, and be happy.

The bottom line: this strain is extremely versatile. During the day it can help you with motivation and productivity; in the evening it’s perfect for chilling without severe couch lock or lethargy; at night, it can put you to sleep if you smoke enough. We’d never call any pot strain “perfect,” but White Gold seems to come pretty close for most people.

It’s important to note the high THC content, which sometimes runs in the high teens but usually averages in the mid-20% range. That makes White Gold quite potent, and best enjoyed by experienced smokers. Novices should go slowly.

White Gold: The Taste and Aroma

Before you partake, White Gold is very skunky. It smells that way in the grow room and the aroma becomes even more obvious after the flowers have been ground. Once you light up, though, other scents emerge. They’re definitely fruity, although diesel is still mixed in; some have compared the aroma to that of a citrus cleaning product.

The taste of this strain is complex as well. A strong earthy, diesel flavor is the first thing you notice, but then you begin to distinguish the different and interesting tropical fruit notes. The aftertaste is still fruity, but the bitter, earthy flavor once again becomes dominant. Some people who love the effects of White Gold dislike the taste, while others develop a tolerance or fondness for it over time – since the experience is so terrific.

White Gold: Possible Medical Benefits

The most beneficial uses of White Gold are to help with chronic stress, anxiety, and fatigue, because of the strain’s energetic yet calming effects. It’s known to overcome most negative feelings while encouraging a sense of calmness, motivation, and purpose, a balanced mix rarely experienced from a strain that’s Indica-dominant.

That heritage does also mean that White Gold can be effective to treat chronic or serious pain. You might think that the Sativa in this strain would lessen the “numbness” commonly associated with Indica’s pain relief, but it actually provides a little extra energy to help overcome the debilitating effects of pain (acting much like the caffeine in migraine medications).

The dual nature of this strain means that it can help those dealing with insomnia as well as those suffering from fatigue. The effect largely depends on how much White Gold you smoke. It’s also useful as an antiemetic (preventing or treating nausea) and as an appetite enhancer.

White Gold: Possible Side Effects

The average THC content in White Gold is 25%, meaning that novice users, those sensitive to the effects of THC, and those prone to experiencing paranoia or anxiety may feel those effects worsen. However, they aren’t as pronounced or common as they are with many THC-heavy strains. More usual side effects like cotton mouth are likelier.

White Gold: The Plant

White Gold plants are short (usually less than two feet tall) and squat, making them pretty easy to grow and cultivate either indoors or outdoors. Also making this an easy strain to grow: it doesn’t require much care, other than sufficient water and sunlight. The plants do like warm temperatures, though, so outdoor cultivation should be tried only in a climate where it stays warm through harvesting season in early October.

This strain has a short flowering season of about eight weeks, and it’s extremely productive. Yields of 500 grams per square meter or more are not uncommon – since each small plant produces a huge number of buds with a thick coating of sticky resin. The flowers are attractive as well, with dark green nugs and purple leaves (relatively-cool evening temperatures bring out the colors even more).

Just remember that White Gold doesn’t make a secret of its presence as it’s growing. The dank smell will definitely attract attention from neighbors or visitors.

The post White Gold Marijuana Strain Information and Complete Review appeared first on Weed News.

Big companies spend an enormous amount of money to come up with the perfect name for their brands or products. More than anything else, a great name evokes the feeling or mood that users will experience when trying the product.

What does the name “Sunshine Daydream” evoke for you, other than perhaps the documentary of the same name that focused on The Grateful Dead?

A warm day spent with your significant other and a glass of white wine, lying on a blanket in the grass? A lazy weekend afternoon, relaxing in a hammock with a good book?

Those are actually pretty ways to describe the experience of smoking Sunshine Daydream – but only if you’re relaxing in the middle of a truck stop. That’s because a strong diesel flavor and aroma accompany this pot strain’s potent high.

Sunshine Daydream: The Quick Summary

Sunshine Daydream is an Indica-leaning hybrid. It has high THC content which provides a slowly-building, relaxing high that many users describe as euphoric and dreamy, making the name Sunshine Daydream particularly apt. The diesel scent and taste are predominant, but there are some sweet notes in the mix as well.

Sunshine Daydream: The Background

This strain was created by the well-known breeders Bodhi Seeds. It’s a cross between two other Indica-dominants, Appalachia (a descendant of Green Crack) and Bubbashine (a product of Bubba Kush and Blue Moonshine). With that heritage, as you’d expect, the Indica is strong in this one.

Sunshine Daydream isn’t the easiest strain to find; if it’s your fave, you’re better off growing it from seeds that are easy to purchase online. But if you do find it, you’ll often find that it’s one of the less-expensive choices that a dispensary offers. It’s also one of the better choices for novice smokers since it doesn’t pack quite the full punch you might expect from a high-THC strain.

Sunshine Daydream: The Effects

The relaxation associated with this strain takes a while to fully develop. The experience begins with a calm head high, flowing and expanding gradually through the rest of the body in waves, and likely to bring on a case of couch-lock. The euphoria brought on by Sunshine Daydream builds as well, as stress is replaced by a carefree, happy, and sometimes joyful mood.

Some users describe a dreamlike state which is best-enjoyed solo, but many others find that the happiness that follows a few tokes of this strain is well-suited to sharing the evening with a small group of friends. A few more tokes, though, and the sedating effect of Sunshine Daydream can lead to a well-deserved night’s rest. The one thing that’s for certain: users won’t feel any internal drive to get work done.

The effects of this strain may not feel quite as potent as other THC-rich strains you may have tried. Even so, it takes a good deal of THC to induce the euphoria, dreaminess, and sedation associated with Sunshine Daydream. Expect to see the percentage of THC coming in somewhere in the high teens or low twenties, with some samples testing as high as 25%. CBD content is low, well below 1%.

Expect to cough quite a bit, too.

Sunshine Daydream: The Taste and Aroma

There’s no doubt about it. The strong diesel flavor and smell of Sunshine Daydream will be the first attribute you notice – and probably the second and third as well. That doesn’t mean there aren’t pleasant surprises waiting for you after you get used to the diesel taste, however. There’s a fruity sweetness underneath the harsh chemical taste, most often compared to that of the blueberries inside a freshly-baked muffin.

As for the aroma? Sunshine Daydream smells very much like a dank Kush. You may notice some sweetness hidden inside the strong diesel smell, but a pleasing aroma isn’t one of this strain’s strongest distinguishing factors.

