Tag Archives: Pain Relief

Blue Dream – Marijuana Strain Guide

Blue Dream

Blue Dream Marijuana Strain
Blue Dream Strain
THC %: 18 CBD %: 0.42CBN %: 0.33

Blue Dream, originating in Northern California, is a cross between Blueberry Indica with the Sativa Haze. This Grade A strain gives you a Sativa dominant hybrid that is an absolute delight to smoke. The THC and CBD levels are on the higher side yet Blue Dream remains a great strain for beginners and veterans alike. The full-body relaxation effects from the Blueberry Indica pair with the invigorating cerebral high of the Haze Sativa for a well-rounded high that comes on strong and leaves you feeling relaxed.

One of the most popular strains on the market it has a woody and somewhat fruity flavor. Much like its Blueberry parent, this strain emits a tantalizing blueberry aroma and tastes like sweet berries. Dense buds look almost like popcorn and are typically a medium green color with clusters of orange pistils and when grown well, will be frosted with a thick layer of sticky trichomes. It is popular among day-time smokers because it doesn’t have the same sedative effects as some Indica heavy strains.

Blue Dream works well for treating:

  • Stress
  • Pain
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Nausea
  • Arthritis
  • Glaucoma
  • Migraines
  • Bi-Polar Disorder
  • ADD/ADHD
  • Insomnia
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Blue Cheese – Marijuana Strain Guide

Blue Cheese

Blue Cheese Marijuana Strain
Blue Cheese Strain
THC %: 18CBD %: 0.66CBN %: 0.33

Blue Cheese is a descendant of the original hybrid UK Cheese crossed with the Indica strain Blueberry.  Blue Cheese is a sweet and rich Indica dominant strain and if you are already a fan of either Cheese or Blueberry, you must check out this variety. The complex savory aroma and taste coupled with heavy Indica effects make this strain a top contender for regular smokers looking to kick back and relax.

The buds are light green with a slightly bluish hue and are crystallized with a few red hairs. The fruitiness of the Blueberry really penetrates through the musky skunk of the Cheese while bringing along some of its skunky attributes. With a sweet, fruity and berry scent it has a noticeably musky undertone typical of the original Cheese. The potency is intense and comes on smooth in the beginning and mellows out to a “happy” high allowing you to concentrate on even the most tedious tasks while letting you down nice and easy. It is a great strain for the morning or early afternoon packing a punch without the dazed effect.

Blue Cheese works well for treating:

  • Arthritis
  • Depression
  • Pain
  • Spasms
  • Insomnia
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Stress
  • Cancer
  • Appetite
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Black Jack – Marijuana Strain Guide

Black Jack

Black Jack Marijuana Strain
Black Jack Strain
THC %: 20CBD %: 0.43CBN %: 0.53

Black Jack is an Indica dominant hybrid whose lineage springs from Black Domina, a potent Indica strain crossed with Jack Herrer, a very popular Sativa strain. By crossing two of the most powerful and premium strains, Black Jack is super potent Indica plant that produces hard, dense buds with huge, grape-like calyxes that are completely encrusted with crystals. Because of its high THC levels, this strain is very popular among medical marijuana patients who appreciate its effectiveness. This strain will more than satisfy the pickiest of connoisseurs.

The smell is slightly sweet and although not overpowering or “strong” tasting, this strain covers the palate with flavors of very tasty grape and “sour wine” leaving a lip smacking sweet aftertaste with a hint of sour lemon candy. Even though it is Indica dominant, it provides a nice burst of energy and focus along with pain relief which made it a decent choice for daytime use and has enough Indica traits allowing you to sleep comfortably without getting knocked out.

Black Jack works well for treating:

  • Arthritis
  • Migraines
  • Insomnia
  • Stress
  • Depression
  • Pain
  • Spasms
  • Anxiety
  • Appetite
  • Seizures
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Big Bud – Marijuana Strain Guide

Big Bud

Big Bud Marijuana Strain
Big Bud Strain
THC %: 20CBD %: 0.42CBN %: 0.51

Big Bud is an Indica dominant strain (85% Indica, 15% Sativa) with a very fitting name and reputation. Producing large, hulking buds with phenomenal yields, this strain earned its place in the pantheon of marijuana strains taking 1st Place in the “Mostly Indica” division at the first High Times Cannabis Cup competition in 1989. Big Bud is a classic Indica strain that has been crossed with many strains over the years because of its favorable qualities. Prized for its fast-acting, powerful high, it boasts THC levels up to 20% with excellent yields.

