Category: Cannabis Strains

best cannabis strains for pain relief

Best Strains for Pain Relief

Posted on | by Eric Townley | Leave a Comment on Best Strains for Pain Relief

When you look back at the colorful history of cannabis, people used cannabis for a lot of reasons. However, some of the most common uses for cannabis over the past 5,000 years have been related to targeting some kind of pain. From the common toothache to pain associated with major illness, today, more people have access to the best strains for pain relief thanks to legal dispensaries.

The thing to know about using cannabis for pain is not every strain is going to yield the same effects for someone dealing with discomfort. Certain strains top the list for analgesic efficacy among users, even though formal research has not yet been established. Take a look at some of the best strains for pain relief available from growers and dispensaries today.

The Best Cannabis Strains for Pain Relief

When first-time cannabis dispensary customers decide to skip questionable prescription painkillers and visit a dispensary instead, they may be surprised to see so many options. Most dispensaries are well-stocked with a variety of cannabis strains, each with its own cannabinoid and terpene profile. Therefore, each strain can deliver a different level of effects. Here is a look at some of the strains for pain relief to consider, why, and even what types of pain the specific strain may be best for.

1. 9 Pound Hammer

Best for: Severe or acute pain

Primary effect: Relaxing, sedating

Dominant terpene: Myrcene

Nine Pound Hammer, also labeled as 9# Hammer or simply 9#, is a modestly high-THC strain that is commonly used for pain. This particular strain is more Indica-leaning, and its dominant terpene is myrcene, which is often touted for its sedating effects. Nine Pound Hammer is not generally a strain to use for pain that is hindering you from getting on with your day. Instead, this specific strain is better for people who are dealing with severe pain that want to overcome their discomfort and get some rest.

2. Grape Octane

Best for: Inflammatory pain

Primary effect: Relaxed, sleepy

Dominant terpene: beta-Caryophyllene

This strain is sometimes called Grape Octane OG, but people who use cannabis know it as one of the best strains for pain relief. Grape Octane is exceptionally high in THC (around 24%), but it also contains a nice amount of cannabigerol (CBG), which can be good for inflammation. For this reason, this particular strain of cannabis can work out well for people that have pain stemming from inflammation in the body.

3. Candyland Kush

Best for: Chronic pain

Primary effect: Energetic, euphoric

Dominant terpene: Terpinolene

Candyland Kush delivers a telltale sweetness thanks to terpinolene, but this strain is also a Sativa-leaning variety. Therefore, it is a little more balanced where cannabinoid content is concerned and can give you energy. For this reason, Candyland Kush is a good choice for people dealing with pain that need to get on with their day. While the strain can target pain, it can also help keep you active instead of making you feel ready for bed.

4. We Not Me

Best for: Neurological pain

Primary effect: Calming, numbing

Dominant terpene: Limonene

We Not Me is a relatively modern strain; its lineage includes Animal Cookies, Cherry Pie, and Mainline OG, even though you can find a few different varieties of the same strain. One of the most noteworthy effects of We Not me is its ability to deliver this incredible sense of calm and physical numbness. For this reason, this particular strain is a go-to for people who deal with pain that is more neurologic in nature.

Why Does Cannabis Help with Pain?

Cannabis helps with pain, but how does that happen? In truth, the reason could be multifaceted because the mechanisms of action vary depending on the cannabinoid, the terpenes, and the combination of different cannabinoids and terpenes.

THC has long been touted as the primary reason cannabis helps with pain, but other components found in cannabis may also contribute to pain relief. For example, other cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD) and CBG show anti-inflammatory properties and even change how pain is perceived by the brain. Some terpenes, such as limonene, help induce a state of calm, which in itself can be helpful when you are in pain.

The human body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) processes different cannabinoids in different ways. CBD seems to have an indirect ability to stabilize the body-made cannabinoids already present, which may have an effect on inflammation. THC binds to certain cannabinoid receptors in the ECS, which may block nerve impulses responsible for allowing a person to actually feel pain.

Find Premium Cannabis Strains for Pain

As time passes and more states embrace cannabis as medicine, the more we all get to learn about just how therapeutic the plant can be. Thankfully, skilled botanists have worked hard to deliver a long list of good strains that can be fitting for different types of pain. Be sure to check out our wholesale cannabis menu at Core Gardens to get access to some of the top strains for pain.

what is limonene and how does it affect cannabis strains

What is Limonene and How Does It Affect Cannabis Strains?