Sunshine Daydream: Potential Medical Benefits

Many high-THC weed strains that induce potent body highs are – almost by definition – useful to help treat serious or chronic pain. Sunshine Daydream is no exception. It’s also a pretty good choice for milder or more transient pain, like that of headaches. This is a strain that can deliver anti-inflammatory effects as well, making it effective at treating both the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.

Another condition that can be managed with the help of Sunshine Daydream is stress. The majority of users report that the strain delivers a calming high, which is perfect for easing anxiety and stress. By extension, it can also help those who suffer from sleep disorders or insomnia caused by anxiety, since the sedating effects which set in during continued use of Sunshine Daydream can lull the user into a restful sleep. It’s also able to help those whose insomnia is not anxiety-related.

Marijuana is often used to help patients deal with the side effects of chemotherapy like pain and nausea. This is a very good strain for that purpose as well.

Sunshine Daydream: Potential Side Effects

Other than the very common effects of smoking like cottonmouth or dry eyes (or dizziness in novice users), there are very few side effects associated with the use of Sunshine Daydream. The calm head high, in particular, means this is not one of the strains that can easily lead to paranoia. Naturally, though, any strain with high THC content can make anxiety somewhat worse, particularly in those who have a low tolerance.

Sunshine Daydream: The Plant

The bushy, short Sunshine Daydream plant likes warm (70-80° F) daytime temperatures and a semi-humid environment. That makes it easy to grow indoors if there’s enough space for the plants to spread; it’s also pretty easy to cultivate outdoors if the climate is conducive. It’s a low-maintenance crop, another great reason to try growing it.

Be aware, though: if you plan on using a grow room it should have good ventilation since the plants are fairly pungent. You’ll also have to play with nighttime temperatures if you’re concerned with appearance since the telltale purple leaves of Sunshine Daydream require colder overnight temps to develop their rich color.

The plants typically take seven to nine weeks of growing before they’re ready to harvest; mid-to-late October is the optimal harvest time for outdoor crops, depending on your climate. Sunshine Daydream’s average yield is around 300-350 grams per square meter.

The post Sunshine Daydream Marijuana Strain Information and Complete Review appeared first on Weed News.

“New and Improved!”

That’s a go-to claim used by companies trying to re-launch a product or regain the market share they’ve lost to a competitor. Sometimes it’s simply used to juice sales.

In many cases, nothing noteworthy has actually been changed or added to the product. It’s just a well-known fact – at least among marketing gurus – that customer interest is piqued when a product is labeled “new and improved!”

But many products really don’t need any new ingredients, and improving them may not even be possible. Some original products or formulas are already terrific, and it may be impossible to make them any better.

That’s a nearly-perfect description of Hindu Kush.

This pure Indica strain has been around a lot longer than any of us, harvested for millennia in the mountains of Afghanistan and Pakistan. In fact, it was even widely available in America before most of us were born. Think of any stereotypical mid-20th century stoner movie with characters who are so blazed they can’t get off the couch – and there’s a good chance that the Hindu Kush was the inspiration.

It’s also been used by breeders for decades to create outstanding new strains; even such venerable old-school favorites as OG Kush and Master Kush trace their origins to the Hindu Kush.

In many peoples’ minds, though, the original is still the best.

Hindu Kush: The Quick Summary

Euphoria, complete relaxation, happiness, couch lock, the giggles, and the munchies – before passing out with a smile. The Hindu Kush is a strain that delivers the completely-stoned experience that many users are looking for when they settle in to get blazed. The THC content is high, and its psychoactive effects and Indica properties make the Hindu Kush one of the best possible choices for medical marijuana patients.

Hindu Kush: The Background

We don’t have enough space or time to dig deeply into the history of Hindu Kush; it’s been harvested in the mountainous area on the Pakistan-Afghan border, where it grows naturally, for thousands of years.

This is a landrace strain, meaning it’s a pure strain that’s grown in its natural habitat without being cultivated or cross-bred. It was only brought to the Western Hemisphere in the 1960s and 70s by travelers who had been on what was known as the “hippie trail” through Asia. In other words, they’d gone in search of love, truth, and potent pot – and the Hindu Kush was one of the strains they loved and brought home.

What made the Hindu Kush such a revelation is that it was a pure Indica, largely unknown in the Western world until it was brought here in the mid-20th century. Now that it’s more than half a century later, this strain may no longer literally be 100% Indica; since it was native to the Afghani mountains, it had to be crossbred to a certain degree with other Kush strains so it would be stable enough to grow and proliferate in Western climates. Even so, it remains almost 100% Indica, perhaps the closest to a pure Indica you’ll find without traveling to Asia.

Its THC content can vary widely. You’ll find it averaging around 20% or so, but some samples have tested as high as 30-32%. CBD content is minimal.

The Hindu Kush has won a number of awards over the years, but victories at the Cannabis Cub aren’t needed to validate its amazing properties. You’ll now find dozens of crosses between the Hindu Kush and other strains, leading to well-known descendants like Hindu Glue, Hindu Skunk, K2, and Lady Purple. But none of them can really compare to the original.

Hindu Kush: The Effects

Couch lock is a term often used to describe one of the pot’s signature effects, and if the Hindu Kush wasn’t the first strain to produce the feeling, it certainly perfected it. The trademark heavy body stone and brain fog don’t come on in a flash; it starts with physical and mental relaxation, progresses to a euphoric and satisfying mental state – and then transforms into a heavier buzz that almost inevitably ends with you curled up in front of the TV, craving some Doritos.

Some users do find that they want to more than veg out once the Hindu Kush hits, but they probably won’t be cleaning the kitchen or getting homework done. They’ll be more likely to come up with a cool idea for an invention (which may not seem so cool once they’re sober) or solve the world’s great problems, from the comfort of their couch. The heavy dose of THC can lead to psychedelic experiences as well, but most people usually experience a positive and happy high rather than a scary one.

The Doritos we mentioned isn’t an exaggeration, since the Hindu Kush is one of the strains most likely to bring on the munchies. It also delivers a long-lasting high that can linger for hours and hours, if it doesn’t put you to sleep before then. If you haven’t drawn this conclusion by now, we’ll make it clear: this is definitely weed to enjoy in the evening or at night and not during the day unless you have some time off from work.

Hindu Kush: The Taste and Aroma

This is pungent bud. It produces somewhat-harsh smoke with a flavor that’s a combination of skunky and sweet, with notes of fruit, herbs, and pine. The smell is similar, with a strong earthy and musky flavor that’s slightly tempered by whiffs of sandalwood, spice, flowers, and the musty forest.

