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There tends to be a stereotype for those who smoke weed; the lazy, dirty, hippy type of stereotype, but this is completely invalid. Marijuana has several medical benefits and if used properly can increase productivity and improve your general quality of life. However, as with everything, if abused or used without proper knowledge it can lead you towards the negative side effects. So here is a girls’ guide to the herb, just to help you figure out what works best for you!
1. Know what is what.
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First things first: there are two different types of marijuana strains, that have two different effects. You do get hybrids that are a mix of the two strains, but usually, there will be a dominant strain. Before we get into the strains, it is important to understand what CBD and THC are. CBD, also known as Cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive compound. It can counteract THC and provides pain and symptom relief. THC, also known as Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, has psychoactive effects. THC is a mental stimulant and is known for increasing the appetite and mental acuity.
The two strains are:
Indica
Medicine from the Indica strain of cannabis tends to have higher CBD and lower THC counts. This means that it affects your body more than it affects your mind. This strain generally provides a sense of deep body relaxation. Here are some of the qualities of an Indica strain:
- increased mental relaxation
- muscle relaxation
- decreases nausea
- decreases acute pain
- increases appetite
- increases dopamine (a neurotransmitter that helps control the brain’s reward and pleasure centers)
- for night time use
Sativa
Medicine from this strain has a lower CBD count and a higher THC count. This means that this strain stimulates your mind. This strain tends to provide a more energized experience. Here are some of the qualities of a Sativa strain:
- anti-anxiety
- anti-depressant
- treats chronic pain
- increases focus and creativity
- increases serotonin (a neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of learning, mood, sleep, anxiety, and appetite)
- for daytime use
2. Pain management
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This incredibly healing herb can help manage the pain caused by menstrual cramps, PCOS, endometriosis, and migraines. It can also assist in alleviating depression, anxiety, and PTSD. However, everyone’s body works differently and may not have the same intended effects so you must be careful. Try taking a 10-minute break between each puff to start with.
3. Baby steps
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If this is your first time consuming the herb, it is important that you try a little to see how your body reacts to it. Remember that it can take some time for you to feel and reaction so give yourself some time. I suggest smoking it from a small bowl rather than a joint or a bong.
4. Know where you can smoke
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While the herb can make you feel relaxed, but it can also have the reversed effect, especially if you are anxious about the herb itself. If you know smoking or consuming it in certain places will make you anxious, just don’t do it. Wait till you’re home or somewhere you are comfortable.
5. You don’t have to smoke it
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Maybe, you are a singer that cannot risk damaging their vocal cord; maybe you’re just nervous about any kind of smoke inhalation, that is fine. You can eat your herb! Recently there has been an influx of marijuana restaurants that infuse the herb into their food. It is not particularly hard to do it yourself at home though it can be quite pungent. Many people prefer to used canna-butter or some kind of variant in their cooking or baking and consuming it this way. This way of consumption tends to have a stronger and more potent effect than just smoking it, so be cautious! It can take up to 45 minutes- 1 hour to feel the effects of an edible.