The original strain was developed in the USA in the early 1980’s and produced an Afghani strain with Skunk genetics. Growers love it for its high yields  and thick dense buds. However, efforts need to be taken to support the lower branches that can collapse under the weight of the enormous compact round buds.

The taste is sweet with a strong flavor of grapes and the smell has some sweet undertones with an occasional waft of sour. This unique strain is good for patients trying to relax and relieve body pain and is good for sleep in higher doses.

Big Bud works well for treating:

  • Arthritis
  • Stress
  • Migraines
  • Depression
  • Pain
  • Spasms
  • PMS
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Appetite
  • Seizures
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B-52 – Marijuana Strain Guide

B-52

B-52 Marijuana Strain
B-52 Strain
THC %: 17CBD %: 0.32CBN %: 0.67

B-52 is an Indica dominant skunk hybrid which is a cross between Big Bud and Skunk #1. Although it is Indica dominant, it also contains a decent amount of Sativa genetics. As with other Skunks, B-52 has a skunky aroma while the flavor is sweetish with notes of exotic spice. Users report experiencing a mellow high with remarkable Sativa effects for a strain that leans towards the Indica end of the spectrum. Often considered to be a top variety for commercial skunk growers, the plants grow tall with mid-green leaves and robust branches bearing a profusion of large heavy buds, much like its Big Bud parent. Its subtle Sativa flavor and its energetic, joyful high makes this strain a favorite with seasoned and novice smokers alike.

B-52 works well for treating:

  • Appetite
  • Arthritis
  • Spasms
  • Stress
  • Muscular Pain
  • PMS
  • Anxiety
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AK-48 – Marijuana Strain Guide

AK-48

AK-48 Marijuana Strain
AK-48 Strain
THC %: 18CBD %: 0.52CBN %: 0.62

Since the mid 90’s “AK” strains have been increasingly popular and AK-48 is one of the strongest finishing strains available anywhere.

The result of a cross between Ice and Jock Horror. Its Ice mother has Afghani, Skunk, Northern Lights and Shiva stock lineage and the father is Jock Horror, a three-way hybrid combining genetics from Northern Lights, Skunk and Haze. Producing super dense hard buds with an exceptional penetrating aroma, the buds are a bright neon green color with super bright orange hairs and loads of crystals.

AK-48 is an Indica/Sativa hybrid yet it retains most of its Sativa qualities in its high making you talkative and energetic with that classic body effect. Patients like this strain for its sour citrus spice smell and taste but they keep coming back for its potency. AK-48 tends to have sort of a trance inducing effect which can knock you out so if you want to stay awake, use in moderation.

AK-48 is a good strain for treating:

  • Pain
  • Stress
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Spasms
  • Insomnia
  • Migraines
  • Appetite
  • Seizures
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AK-47 – Marijuana Strain Guide

AK-47 a.k.a. Special-K

AK-47 Marijuana Strain
AK-47 Strain
THC %: 21CBD %: 0.37CBN %: 0.63

AK-47 is a Sativa dominant hybrid with Indica undertones that produces a quick stone with a long-lasting cerebral high. The name suggests intensity yet this strain will leave you totally mellow and uplifted. The result of a four-way cross of Columbian, Mexican, Thai and Afghani strains, AK-47 is tall with large girth and giant calyxes. Due to its high THC content, AK-47 has become hugely popular winning a couple of Cannabis Cups. The aroma is spicy with a slight sandalwood taste and this Sativa heavy hybrid offers a long-lasting cerebral high without dulling the senses. Patient’s may find it makes their mind drift a bit but medically, AK-47 can aid in dealing with anxiety and pain while also providing a good respite for those with insomnia. This girl can satisfy any connoisseurs’ taste.

AK-47 works well for treating:

  • Arthritis
  • Migraines
  • Depression
  • Pain
  • Spasms
  • Anxiety
  • Appetite
  • Seizures
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What Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds secreted by cannabis flowers that provide relief to a wide range of medical symptoms including but not limited to pain, nausea and inflammation, among others.

Amazingly, there are well over 500 naturally occurring  compounds found in the cannabis sativa plant (marijuana). One specific compound in particular is called “Cannabigerol Acid” or CBG-A for short. A strong cannabinoid in and of itself, this multifaceted component is believed to be the “mother” or “grandmother” to all of the rest of the underlying cannabinoids produced by this remarkable plant.