Hindu Kush: Possible Medical Effects

The Hindu Kush is extremely popular among medical marijuana patients because of the many benefits it can provide.

The strain’s strong body stone and numbing effects are ideal for those dealing with severe and chronic pain and can help with aching muscles and joints as well. The Hindu Kush has also been used by patients to ease menstrual cramps, multiple sclerosis, and the painful symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases, while the mental and physical relaxation it produces can help patients who are suffering from stress or mood disorders.

This is an excellent strain for those suffering from nausea or appetite problems, which are often triggered by chemotherapy but may also have other causes. Finally, Hindu Kush is a good choice for those who battle insomnia.

Hindu Kush: Possible Side Effects

The high THC content of this Indica strain might be expected to increase existing anxiety or create a higher risk of paranoia. The good news is that neither of those risks is particularly high for users of Hindu Kush. Even so, caution is a very good idea when smoking or ingesting a potent strain like this one, especially for those who are new to weed or those with anxiety issues. Caution is also good because of the psychedelic effects that the Hindu Kush can trigger.

The majority of experienced users, though, will only have to deal with the possibilities of dry eyes and cottonmouth – and of course, the weight gain that can come with repeated use of a strain well-known to bring on the munchies.

Hindu Kush: The Plant

Even though the Hindu Kush strains which have made it to the Western Hemisphere don’t necessarily require conditions similar to the mountainous regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan, they still thrive best in a warm and dry climate. Thankfully for those who live in cooler or wetter areas, Hindu Kush can also grow well indoors.

The plants don’t grow very high. They average about four to five feet in height, with an appearance that’s been compared to a small Christmas tree. That means, as you’d probably expect, that they spread out quite a bit – so they need proper spacing in order to produce bountiful harvests of their sticky, heart-shaped, bright green nugs. The plants bush out nicely to create enormous colas.

When the Hindu Kush is grown outdoors, it’s ready for harvest around the beginning of October, with the plants taking between seven and ten weeks to fully flower. This can be a productive crop, with optimal yields around 400 grams per square meter.

The post Hindu Kush (Hindi Kush) Marijuana Strain Reviews appeared first on Weed News.

It’s not easy to describe most aromas without using the name of whatever causes them.

What does “strawberry” smell like? Well, it smells like strawberries. The same goes for “chocolate,” “spoiled milk” and “poop” – they smell like chocolate, spoiled milk, and poop, respectively.

Another familiar scent – at least to anyone who’s ever been a kid – is “bubblegum.” You could say it’s “somewhat sweet” or “somewhat fruity,” but that doesn’t really capture the essence of the aroma. Bubblegum simply smells like bubblegum.

So does the bubblegum strain of weed. And it doesn’t just smell like that stuff you used to chew and chew and chew, at least until you were able to blow perfect bubbles. It tastes a lot like bubblegum, too.

Naturally, that’s not the primary reason to buy an eighth of bubblegum from your dealer or at your local dispensary. A much better reason is to enjoy the creative, relaxing high.

Bubblegum: The Quick Summary

Bubblegum is a hybrid strain that can lean either slightly Sativa or slightly Indica. It is relatively high in THC, with moderate-to-low CBD content. The high is best described as euphoric and relaxing, and it can often produce body lock. The taste and scent of this strain are complex, sweet, and enjoyable.

Bubblegum: The Background

The bubblegum strain originated in Indiana, but it took several other growers to develop it into the strain that’s loved by so many users today. An early but “mature” version was cultivated in New England. However, the bubblegum that we now know was perfected in the Netherlands.

One Dutch company, Cerebral Seeds, ended up producing a version of the strain that leans Sativa. Another, T.H. Seeds, wound up creating with a bubblegum strain that leans Indica. And the latter was the version that took the world by storm in the mid-1990s, as it won multiple awards at High Times Cannabis Cup competitions.

Bubblegum wasn’t a flash in the pan. It was still winning awards in the 2000s, including first place in the 2005 Spannabis Cannabis Cup Championships. The strain isn’t quite as celebrated now as it was then, but it remains a perennial favorite.

Bubblegum: The Effects

The best description of the high normally induced by the bubblegum strain: enjoyable.

As a balanced hybrid, the experience is both cerebral and relaxing. For most users, it begins with an increase in creativity and focus, along with euphoria that is likely to boost mood and relieve stress. A short time later the Indica effects start to kick in, bringing on gentle relaxation which may progress to a moderate couch lock or even sleepiness. There’s enough Indica content to bring on the munchies, too.

Bubblegum may heighten mood and produce euphoria, but it’s best enjoyed in the evening for chill sessions with friends. If you’re going solo, evenings are also when the relaxation and body lock often associated with this strain won’t interfere with mental productivity – and may eventually bring on restful sleep.

This strain usually contains between 13% and 18% THC, although occasional samples have tested closer to 20%. There is only a minimal amount of CBD in bubblegum, well under 1%.

Bubblegum: The Flavor and Aroma

Weed connoisseurs are particularly fond of this strain, because of its complexity.

Bubblegum does taste very much like its namesake, with a mix of sweet and fruity (primarily berry) flavors. Those flavors are tempered, though, by a little bitterness that’s provided by notes of earthiness and spice.

The aroma of the bubblegum strain is much the same story. While you can definitely identify the “bubblegum smell,” there’s a lot more to it. You’ll probably notice spearmint, strawberry, and/or other fruit aromas, yet there are also fragrances reminiscent of spices like thyme or basil. It’s all “wrapped” in a somewhat-bitter, dank scent; this complex aroma enhances the entire experience of smoking bubblegum.

Bubblegum: Potential Medical Benefits

Aside from the enjoyable high, the most common use of this strain is for its ability to ease anxiety. It’s excellent for unwinding after a stressful day, but its mood-enhancing abilities also make it a worthwhile choice for those who regularly suffer from depression or anxiety issues.

The Sativa component of bubblegum weed can help people who have difficulty concentrating or focusing. The Indica effects of bubblegum, and the resultant couch-lock that often follows, make it quite effective in countering muscle, joint or whole-body pain. It’s a good way to deal with sleep disorders or insomnia, because of the sleepiness that follows once the Sativa effects have subsided, and it’s also able to help those who suffer from poor appetites.