Posted on | by Eric Townley | Leave a Comment on What is Limonene and How Does It Affect Cannabis Strains?

Did you catch that zesty punch of citrus with your last toke? Sounds like you may have just experienced one of the most abundant terpenes found in cannabis: limonene. Limonene is found in a lot of cannabis strains, limonene dominant cannabis strains are not at all hard to find. What is limonene and why would you want this terpene in your cannabis? Let’s take a closer look.

What Is Limonene?

Limonene is a monoterpene, which is one of the more diverse types of terpenes found in the cannabis plant. Limonene is actually quite abundant in nature and not only found in cannabis. This one terpene can be found in just about any citrus fruit—the essential oils found in an orange peel are actually about 97 percent limonene.

Fragrantly, limonene offers this profound citrusy aroma, which can be pretty easy to point out in certain strains of cannabis. However, limonene is often easily overpowered by more prevalent terpenes, so you may not even recognize the terpene in some of the cannabis you consistently consume. Nevertheless, cannabis high in limonene is so easy to find that you would actually be hard-pressed to find strains that do not involve this terpene on some level.

A Closer Look at Terpenes Found in Cannabis

Cannabis is made up of so many amazing terpenes, each with its own noteworthy fragrance qualities and potential therapeutic effects. So far, researchers have found over 150 different and unique terpenes. In the plant, terpenes may play a number of roles, such as protecting the plant from insects or even attracting pollinators and helping the plant heal after damage.

Even though terpenes don’t directly interact with the endocannabinoid system in the human body, what they do seem to do is support the actions of the cannabinoids taken in alongside the terpenes. This tendency for various constituents of cannabis to work together for synergistic effects is often referred to as “the entourage effect.”

The Potential Effects of Limonene

Because of its abundance, limonene has undergone some relatively extensive research for potential therapeutic properties. Some of the most noteworthy properties of limonene include:

  • Antioxidant properties
  • Anti-stress properties
  • Anti-inflammatory properties

In addition, limonene has been examined for its ability to help prevent certain illnesses and diseases. The fragrance of limonene has even gotten its fair share of attention. Simply inhaling the zesty citrus aromatics may be enough to deter stress and anxiety or soothe your mood.

Limonene in Science

Scientists have used limonene in a range of speculative research efforts because of the natural properties of the terpene and its obvious potential value for humans. In animal studies, limonene reduced the production of nitric oxide, which is a major molecule used in inflammatory signaling. This mechanism of action indicates how limonene may help with certain inflammatory conditions, such as colitis or even problems with inflammation of the airways due to asthma or bronchial irritation.

Limonene also seems to reduce cellular damage by inhibiting free radicals in the body, which can cause oxidative stress and a host of other problems. So far, however, these actions have only been observed in test-tube studies that did not involve an actual human body.

In other animal studies, limonene has been shown to:

Many of these effects have long been associated with cannabinoids found in cannabis. Therefore, cannabis high in limonene may be a good option for people who are looking to target specific therapeutic issues.

As an adage, limonene is considered to be safe by the Food and Drug Administration, which is why this terpene and synthesized versions of this terpene are found in so many different products. Most people will experience few side effects with exposure to limonene, with the exception of a potential for skin irritation if the terpene is applied in high concentrations to the skin.

High Limonene Cannabis Strains

Luckily, because limonene is so abundant in the world of weed, you won’t have any trouble finding desirable strains with a good limonene profile. There are, of course, some strains that have a higher concentration of limonene than others, such as:

  • Wedding Cake
  • Strawberry Banana
  • Black Cherry Soda
  • Space Monkey
  • Cinex
  • Quantum Kush
  • Do-Si-Dos
  • Berry White

If you are on the search for a high limonene cannabis strain, watch for lab tests that confirm how much limonene can be found in the flower.

Ready to Try High Limonene Marijuana Strains?

At Core Gardens, we adore the fact that cannabis never gets boring because there are so many different strains to explore. We take pride in providing a variety of strains, including limonene marijuana strains bound to give you the full effect of the limonene terpene and high cannabinoid context. Take a look at our menu today, and don’t hesitate to ask us about terpenes and why they’re important.

