In regards to improving overall health, cannabis is now becoming recognized and accepted in western society as a compelling and versatile product. There are undeniable health benefits to using cannabis, as legalization grows, more studies will support this. Helping nauseous cancer patients, controlling migraine occurrences, to providing general stress and anxiety relief, these are only a few reasons why one would choose to medicate with cannabis. There are many more conditions treatable with this incredible plant.

Medicinally, marijuana has been used for thousands of years. It’s been used just as long to improve quality of life. Managing mental and physical problems with the use of cannabis goes hand in hand with maintaining physical, mental and spiritual well being.

It’s science! These incredible little molecular compounds, cannabinoids, have amazing capabilities. Binding to receptors within our brains and bodies, creating a vast array of effects within our system.

Each having significant medical benefits, operating in a myriad of capacities. Our bodies are already familiar with this, we create our own cannabinoids in response to situations like stress, when our nerve cells start firing too rapidly. It’s our own natural way of regulating reactions to our surroundings. This cannabinoid system within our bodies makes it easy for us to utilize cannabinoids from exterior sources, such as cannabis.

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) – THC is the most widely known and psychoactive cannabinoid. THC is similar to anandamide, naturally produced within our brain, this cannabinoid regulates mood, appetite, sleep and memory. THC increases dopamine production within the brain, creating the relaxed and euphoric vibe you feel after consumption. THC is very powerful in reducing pain, nausea, stomach issues, and muscle spasms. THC can aide in increasing your appetite as well.

CBD (Cannabidiol) – CBD is a non psychoactive cannabinoid. It can be derived from hemp or cannabis. CBD is more effective when it is sourced from cannabis. Reacting in a different way with your brain and body, these effects have less of the “high” euphoric feeling. It’s antibacterial properties help slow the growth of bacteria within the body. CBD is excellent in its ability to reduce pain, anxiety, inflammation, seizures, muscle spasms, blood sugar levels

Sativa – Known for inducing a more stimulating high. Leaving you feeling more energized, focused, ready to brainstorm, or clean the kitchen! This is a good species for social activities, deep conversation and creativity. Helps with migraines, pain, depression, nausea and appetite stimulation.

Indica – Great for a more full body high. Leaving you with an all over mellow feeling, be prepared to park yourself on the couch and unwind. This species is awesome for insomnia, stress, chronic pain relief, muscle tremors/spasms, and nausea.

Hybrid – These beauties are crossbreeds between both Sativa and Indica strains. Some can be 50/50, others are more dominant Sativa or Indica, depending on the strain. You are able to have benefits from both species, for example, having a full body high without feeling sleepy.

Ash Color: Ash color matters, a nice white ash is an indicator that the cannabis has been flushed properly, removing the nutrients that were used to grow the plant.

Smoking ability: Properly flushed and cured cannabis should be easy to light, easy to inhale, and burns evenly. You don’t need to feel like you’ve had a shot of vodka hit your throat to achieve the experience you want. Low quality cannabis will definitely inspire a coughing fit or two.

Moisture content: Not too dry, shouldn’t crumble, it should have a little bit of stickiness to it, and it shouldn’t be soggy.

Color: Overall, your cannabis should be green. Variances from light to dark green, subtle hints of purple, pink or blue are not uncommon. If there is a lot of brown or yellow, chances are the cannabis is from an unhealthy plant.

Trichomes: Do the buds look “frosty”? Trichomes are where the terpenes and cannabinoids are stored. Good quality cannabis will sparkle like tiny crystals densely covering the bud.

Terpenes are oils produced within the trichomes of the cannabis plant. They give the plant aroma and flavor. Over 100 terpenes have been discovered in cannabis. Each one has a different benefit to your health.

Here are a few of the most common:

Alpha-Pinene, also found in pine needles, has a strong pine scent. It has demonstrated anticancer activity as well as help to improve airflow within the lungs.

Limonene, with a lemon citrus scent, this terpene can promote weight loss, relieve stress and lift your mood.

Beta-caryophyllene, has a distinct peppery and woodsy scent. Beta-caryophyllene has excellent antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory abilities. It can help with the treatment of chronic pain as well.