Bubblegum: Possible Side Effects

There are no unusual side effects that have reported by those who’ve smoked bubblegum weed. You should anticipate the strong possibility of body lock or sleepiness that’s characteristically associated with this strain, and those new to pot may experience the usual dry mouth or lightheadedness. But this is not a strain that causes excess paranoia or other serious reactions.

Bubblegum: The Plant

This strain is fairly easy to grow, particularly since it has been cultivated for so long and has become quite stable. Both regular and feminized seeds can be purchased from TH Seeds and Serious Seeds (formerly Cerebral Seeds), two of the original cultivators, as well as many other seed banks. Bubblegum can also be bred with other strains.

The plant can be grown indoors or outdoors, reaches a very manageable height of 4-5 feet tall, and doesn’t grow particularly full. One important note: bubblegum is commonly affected by rot and mold so attention and careful cultivation is required. Humidity should also be kept low when possible; that makes indoor growing a bit more reliable for this strain unless your climate is warm and dry. The outdoor flowering time can range from 55-60 days with harvests traditionally ready in October, and the indoor flowering period is usually between 56-64 days.

A bubblegum harvest ordinarily produces 300-400 grams per square meter, although that can be increased to 500 or 550 grams per square meter with optimal cultivation methods such as the “Sea of Green” indoor practice of growing many small plants instead of a few large ones. A balanced macronutrient feeding regimen is recommended.

You won’t have to wait until the harvest to enjoy the sweet aroma of bubblegum; even the plants emit a pleasant scent as they grow.

The post Bubble Gum Cannabis Strain: Complete Review (2022) appeared first on Weed News.

It’s easy to ask your dealer for a “generic” quarter or to ask a dispensary’s budtender to recommend something new and cool.

It’s not always quite that easy when you’re a cannabis connoisseur searching for a specific strain of weed.

For example, let’s say you’ve heard really good things about Pineapple. When you go looking for it, though, you might find Pineapple Express, Pineapple Kush, Pineapple OG, Golden Pineapple, Pineapple 99 – the list goes on and on. (It would be natural to get sidetracked by Pineapple Express since you probably loved the Seth Rogan movie.)

This probably isn’t your first rodeo, so you know why there are so many similarly-named strains. Most of them are crosses between some type of Pineapple strain and another phenotype.

But if you can’t find Pineapple, are Pineapple Express, Pineapple OG, or Pineapple Kush good substitutes? They can be. As with most things, though, getting the original is usually worth the extra effort.

And finding Pineapple is definitely worth the effort because of its Sativa/Indica balance, its high THC content, and its absolutely yummy taste and smell.

Pineapple: The Quick Summary

If there’s one strain that exemplifies “happy,” it might be Pineapple. It’s a 50/50 Sativa/Indica hybrid that delivers a somewhat-cerebral and non-incapacitating high that’s easy on the body. And just as importantly, it features the tastes and aromas of pineapple and other tropical fruit, mixed with the right amount of skunk to provide a “dessert weed” experience. The THC content is typically high, but Pineapple is more likely to produce a fun evening with friends than put you to sleep. CBD – Cannabidiol content is very low.

Pineapple: The Background

Pineapple is a descendant of the oddly-named strain Ed Rosenthal Super Bud (also known as ER Super Bud or ERSB). ER Super Bud is a highly-regarded Indica-dominant strain, which was created by Sensi Seeds from a Pakistani landrace Indica and equatorial Sativa. Why does that matter? It means that Pineapple has very distinguished origins and is the product of careful and selective inbreeding of an ERSB phenotype. The final product is a stable and balanced strain with a delicious tropical flavor and aroma.

Many are surprised to learn that the more popular Pineapple Express isn’t descended from Pineapple; their taste and smell are similar, but Pineapple Express’s parents are Trainwreck and Hawaiian. In truth, you’re unlikely to find other strains with Pineapple in their background, despite their names. This strain stands on its own and does it quite well.

Pineapple: The Effects

The first tokes of Pineapple bring an almost immediate, energizing, and cheerful cerebral high. Most users quickly feel their cares draining away and replaced by a happy satisfaction with life. You might suspect that Pineapple leans Sativa strongly because it doesn’t cause even the moderate body stone of most 50-50 hybrids. But it doesn’t; it’s very well balanced. A body high exists, but it’s relatively subtle and won’t lock you onto the couch; getting up for another load of munchies won’t take much of an effort.

Instead, you’ll be ready to relax and interact with friends while you enjoy the happy and uplifting effects, eventually feeling refreshed and ready for sleep. Needless to say, this is a strain that’s tailor-made for evening use, although it won’t totally wreck you if you do have some tasks to take care of before you’re ready to relax.

Pineapple: The Taste and Aroma

In a word: tasty. Smoking this strain won’t make you think that you’ve just bitten into a ripe Hawaiian pineapple, of course, since the noticeable flavor and smell of diesel are also present. The pineapple, tropical fruit, and citrus taste and aroma predominate, however, and their sweetness is one of the primary reasons why Pineapple can be such a delightful change of pace from most pot strains.

Pineapple: Possible Medical Effects

You won’t be likely to experience significant pain relief when enjoying a bowl of Pineapple since it’s a 50/50 strain without a strong body stone. Some users do report that it helps ease some types of pain, like muscle aches or cramps, but this is not a strain that will make a huge dent in serious chronic pain or provide quick relief from insomnia.

It’s much better for the alleviation of stress, depression, and mental fatigue. Those problems are usually washed away by the euphoric but calm effects of Pineapple’s mind high. It can help some people who suffer from anxiety as well, keeping in mind the cautions we discuss in the next section.

This strain is also a good choice for those dealing with nausea or some eating disorders; high-THC strains usually are (the munchies, remember?). And the pineapple flavor can be helpful in stimulating the taste buds in people who have a poor appetite.

Pineapple: Possible Side Effects

The most important thing to consider is the high THC content we just mentioned, which can regularly hit 26% in Pineapple. Strains with that amount of THC may help ease stress, but paradoxically are more likely to cause paranoia or worsen symptoms of clinical anxiety. Those aren’t common issues for most people, but Pineapple should only be chosen by experienced users who already know they can handle high THC levels without negative effects.

More benign issues may include cottonmouth, dry eyes, and headaches, but they’re easy to handle and not overly common.

Pineapple: The Plant

Pineapple is an excellent strain for beginners who want to dip their toes into the growing pot. It doesn’t require much maintenance, it’s largely resistant to both mold and disease, and it proliferates both indoors and outdoors (although temperate climates and late-arriving cool fall temperatures are best for outdoor grows).

