This is a weird moment in history, to say the least. We’ve had to make some pretty major adjustments to our everyday lives and routines. Our new “normal” doesn’t include going to the office, the gym, or out to eat. There’s no meeting up with friends, no travel plans. Our everyday routines have been put on indefinite hold. And in this moment, it can be pretty easy to settle into a “routine” of nothingness.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s important to relax. But it’s also important to stay functional and motivated. Even though the world feels like it’s on hold, it keeps spinning! Luckily, cannabis can help you stay both functional and relaxed, as long as you consume the right strain.
So, how do you pick the right strain to stay functional and relaxed? Well, let’s talk terpenes. Though the term is commonly used when referring to cannabis, terpenes are found in many plants and herbs. These little compounds give plants their taste and smell. Some plants use them to attract pollinators while others use them to repel predators, like damaging insects or animals.
For us, the main benefit of these aromatic compounds is their bioactivity, meaning they can have effects on and in the body. They can work on their own, but cannabis also has chemical compounds called cannabinoids that can react with them to create an “entourage effect” in your body. This effect varies depending on what strain you consume, how you consume it, and your body’s reaction, but you can encourage your body to move in a functional-but-relaxed direction by looking at the terpenes in the strains you consume.
The Terpenes You Need
Limonene is a common, citrus-smelling terpene. Outside of cannabis, you can find it in lemon rinds, orange rinds, and juniper, as well as cosmetics and cleaning products (among many other things). It’s known as a mood elevator that brings on feelings of euphoria and can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Pinene is the most common terpene in the natural world and is found in things like pine needles, rosemary, basil, and cannabis. This one is doubly helpful because not only does it elevate your mood, but it also counteracts the memory-loss effects of THC.
Myrcene is the prevailing terpene in modern commercial cannabis. You can also find it in hops, thyme, and lemongrass. This one brings on a more relaxed feeling and enhances the effects of other terpenes and cannabinoids. It’s a major player in the entourage effect.
Caryophyllene is a special terpene because it also acts as a cannabinoid, meaning it attaches to your receptors in your endocannabinoid system the way CBD and THC do. This helps to reduce anxiety and inflammation. You can also find it in black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon.
The Strains You Need
Now that you know which terpenes to look for, it’s easier to narrow down what strain will help you strike the balance of functional but relaxed. Our exclusive strain, Ghost Toast, is a perfect hybrid to reach for because it’s top terpenes are beta-myrcene, limonene, and beta-pinene. A cross between Ghost of Lee Roy and French Toast OG, this strain leaves you feeling relaxed but uplifted and is known to boost moods and kickstart creative juices. It’s long-lasting, potent, and the perfect complement to a day of quarantining with a new project.
For an even more focused high, one of our favorites is I-95 X Lemon G13. This cross between I-95 (a hybrid) and Lemon G13 (a sativa) is a blend that features beta-myrcene, trans-caryophyllene, and limonene. This strain is energetic, clean, and a great pain reducer, making it ideal for knocking out your to-do list, boosting your mood, or even getting in an at-home workout.
If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed, the sativa Strawberry Cough, with its myrcene and pinene terpenes, could be just what you need. This one brings on feelings of euphoria and is an excellent stress reducer, plus its pinene-heavy features help to counteract some of that THC-induced memory loss. It will definitely leave you with a smile on your face and is a great option for when the anxieties of quarantine (we all have them!) get the best of you.
The Gist
The notion of the stereotypical lazy stoner is old and outdated. As cannabis research expands, we’re learning that it can provide much more than relaxation and the giggles. THC is no longer the only driver in reaching for cannabis—there are many other factors at play. Terpenes like limonene, pinene, myrcene, and caryophyllene, among others, can help determine how your body will react to specific strains of cannabis. They work together with the plant’s cannabinoids, creating reactions and effects that can vary from feelings of relaxation to energized creativity. If you’re looking for a bit of both, especially during these challenging times, your best options are:
- Ghost Toast for its long-lasting, mood-boosting effects.
- I-95 X Lemon G13 for its energetic, clean high.
- Strawberry Cough for its euphoric, anti-anxiety qualities.
You can find these strains, and others, at any of our locations throughout Florida. We know right now it’s difficult to get out in public, and it’s important to stay home as much as you can. The health and safety of our customers is our top priority, so that’s why we’re currently offering curbside pick-up and no-contact delivery options, as well as taking the proper preventative measures in-store. You can easily place your order online and never have to leave your house!
If you have questions before you place your order, feel free to give us a call, reach out to us on Facebook, or send us a message on our website. It’s important to stay functional and motivated right now, but it’s also important to stay calm and relaxed, and that’s exactly what we’re here to help you do.
Sources:
- https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/what-is-pinene-and-what-are-the-benefits-of-this-cannabis-terpene
- https://www.leafly.com/news/science-tech/myrcene-terpene
- https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/what-is-limonene-and-what-are-the-benefits-of-this-cannabis-terpe
- https://www.leafly.com/news/strains-products/benefits-of-high-caryophyllene-cannabis-strains-for-pain
- https://www.leafly.com/news/science-tech/caryophyllene-terpene
- https://www.wikileaf.com/thestash/terpene-limonene/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6920849/
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-are-terpenes#effects