 

What Are Cannabinoids? A Formal Introduction

What Are Cannabinoids? A Formal Introduction

Posted on | by Eric Townley | Leave a Comment on What Are Cannabinoids? A Formal Introduction

The plants that fill the natural world are nothing short of spectacular. Much like the animal kingdom, the plant kingdom is made up of a diverse array of genera and species. Perhaps not so surprisingly, many plants offer some sort of support or value for the human body, whether that support or value is nourishing or therapeutic in nature. The cannabis family of plants happens to be part of the latter.

On the surface level, the cannabis plant is already quite impressive. With palmate-arranged serrated leaves, clusters of densely packed flowers that form “bud,” colorful pistils or “hairs,” and resinous trichomes, cannabis plants are easy to spot among others. But beyond the outward appearance, cannabis is just as intriguing when it comes to chemical and genetic makeup.

With cannabis or hemp-derived CBD and THC having such a noteworthy societal presence, the word cannabinoid shows up everywhere. So, what are cannabinoids, and why does it matter? We’ve pulled together the details about cannabinoids, a bit about their diversity, and more to give you insight, and possibly a new appreciation for a notorious plant.

A Microscopic Look at Cannabis

For years, scientists have been fascinated with examining cannabis on a deeper level. The plant is made up of more than 480 unique compounds, and only about 66 of those compounds are cannabinoids in most strains. In total, however, scientists have identified at least 113 cannabinoids that can be found across many cannabis strains.

Scientifically speaking, cannabinoids are chemical compounds, each with its own specific molecular makeup. Cannabinoids are thought to be pharmacologically active for a specific purpose to the plant. For example, a cannabinoid may help deter insects or protect a plant from damage due to exposure to stress in the environment.

Phytocannabinoids vs Endocannabinoids

Cannabis is rich in THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is possibly the most well-known cannabinoid around, but CBD (cannabidiol) is no doubt making its mark as well. While cannabinoids like these pose value to the plant, they also offer value to use humans, but how? The answer is in the fact that these phytocannabinoids (plant-produced cannabinoids) are highly similar in nature to something we humans produce on our own, endocannabinoids.

The human body has its own complex system of cannabinoid receptors. This system, which may be responsible for everything from stabilizing hormone levels to encouraging serotonin production, is referred to as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). When phytocannabinoids are introduced to the ECS, each can have its own unique actions that seem to mimic those endocannabinoids the body makes on its own.

The Most Well-Known Cannabinoids: THC and CBD

As noted above, CBD and THC are two of the most well-recognized cannabinoids. While both hail from plants from the cannabis family, the two compounds couldn’t offer more differing actions. Much of this is related to how the cannabinoids act once they are in the ECS.

THC is noted for its affinity for specific cannabinoid receptors. The cannabinoid actually binds to this receptor pretty firmly, which is thought to play a role in the intoxicating effects of THC. On the contrary, CBD does not seem to bind to certain receptors in the ECS. Instead, CBD seems to act as some sort of stabilizer for the system, possibly even encouraging the body to produce its own endocannabinoids.

As straightforward as that all sounds, the situation is far more complicated than anyone really knows. Research is still in its earliest stages with these two cannabinoids, but a good indicator of how complex the cannabinoids may be in how they perform is the fact that CBD seems to neutralize the intoxicating effects of THC.

The Lesser-Known Cannabinoids Offer Their Own Potential

THC and CBD may be full-on stars in the cannabinoid world, but so many other smaller cannabinoids are proving to have their own potential as therapeutic agents. A few examples of other noteworthy cannabinoids include:

  • Cannabigerol (CBG)
  • Cannabichromene (CBC)
  • Cannabielsoin (CBE)
  • Cannabicyclol (CBL)
  • Cannabicitran (CBT)
  • Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-8 THC)

Many of these lesser-known cannabinoids are gaining traction in the scientific community because they are thought to offer certain actions for the ECS and the human body. For example, CBG is thought to offer eye pressure relief, which may be important for people who have glaucoma, even though more research needs to be established.

One of the interesting things about cannabinoids is their presence can vary depending on several factors. For one, the specific strain of cannabis can be a good indicator of what cannabinoids will be present in the mature plant. For example, a traditional OG Kush strain may have a high level of THC and a low amount of CBD. However, a Jack Herer hemp plant may have substantial CBD and only the slightest amount of THC.