This medium-sized plant will flower for eight or nine weeks before an outdoor harvest is ready in late September or early October. Indoor harvests will yield somewhere around 300 grams per square meter, while outdoor ones can produce as much as 450 grams per square meter. The dark green buds grow prolifically and are covered with a thick layer of crystals.

But what’s most interesting, at least to us, is that the buds are oddly-shaped – and if you use a little imagination, they look a lot like tiny pineapples.

The post Pineapple Cannabis Strain Information and Complete Review in 2022 appeared first on Weed News.

Everyone under the age of 50 knows what “OG” means.

OG stands for “Original Gangster.” (Or “Gangsta,” if you prefer.) The term was first adopted in hip hop circles and then in public culture, following the release of Ice-T’s hit album “O.G. Original Gangster.” Over time, it took on a more general connotation, used to mean “original,” “old school” or “authentic.”

So “OG” in the name of a weed strain must mean the pot is authentic or original.

Or maybe not.

There are actually multiple legends, purportedly explaining how the term “OG” became commonly used in the names of cannabis strains.

What Is an OG Weed Strain?

OG Kush, Lemon OG Kush, Godfather OG, White OG – that’s just a small list of the enormous number of strains with “OG” in their name.

But what does it really mean?

• Many say the term originated when Reefer Man of the hip hop group Cyprus Hill Gang tried some LA Kush in the mid-90s, loved it, and started calling it OG Kush out of respect. (The seed bank that first developed OG Kush seeds vouches for this story.)
  • Another story that makes the rounds in California is that “OG” stands for “ocean-grown,” to differentiate the dank weed grown along the coast from often less-potent strains grown inland.
• Some believe the use of “OG” became popular in tribute to the very-popular cannabis website OverGrow.com, which was shut down by the Canadian government in the early 2000s. (Unlikely, since OG Kush was around in the 90s.)
• A newer story that’s making the rounds claims that a California grower smuggled in prime Kush seeds from Afghanistan, and their product was named OG Kush to specify that it came from the “original grower.”

As with most urban legends, there will probably never be definitive proof of where the “OG” came from (although the belief that “OG” stands for organic is definitely not true).

More importantly, there’s no definitive rule for what it means.

Many believe that an “OG Strain” is any direct descendant of OG Kush. So they consider Critical Kush (bred from OG Kush and Critical Mass) and Bubble Kush (bred from OG Kush and Bubble Gum) to be OG strains – even though they don’t have “OG” in their names.

Others take things more literally and only list strains with “OG” in their name, even if their OG Kush heritage was further down the line. For example, they’d include two we mentioned earlier, Godfather OG (with a confusing lineage which might include OG Kush or might include Bubba Kush) and White OG (The White crossed with SFV OG Kush).

For our purposes we’ll go with the first approach, looking at the strains that most closely resemble the “classic” OG Kush profile (which scientists would call “phenotypes”).

Characteristics of the Best OG Strains

OG Kush is rightly revered as one of the best weed strains of all time. It’s a hybrid that leans slightly Sativa according to some experts, although others claim it’s slightly Indica. Since this is a strain that’s been around for decades with somewhat mysterious genetics, it’s quite possible that both are “right,” depending on the sample.

Classic OG Kush’s 20-25% THC content provides a strong euphoric and cerebral head high, more enjoyable than the rush induced by sativas that start the mind racing. There is a body-melt that can range from mild to “where’s the couch?” depending on the user, but overall, OG Kush provides a calm, uplifting and social high. Just as memorable are OG Kush’s sticky buds, its strong, almost hash-like smoke, and a very pungent, somewhat-spicy smell.

That same profile is what defines the best OG strains – whether or not “OG” is in their names.

The Best OG Strains

OG Kush

How can you outdo the original? You can’t. It’s not as ubiquitous as it used to be but if you can find it, try it. As you could probably tell from our longer description above, it’s the perfect flower for a night with friends or for a solo evening at home alone.

Godfather OG

High Times called this Indica the most potent strain available, and while a few newer hybrids could challenge that claim, it’s not far from the truth. The origin of Godfather OG is somewhat murky since there are a number of versions on the market. The three most common are a cross of OG Kush, Granddaddy Purps and Cherry Pie; a mix of Bubba Kush, GDP and LA Confidential; and a cross of XXX OG and Alpha OG.

In all cases, Godfather OG packs a wallop quite similar to that of OG Kush (although it may smell less objectionable to your neighbors). The THC content that averages 25% hits fast with a euphoric and cerebral high that blows away stress, and follows with a body high that will put inexperienced users on the couch pretty quickly. This is a great “chill at home” strain that will make sure you get a good night’s sleep after a very enjoyable high.

Critical Kush

Dank and pungent with an earthy taste, Critical Kush resembles its OG Kush parentage (Critical Mass is the other half of that equation) when you smoke it. Its strong THC content brings on a somewhat slow-to-act feeling of mood elevation, relaxation, and calm, which is paired with an indica deep body melt which may put you on the couch if you’re a novice user or are going at the bong hard. The buds have a trademark OG Kush stickiness as well.

This is an outstanding strain for patients, as it eases stress and depression, provides noticeable relief for chronic pain patients, and has strong anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also terrific for dealing with insomnia. Just take things slow; the hit takes a while to completely show itself, so you may end up a lot more stoned than you intended.

Chem OG

When you’re sober again, you can thank the combination of OG Kush and Chemdawg for the elevating high. Much like OG Kush, Chem OG teeters on the edge of sativa and indica. It provides a euphoria that’s cerebral and creative, lifting the fog of stress and allowing the mind to focus and enjoy the effects of the 20% THC content. As with its other parent strain Chemdawg, the body stone isn’t overwhelming; you’ll just be relaxed enough to feel great.

The aroma is pungent and skunky, the taste is woodsy, and the high is fun and enjoyable without the heaviness you might feel from OG Kush or most other OG strains. They always say the kids are supposed to do even better than the parents – depending on your pot preferences, this could be a good example.

Phantom OG

What do you get when you mix OG Kush with Phantom Cookies? A terrific creative and stimulating mental high, which is followed by a slow, relaxing and eventually sedating body high. The overall effect is somewhat heavy, but over time, Phantom OG will make sure that you don’t really care about that. There’s a pungent odor and a woodsy/citrus taste.

