There are many ways to experience the positive benefits of cannabis. I don’t want to advertise it as some sort of magic cure-all, but rather as a plant that has multi-faceted benefits that can enhance our quality of life. The more I learn about it, the more I want to try and share what I’ve found! I came up with an outline that briefly summarizes the primary areas of my life that improve with the use of cannabis.
Tendinitis and Muscle Spasms – For any crazy or frequent bodily pains, I recommend more concentrated products like edibles. The reason for this is because of the way it hits you all at once– almost instant relaxation! Giggles, good mood, body buzz, feel better, sleep REALLY good. That sums up my experience with edibles. All of a sudden I feel better – the back or neck spasm I had is gone, my tendinitis inflammation has decreased significantly, and I slept like a rock! For newbies who might be nervous about getting too high the first time, start small. Ask the budtender at your dispensary about microdosed gummies, candies, chocolates, etc. These are products with smaller doses that let you experiment and see what your tolerance is for edibles
Before or After Working Out – If I smoke before working out, I like to reach for an energetic Sativa strain like Green Crack with my morning coffee! After working out, I usually like a 50/50 S/I hybrid, or a hybrid that leans slightly Indica after a workout. This is so I’m still mentally alert, while at the same time any muscle tension can be relaxed and bodily inflammation decreases. I also have good look with topical ointments that are 50/50 THC and CBD for pain, spasms, and athletic recovery. Every dispensary around Tucson will have topical products to choose from, and it’s something I’d highly recommend having in your medicine cabinet.
Mood Disorders – ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, etc. – This is really going to depend on the person. Some people don’t like Sativas because they experience a slightly paranoid, anxious feeling (if you are naturally wound up tight, some say this is something to be wary of with pure Sativa strains), but it’s different from person to person. I have ADHD and a Panic Disorder, and I smoke mostly Sativas. The way it helps me is that it lifts up my mood, quiets down the noise and clutter in my head, and figure out the next step in my day, what task to do next, the next move in a research-article I’m working on, etc. It helps me hear my creative thoughts, bring them to the forefront of my brain and zone out into that creative space I love to be in. It helps me see if I was over thinking or over reacting to an emotional situation after my mood has been lifted. I do want to say that it’s not a replacement for seeing a doctor and getting therapy and medication if that is part of your wellness routine or something you need, I use those resources as well! I will say that cannabis certainly enhances the positive ways my brain is wired and it makes day to day bothers more tolerable, and makes me less irritable and able to “go with the flow” better. There are also a lot of balanced hybrid or Indica leaning strains that I’ve experienced these kinds of benefits from, such as Gelato or Wedding Cake.
Marijuana, Mindfulness and Meditation – We always hear about how meditation and taking mindful breaks throughout the work day can benefit our well being and productivity. And it’s true! But if any of you are like me, sometimes it’s hard to sit still and get antsy trying to find the right guided meditation on YouTube. Finding a nice hybrid that will calm your mind and body can put you in that perfect meditative state, calm the noise and clutter, and bring you that stillness needed to reset your mind. Mindfulness doesn’t always have to be sitting cross-legged or laying down to meditate, it can also be doing a household chore or straightening up your work space. This is something I have trouble motivating myself to do, so if I find the right strain to smoke that helps me feel present and just zone out in whatever I’m doing. Mindfulness is about being there in the moment, whether its cleaning, creating content, painting, walking your dog, and not being anywhere else mentally or emotionally. For those of us with busy brains, having a few go-to meditation and mindfulness strains can be a big plus.
As with anything, the best way to get the most benefits from cannabis is to come up with your own individualized wellness routines that also may or may not include the guidance of health professionals, self-discipline with nutrition and exercise, other supplements and vitamins, spirituality if that’s your thing, etc. I have experienced a lot of positive changes personally because of how I incorporate marijuana into my wellness routine. I’ve seen all kinds of people from different walks of life go in and out of dispensaries over the last few years, and my hope is that it continues!