With more than 85 cannabis compounds already classified as cannabinoids (chemicals uniquely specific to this one plant), all have demonstrated medical value and have been divided into subclasses which include:

  • Cannabigerols (CBG)
  • Tetrahydrocannabinols (THC)
  • Cannabidiols (CBD)
  • Cannabichromenes (CBC)
  • Cannabinol (CBN) and Cannabinodiol (CBDL)
  • There are also Cannabicyclol (CBL), Cannabielsoin (CBE), Cannabitriol (CBT) and other miscellaneous types

Some of the more widely researched cannabinoids include THC-A, CBD-A, CBC-A and CBN-A. While compiling research for this article, we searched the PubMed database for scientific journal articles published in the last 20 years containing the word “cannabinoid” and found 20,991 published articles. On average, this equates to nearly three scientific publications per day over the last 20 years.

Major Cannabinoids in Medical Marijuana

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)

THC is an acronym for “tetrahydrocannibinol” and is  probably the best know cannabinoid present in medical marijuana.  Physically it acts as a muscle relaxant and anti-inflammatory and psychologically it acts as a stimulant.  This combination makes medical marijuana strains high in THC a good choice for patients seeking symptom relief while remaining alert and active.

THC in medical marijuana acts in the following ways:

  • anti-epileptic
  • anti-inflammatory
  • anti-depressant
  • stimulates appetite
  • lowers blood pressure

CBD (Cannabidiol)

CBD is an acronym for “cannabidiol” and it has become one of the most widely studied cannabinoids.  Accounting for up to 40% of the plant’s extract, CBD is considered to have a wider scope of medical applications than THC.

Since CBD produces almost no psychotropic effects in patients, its lack of psycho-activity presents a great advantage over THC because it can be safely used without fear of patients becoming intoxicated and unable to function.

Besides medical marijuana, CBD is one of the dominant cannabinoids found in industrial hemp and hemp oil is legal to purchase in all 50 states.  CBD has numerous known beneficial properties and has an analgesic, antidepressant and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effect. It is also being explored for its neuro-protective properties in which the structures of the brain and central nervous system are protected against damage, including further damage, in the case of degenerative illnesses such as Parkinson’s. This area of medicine is of huge and growing importance. Perhaps most excitingly, CBD has been shown to have an inhibitory effect on the proliferation of cancer cells.

CBD can also reduce the psychological effects of medical marijuana for most patients.  A strain that has high THC levels and high CBD levels will have fewer “mental” effects and more physical ones.  Strains high in CBD levels like Charlotte’s Web, Blueberry and Harlequin are especially effective for illnesses with strong physical symptoms.

CBD effects include:

  • reduced pain
  • reduced anxiety
  • reduced nausea
  • sedative effects
  • anti-convulsive
  • anti-schizophrenic

CBN (Cannabinol)

CBN is an acronym for “cannabinol” which is very similar to THC, but has less psychological effects.  CBN is produced as THC breaks down within the medical marijuana plant. High THC concentrations within a strain will make cannabinol’s effects stronger, and very high CBN levels can produce undesirably strong head highs in patients.

CBN levels tend to be high in medical marijuana strains like Strawberry Haze and Blue Rhino, which can be particularly helpful for:

  • lowering pressure in the eye (such as with Glaucoma)
  • analgesic effects
  • anti-seizure needs

CBC (Cannabichromene)

CBC is an acronym for “cannabichromene” whose main action is to enhance the effects of THC. High CBC concentrations will make a high THC medical marijuana strains much more potent.

CBC working together with THC is known to be a:

  • sedative
  • analgesic
  • anti-inflammatory

CBG (Cannabigerol)

CBG is an acronym for “cannabigerol” which produces no psychological effects on its own and is not found in high amounts in most medical marijuana.  Scientists believe that CBG is actually one of the oldest forms of cannabinoids, meaning it is essentially a “parent” or “mother” to other cannabinoids found in medical marijuana.  It also has anti-microbial properties.

CBG has physical effects such as:

  • lowering pressure in the eye (such as with Glaucoma)
  • anti-inflammatory
  • sedative
  • sleep assistance

Alone, none of the five major cannabinoids are as effective as when they work together and these five cannabinoids also work with the minor compounds in marijuana to provide maximum relief.

How Do Cannabinoids Work In The Body?

In our bodies we have a group of endogenous cannabinoid receptors located in the brain and throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems which are commonly referred to as the endocannabinoid system (“EC System“).

Evidence has shown that the EC System modulates the function of the hypothalamus (the brains reward system) and the brainstem, coordinating the crosstalk between these brain structures and peripheral organs. In fact, the EC System is involved in a variety of physiological processes including appetite, body temperature, blood pressure, motor coordination, pain-sensation, moodmemory and specifically maintaining health.