This is an excellent strain for stress and for those who suffer from ADHD since it will focus their minds at first. It’s also good for chronic pain and headaches, as well as those who want to slowly fade into a good night’s sleep.

The post Best OG Kush Strains: Potent Weed That Follows OG Kush’s Lead appeared first on Weed News.

The number of studies that have been done on the medical benefits of cannabis is small – and frankly – embarrassing. Marijuana’s potential to help millions of people on a daily basis is so enormous that it should be a major focus of scientific and medical establishments.

The reason for that lack of substantial research is completely understandable. The U.S. laws that still govern pot make it difficult to conduct rigorous academic studies, so the indisputable evidence on what weed can, and can’t, do is extremely limited.

However, there’s one benefit of cannabis which has been fairly well-researched and is pretty much accepted in medical circles: its ability to stop or prevent nausea.

It’s been used by Britain’s health service to treat nausea, since way back in 1983. And even the American Cancer Society officially recognizes pot’s ability to treat nausea that’s a common side effect of chemotherapy, even though it also warns that doctors in many states still can’t legally prescribe or recommend cannabis to their patients. Marinol and other cannabinoid synthetics are the only available options.

Doctors may not be able to use pot as a first-line treatment for nausea, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use it on your own.

Treating Nausea With Medication Requires Solving a Puzzle

Nausea isn’t a disease – it’s a symptom. And there are many potential causes.

When you see a doctor and tell her that you’re feeling nauseous, that’s not the end of the exam. It’s just the beginning because she has to figure out what’s causing the problem. The cause could be an issue in your gastrointestinal system, anything from Crohn’s Disease to heartburn or food poisoning. It could be mental disorders like anxiety or panic attacks. It could be a bacterial or viral infection, hypoglycemia or motion sickness, an adverse drug reaction, or any number of other illnesses.

Nausea associated with each of those medical issues is normally treated with specific, prescription anti-nausea medications known as antiemetics. Antihistamines, serotonin antagonists and anti-anxiety medications are among the many possibilities, although over-the-counter products like Pepto-Bismol and Dramamine can be used for mild cases of nausea caused by gastrointestinal issues or motion sickness.

What many of the meds have in common, though, is that they’re prescribed based on the root cause of the problem.

Cannabis, by contrast, goes straight at nausea itself.

How Marijuana Use Helps Stop Nausea

When you feel nauseous or begin vomiting, it’s usually due to a sensation that originates in your body’s central nervous system. Whatever the root causes may be, your brain is simply reacting to them and sending signals to your body to indicate there’s a problem.

Research is still scanty, but it appears those signals are sent via neurotransmitters known as serotonin. And small doses of the cannabinoids in pot, particularly CBD, are very effective at blocking serotonin receptors – meaning they intercept the signals before the body begins to feel nauseous. (Apparently, the non-activated form of CBD known as CBDA, that exists before weed is burned or heated, works even better.)

Experts aren’t quite sure why, but THC can help, too. When the THC in marijuana binds to some of the endocannabinoid receptors in the brain, it can often prevent nausea and vomiting. The uplifting effects of some Sativa strains don’t hurt, either.

Bottom line: used in moderation, cannabis is a very good choice to fight nausea – at least until you find out if there’s something else seriously wrong that requires treatment.

Here are the strains that work best.

Best Strains for Nausea

Sour Diesel

There are two pieces of good news here: sour diesel is an outstanding strain for mitigating nausea – and it’s one of the most common strains in America, so you won’t have trouble finding it. Sour diesel is Sativa-dominant with a strong but enjoyable head high, accompanied by body relaxation that’s definitely noticeable but usually not incapacitating. Its THC content is somewhere around 20%, with a much smaller but still relevant CBD and CBN presence.

This strain is quick to ease the discomfort of nausea. It’s also used by many patients to cope with depression, migraines, and general pain, or to boost their appetite (so get the nachos ready for post-nausea munchies). Sour Diesel’s effects last for a few hours, more than enough time for nausea to be suppressed. The one warning, which holds for any Sativa-dominant strain with a high THC/CBD ratio, is that those with anxiety issues would do best to stay clear since their anxiety could worsen with high doses.

Blue Dream

Blue Dream has similar THC/CBD content to Sour Diesel, but it leans only slightly Sativa. That means it delivers an effective body high which can relieve pain, but its relatively-robust (about 20%) THC content delivers an energetic head high and works quickly to reduce or eliminate nausea.

This strain also has high levels of the terpenes limonene and linalool, so it’s particularly good for nausea brought on by depression or stress (avoid it if you suffer from anxiety, though). Over time, the energy from the high fades into a relaxing calm state which may let you get some rest after feeling sick earlier in the day.

Lavender

Here’s a strain that’s probably best used right shortly before heading to bed, or heading to the couch for a long nap after a battle with nausea. Lavender is Indica-dominant, so it hits the body hard and is likely either to put you to sleep or induce you to set up shop on the couch for a while. The THC content in most Lavender flower is slightly lower than our first two choices, so the euphoric high usually won’t hit quite as hard. It’s plenty good enough, however, to stem the tide if you’ve been battling nausea.

Lavender is very good at treating problems in the gastrointestinal tract, which are often the cause of nausea and vomiting, so it’s should be the go-to choice if you know that you’re feeling nauseous due to stomach issues. And even if you’re not sure why you’re feeling so sick, this strain is still ideal for keeping you on the couch instead of kneeling on the bathroom floor.

White Fire OG

Those trying bud for the first time, or even infrequent users, may want to look elsewhere for nausea relief. This strain is a powerhouse. It’s just what the doctor ordered, though, for experienced smokers who are looking for quick relief. White Fire OG is Indica-dominant with THC content well over 20% and very little CBD. The head high is energetic and creative, with very little chance of body lock.

The high levels of THC also make this the wrong choice for people who believe their nausea is caused by anxiety since those symptoms could quickly get out of hand. Otherwise, it’s fast-acting and effective, and it produces the type of high that will let you continue to function throughout the day once you’re feeling better.

Northern Lights

This is another strain that’s easily found, another strain that’s Indica-dominant with moderate THC content, and another strain that’s quite powerful at relieving the distress of nausea. Unlike the White Fire OG, we just discussed, however, don’t expect to get much done after using Northern Lights.

The THC delivers a head high that’s happy and comforting, but this strain is 80-90% indica, so you’re likely to find yourself headed straight to the couch after ending your bout with nausea. You’ll probably have the munchies, too. Northern Lights is also great for dealing with chronic pain, stress, and insomnia.