Find Cannabinoid-Rich Cannabis at Core Gardens

The more the world grows accepting of cannabis, the more research is being done. While we may not know every last action or value of the cannabinoids offered by plants from the cannabis family, what we do know is enough to keep our interests piqued. Whether you use cannabis for therapeutic or recreational purposes, knowing your cannabinoids can help you pick the strain that offers the best experience. To find cannabinoid-rich cannabis flower and products, be sure to check out our products at Core Gardens.

How to Choose the Best Hash Strain for You

How to Choose the Best Hash Strain for You

Posted on | by Eric Townley | Leave a Comment on How to Choose the Best Hash Strain for You

In the ever-changing world of weed, cannabis concentrates have grown into a diverse niche filled with a fascinating array of products and experiences. Hash, which is created by processing only the trichomes of the plant, is just one concentrated form of cannabis that is now available in an abundance of strains and forms.

Any cannabis connoisseur will tell you that the strain can make all the difference to the end user’s experience, even when it comes to hash. How do you know which strain would suit your preferences? Here is a simple guide on how to choose the best hash strain.

First, a Brief Introduction to Hash Strains

When you make your way to a menu full of cannabis concentrates and scope out the hash any dispensary has to offer, there is a good chance certain varieties will be listed because they are so popular as hash. A few common examples of hash strains you can find more often than not include:

  • Pineapple Express
  • Presidential OG
  • Zkittlez
  • Cookies and Cream
  • Gorilla Glue

Researchers believe there may be as many as 700 unique strains of cannabis, each with its own genetic profiles, cannabinoid potencies, and terpene contents. Some cannabis strains actually offer a better experience when they are converted into hash.

Because hash (also referred to as hashish) is created from the resinous, THC-rich trichomes, you naturally need a strain known for heavy trichome production. Therefore, some strains are easier to process into hash simply because of the noteworthy plant characteristics.

How to Choose the Best Hash Strain

With a good understanding of what hash actually is, you can see a little why choosing the right strain is going to be important. Essentially, you will be getting a form of cannabis that is so concentrated that all the qualities of the plant will be magnified. To choose the best hash strain, several attributes of the strain the hash was made from and your own personal preferences should be considered. Let’s take a closer look.

What is the cannabinoid content of the strain?

A legally purchased hash will come packaged with a label that clearly states the cannabinoid content. You will immediately notice that some strains offer higher THC content, some strains may have a more balanced ratio of THC and CBD content, and you may even find strains that are higher in CBD and other therapeutic cannabinoids than THC. In fact, because CBD has grown in popularity as a therapeutic cannabis compound, you can now find strictly CBD hash created from hemp with minuscule levels of THC.

What are the primary terpenes in the strain?

Terpenes are more pronounced in hash than in traditional cannabis flower. This is because the resinous trichomes are where much of the plant’s aromatic terpenes are found. Therefore, if you pick up a strain like Pineapple Express in flower form and smoke it, you may only get hints of tropical flavor or aroma. On the other hand, with Pineapple Express hashish, you will experience a profound tropical flavor.

It is a good idea to get a good understanding of different strains and their primary terpenes when shopping for hash because those terpenes will be so pronounced. If there are certain flavors or aromatics you don’t necessarily enjoy in any certain strain, you’re better off opting for a different strain. For example, if you are not a big fan of eucalyptol, which has a minty coolness, you may want to stay away from Super Silver Haze or Bubba Kush hash.

What kind of experience do you prefer with your hash?

The cannabinoid content or potency level will have a direct effect on how using the hash will affect you. For example, a high-THC hash may yield more euphoric effects, while a balanced THC/CBD hash, may offer less of an intoxicating effect and more therapeutic value.

If you are strictly a recreational hash user and looking for the euphoria of a good buzz, a higher THC variety could serve you well. However, if you are using hash to help with arthritis pain or help you sleep, you may be better suited with a balanced THC/CBD hash or even a hemp-based CBD hash.

Find High-Quality Hash for the Best Possible Experience

Just as it is with any form of cannabis, the more educated you are about hash, the more equipped you are to pick the product that will serve you best. If you have yet to try hash and want to experience different strains, be sure to shop with a dispensary that gives you a nice selection.

At Core Gardens, we hand-pick cannabis flower and concentrates specifically for their rich cannabinoid and terpene profiles. Every item on our menu is sourced from the finest cannabis grown by reputable producers. Be sure to take a look at our menu, the cannabis products we offer, and reach out to us with questions.