Endocannabinoids and their receptors are found throughout the entire human body:  in the brain, organs, connective tissues, glands and immune cells. In each tissue, the EC System performs different tasks, but the underlying goal is always the same; achieve homeostasis (metabolic equilibrium).

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, Homeostasis is defined as:

“Any self-regulating process by which biological systems tend to maintain stability while adjusting to conditions that are optimal for survival. If homeostasis is successful, life continues; if unsuccessful, disaster or death ensues. The stability attained is actually a dynamic equilibrium, in which continuous change occurs yet relatively uniform conditions prevail.”

The ability of the body or a cell to seek and maintain a condition of equilibrium or stability within its internal environment when dealing with external changes is of key importance and a functional EC System is essential for health.

Endocannibinoids are chemicals produced naturally in humans and animals that bind to the same receptors as do plant-derived cannabinoids.  Cannabinoids themselves are unique chemical structures that can only be found in the cannabis plant. The most commonly known cannabinoid is tetrahydracannabinol (THC), which is also the compound responsible for the psychotropic effect or the “high” feeling derived from consuming cannabis.

However, with more than 85 different cannabinoids identified so far, these other compounds have chemical structures very similar to THC, but their biological effects are quite different with virtually no psychotropic potential.  Besides THC, the most widely studied cannabinoid is cannabidiol (CBD) which has shown potent anti-cancer and anti-psychotic effects.  Both THC and CBD have a wide range of known biological effects such as anti-inflammatory, antibiotic or analgesic qualities.

Medicinal cannabis is not new at all. In fact, the cannabis plant is mentioned in many of the oldest books on medicine known to mankind.  While there are many medical conditions and symptoms for which modern medicine has not yet developed an acceptable treatment, for some serious conditions there seems to be sufficient scientific data to justify the use of medical grade cannabis by approved patients.

“There were never so many able, active minds at work on the problems of disease as now, and all their discoveries are tending toward the simple truth that you can’t improve on nature.”

Thomas Edison 1902

Cannabinoid research has proven this statement is still valid.  Working their medical magic, cannabinoids imitate compounds our bodies naturally produce, called endocannabinoids, which activate to maintain internal stability and health. In other words, they mediate communication between cells, and when there is a deficiency or problem with our endocannabinoid system, unpleasant symptoms and physical complications occur.

Medical marijuana has been proven to reduce unpleasant physical symptoms and physical complications providing relief and comfort to patients.

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CBC – Cannabichromene

A chemical in medical marijuana known as Cannabichromene (“CBC”) is changing the debate over the use of cannabis as a medicine. CBC is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. In fact, it is the second most abundant cannabinoid in marijuana. Meaning there is likely more CBC in your cannabis than CBD, even though CBD gets all the attention.

CBC Molecule

Cannabichromene (CBC) Molecule
Cannabichromene (CBC)

Research over the past two decades has shown why this non-psychoactive compound has given us reasons to take notice.

CBC has shown to be effective in:

  • Reducing Inflammation
  • Fighting Bacteria and Fungi
  • Inhibiting Cell Growth in Tumors/Cancer Cells
  • Relieving Pain
  • Combatting Depression
  • Stimulating Bone and Brain Growth
  • Decreasing Stress

May Inhibit Cancer Growth

CBC is believed to inhibit the growth of certain types of cancerous tumors, particularly breast cancer cells. Due to its interaction with the human endocannabinoid anandamide known to fight breast cancer, CBC inhibits its uptake allowing it to stay in the bloodstream longer. Studies suggest CBC works best in conjunction with CGC and THC to create a synergetic effect.

Neurogenesis

Studies have been confirmed that CBC stimulates brain growth. As neurogenic compounds are very rare, this makes it a very important cannabinoid worth significant research. This could make CBC useful in treating Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative conditions.

Antidepressant

In a 2010 study, both THC and CBC were shown to display significant anti-depressant qualities and contribute to the overall mood-elevating properties of cannabis.

Analgesic Qualities

Shown to have great promise as an analgesic painkiller, perhaps as good as CBD.

Promotes Anti-Inflammatory Healing

In two recent studies, CBC was shown to be a powerful anti-inflammatory. Interestingly it was found that the mechanism of action did not involve CB1, CB2 or the TRPA1 receptors, like with THC and CBD which could imply another type of receptor site is present.

Stress Reduction

Just like CBD and THC, CBC has also been shown to be ten times as powerful as CBD at reducing anxiety and stress.

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