The post 5 Best Marijuana Strains for Nausea: Indica or Sativa? appeared first on Weed News.

While most of what the public hears about post-traumatic stress disorder involves soldiers who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, any sort of trauma can cause serious and often disabling symptoms. Assaults, sexual abuse, natural disasters or something as “ordinary” as a car accident can leave people suffering for years.

Most of the symptoms are internalized; anxiety and depression, sudden bursts of anger or rage, and insomnia are often caused by PTSD. But external behaviors can be severely affected as well. For example, people traumatized by gun violence may refuse to leave their bedroom during a loud thunderstorm, and those whose trauma occurred in a parking lot may insist on parking in the street for the rest of their life.

PTSD – when it’s diagnosed – is usually treated by psychologists or psychiatrists with their normal toolbox of therapy and medications.

But there’s substantial evidence that the right types of marijuana can be as effective – or even more effective.

What are the right types? Let’s find out.

Can PTSD Be Cured or Treated Effectively?

Post-traumatic stress disorder is classified as a mental illness, and as with all mental illnesses, there are no known “cures.” Treatment to help patients manage their PTSD, however, can be extremely successful in many cases.

Psychotherapy or group therapy is the first-line treatment, just as it is with most other forms of mental illness. Many therapists use specific approaches like cognitive processing therapy, which helps patients “work through” the traumatic event step-by-step to help them get past the specific triggers they still experience.

Some patients, naturally, respond better than others. Success largely depends on the severity of the trauma and the patient’s ability to work with the therapist.

When those methods fail or are only partially successful, the usual anti-anxiety or anti-depression medications are prescribed. The goal is to alleviate the symptoms – not just depression and anxiety, but negative self-image, partial (dissociative) amnesia and insomnia. Those issues can prevent patients from fully functioning in the present, so the goal is to prevent them from regularly returning to the past whenever a triggering event occurs.

Alternative medicine approaches like acupuncture and yoga, and alternative drug therapies using ketamine or ecstasy, are sometimes used as well.

But more and more studies are showing that the best treatment of all may be cannabis.

PTSD and Pot

For quite a while, evidence was limited on whether marijuana could successfully treat the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. That’s largely due to the fact that almost every study on weed’s effects is limited in scope; the murky legal status of cannabis has made it difficult to conduct large-scale research.

Small studies in Israel and New Mexico were encouraging. Major research conducted in Canada in late 2019, however, provides the first real data showing the ability of cannabis to help PTSD patients deal with their symptoms.

The medical information on more than 24,000 Canadians was compiled, and here’s the key finding: PTSD sufferers who �徱���’t use pot were seven times more likely to suffer severe depression, and were five times more likely to have thought about suicide.

Those are stark numbers, and the best evidence to date that cannabinoids and other substances in cannabis can definitely be an important tool to help those with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Let’s look at the best strains to consider.

Best Strains for PTSD and Anxiety

Blue Dream

PTSD doesn’t just produce textbook depression symptoms in its sufferers. It often causes the inability to relax and a desire to avoid socializing as well. Blue Dream is just about the perfect strain for all of those issues.

It leans slightly Sativa, with moderately-high THC (usually not above 20%) and a relatively small amount of CBD. It produces a calm but invigorating head high, while its substantial indica content means warm, full-body (but not couch-locking) relaxation. The end result is that users are generally more social and energized, yet relaxed and able to go about their business without being held back by PTSD symptoms. Look for strains with lower THC levels if anxiety is a regular problem for you.

Pineapple Express

This isn’t the mind-blower you might expect if you’ve seen the movie with the same name (and who hasn’t?), but it is pretty potent. Pineapple Express is a 60/40 sativa, with THC content regularly topping out close to 25% – it’s great for most PTSD sufferers, but once again, the high level of THC can make anxiety worse. It’s better to look elsewhere if that’s a predominant symptom of your stress.

Expect a happy and creative high that won’t fog your brain but will elevate your mood, while the indica helps relax the body and calm the nerves. Pineapple Express can a bit of sedation, so it’s not the best option for those who have to spend the day at work. Once they’re home or ready to go out to enjoy the evening, however, it’s a great weapon against most of the issues that PTSD patients suffer.

OG Kush

If “calm” is the #1 requirement to ease your PTSD symptoms, OG Kush is exactly what the pot doctor ordered. This legendary strain leans heavily indica, so the full-body relaxation is strong and potentially overwhelming for non-experienced users. (If you’re a regular smoker or have extreme insomnia issues, a step up to Master Kush may be in order.)

The head high is euphoric and fast-acting, thanks to THC content that’s normally well over 20%, but the effect is usually pleasant rather than the mind-racing variety. It allows users to focus on the present rather than dwelling on the past, a benefit for many PTSD sufferers. And since it’s long been a go-to choice for those who want to hang and chill with friends, it’s a great strain for those whose symptoms tend toward social anxiety.

Cannatonic

The options we’ve discussed so far all have high (or relatively-high) THC content. That means that many PTSD sufferers with severe anxiety issues would do well to stay clear of them because THC can make anxiety even worse. Cannatonic is right in their ballpark, though. It’s a 50/50 Sativa/Indica strain, but bred specifically for low THC and high CBD content; THC is almost always well below 10%, but CBD is often as high as 15%.

“Relaxing” would be an understatement when describing the effects of Cannatonic. It’s barely psychoactive, so its mental effect is best described as uplifting and mild. What it does do, though, is improve mood, ease depression and lower anxiety while providing strong relaxation. And its powerful secondary benefit, due to extremely high CBD content, is easing pain all over the body, from muscle aches to headaches.

ACDC

This is another high CBD, low THC strain; in fact, it’s even less psychoactive than Cannatonic. ACDC is a balanced Sativa/Indica, and while many patients favor it because it relieves pain without a noticeable head high, it’s also ideal for PTSD sufferers who want to ease the stress and anxiety they feel – without interfering with their daily work.

Another big plus is that ACDC allows users to focus, often a problem for those with post-traumatic stress who are distracted by sensory stimuli. Finally, this is an excellent choice for those who are inexperienced users, who have finally decided to stick their toe into the bong water because of their PTSD.

The post Top 5 Best Marijuana Strains for PTSD Symptoms appeared first on Weed News.

The notion of using pot to treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) might seem either horrifying or ludicrous to many readers.

The condition is usually discussed in relation to children and teenagers. And few people would advocate – at least publicly – giving it to patients in those age groups.

There may eventually be a public debate over the propriety of prescribing cannabinoids for those under 18, considering the growing awareness of cannabis’s medical benefits. However, here’s what most people don’t realize: while somewhere between six and nine percent of children are diagnosed with ADHD, about five percent of adults are living with the condition. That adds up to a lot more adults than children.

ADHD can be a disabling condition for many children and adults, greatly affecting their ability to learn, advance and sometimes even function normally in society. In other cases, it’s simply an annoyance that affects but doesn’t prevent acceptable day-to-day functioning.

However, the majority of ADHD patients respond extremely well to treatment, and it vastly improves the quality of their life. Behavioral therapy, counseling, and prescription medication are all used regularly to treat the condition.

But there’s growing evidence that marijuana can be quite effective as well.

ADHD Treatment Options

One important clarification before we move on. The correct term for the overall condition is ADHD, not ADD, which is no longer used as a catch-all term in the medical world. These days, doctors sometimes use the term ADD to describe one form of ADHD known “inattentive ADHD,” which is characterized by a lack of attention and focus. Other forms are “hyperactive/impulsive” ADHD, and “combined” ADHD. The recommended treatments for all forms of ADHD are the same.

Therapy is often the first approach taken to treat ADHD, especially in children. Changing their behaviors and teaching social skills can help kids learn appropriate ways to cope with their attention issues or hyperactivity. Those one-one-on meetings can be coupled with family sessions, which provide parents with strategies for managing their children’s behaviors and help the entire family deal with the stress of living with an ADHD child. Teenagers and adults with ADHD may also benefit from more structured psychotherapy.

Medications are, as you probably know, prescribed more and more often for patients. They used to be a second option after therapy, but are becoming a first-line therapy prescribed by many clinicians. These normally take the form of stimulants (which actually help with hyperactivity as well as attention deficit, because their primary role is to balance levels of brain chemicals).

Ritalin and Adderall are the most common stimulant medications used for ADHD. A few non-stimulant treatments like Strattera are sometimes used instead because they have fewer side effects. Side effects, in fact, are one of the major drawbacks to drugs like Adderall; they can cause issues ranging from weight loss and irritability, to sleep issues and heart problems.

That’s sparked a major interest in the possibility of treating ADHD with cannabis.

ADHD and Weed

It would make sense to consider the beneficial effects of weed when dealing with problems involving attention deficits or hyperactivity.

• Cannabinoids are believed to help the body properly process the crucial neurotransmitter dopamine; a shortage of dopamine is thought to be a major issue in ADHD patients.
• Many strains of cannabis help users focus and concentrate, an obvious benefit for those who have attention deficit issues.
• ADHD side effects often include loss of appetite and insomnia; there are a number of strains that can ameliorate those issues.

The few limited studies were done on the subject report inconclusive evidence; some data suggest benefits, while others warn of possible pot dependency by ADHD patients who use regularly. Anecdotal evidence from ADHD patients who’ve tried to treat their symptoms with pot is somewhat limited but definitely encouraging.

So it seems evident that at least some strains of pot should work well to treat the symptoms of ADHD. Here are the ones to look at.

Best Weed Strains for ADHD

Sour Diesel

Sour D is one of the most popular pot strains in America for many reasons: its euphoric and creative high, its ability to fight depression and fatigue, and its Sativa-dominance that prevents body lock. It’s a weed that will bring you up and help you focus, without putting you on the couch to binge-watch Netflix. (If you want to binge-watch, though, it might help make some of the shows more enjoyable.)

THC levels are quite high, at times pushing 25%, and there’s very low CBD content. That means it’s not the optimal choice for ADHD patients who have anxiety issues because it could make the anxiety worse. But for the focus and relaxation that sufferers are seeking, Sour Diesel is worth enduring its somewhat-skunky taste and pungent aroma.

Blue Dream

Slightly Sativa-dominant with a THC content that averages around 20%, this strain has the outstanding stimulant effects that can simulate many of those provided by Adderall or Ritalin. You will almost immediately experience a jolt of focused energy, countering the limited attention issues suffered by many ADHD patients. After a while, the experience fades into a more relaxing, calm one that’s welcomed by those with the hyperactive version of the condition.

This strain doesn’t produce much of a drowsy effect, so it allows sufferers to get productive work done without being distracted or growing tired. Its CBD content is somewhat limited but still does help with some chronic pain issues, as well as many of the side effects of ADHD meds. Blue Dream, like most strains with high THC levels, isn’t best for those who suffer from anxiety.

Green Crack

Green Crack (sometimes simply called Cush) is known for two things: the fact that Snoop Dogg named it after trying it, and its very high THC content which can top 25%. If you’re searching for the perfect wake-and-bake high, this would be it – but it’s also quite good for those trying to alleviate the lack of focus caused by ADHD. The high is cerebral and conducive to concentration on work or daily chores, and since there’s little Indica content, you’ll be able to maintain your energy levels for quite a while.

This strain is also used by migraine and depression sufferers because of the energy and upper-body pain relief it can provide. Most of all, though, Green Crack will focus your attention and help you harness the creativity it provides. It smells and tastes good, too.

True OG

Those in search of a slower-acting, more-mellow high will find that True OG can do double duty. It initially provides focus along with a building feeling of euphoria (which can sometimes become a bit trippy, so stick to simple tasks); over time, the high turns into what you might expect from the Indica-dominance of the strain and you can find yourself starting to get a bit drowsy and locked. It’s a great prescription for getting stuff done while easing stress.

The high THC content (usually over 20%) is contraindicated for anxiety patients, but it’s terrific for everyone else suffering from ADHD symptoms like being easily distracted and hyperactivity. True OG is also quite good for chronic pain patients, for relaxing at the end of the day, and for drowsing off into a comfortable sleep.

Cinex

Cinex’s slight Sativa-dominance provides an excellent blast of uplifting energy and creativity and is a good choice for the mood elevation that some ADHD patients need as well. It also keeps you going throughout the day without any danger of couch lock or a sudden need to take a nap. This strain is a common choice to deal with depression, but it’s also good for treating stress, migraines and other chronic pain.

You might think the slightly more moderate CBD levels in Cinex make it a slightly better choice for ADHD sufferers who also experience anxiety, but in truth, it still can lead to an increase in anxious thoughts. Go slow on the dosage and you may find this is the strain that deals with both your ADHD and your medication side effects.

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