ALLSEATTLEMARIJUANA

Pinene is the most commonly found terpene in nature and one of the most commonly found in cannabis as well. As you can probably tell by its name, pinene smells like pine needles. But it may actually do much more than just provide a piney scent.

What Is Pinene?

Pinene is a terpene – an aromatic hydrocarbon compound found in plants. For a long time, cannabis strains were judged by their THC content, but more recently terpenes have entered the conversation as key members of the entourage effect. Terpenes like pinene are believed to influence not just the flavor and aroma of a strain, but also the effects it produces too.

Pinene can be broken down into two compounds: alpha-pinene and beta-pinene, with alpha-pinene being much more common. Pinene has a piney/earthy scent and can be found in pine needles, rosemary, basil, dill, parsley, orange peels, and turpentine. This terpene is responsible for giving evergreen trees their iconic smell and can be found in many cannabis strains that have a grassy/earthy scent.

The Therapeutic Potential of Pinene

Over 200 different terpenes have been identified in the cannabis plant, but only a few of them are believed to have therapeutic potential. Research into pinene’s medicinal potential is still in its early stages but results are promising. Here are a few of the ways in which pinene may have therapeutic value. Some use drop shipping CBD Companies to make up the slack.

Broncholidator

Alpha-pinene is believed to be an effective bronchodilator and is believed to help in opening up the airways. Researchers concluded that the inhalation of certain terpenes may be able to help those with asthma, especially office workers and those with occupational asthma.

Anti-Cancer Agent

Pinene is also believed to have the potential as a tumor shrinker. One study from 2013 found that alpha-pinene showed limited potential as an anti-cancer agent in certain types of cancer cells. Another study from 2015 found similar results in different types of cancer cells.

Viral Protection

Additionally, pinene may also help the lungs by better protecting them from infection. One study found that both beta and alpha-pinene were effective at inhibiting bronchitis and keeping the bronchitis virus at bay.

Want to learn more about terpenes and the entourage effect? Ask the budtender at your favorite Woodlake marijuana dispensary!

High-Pinene Strains from a Woodlake Marijuana Dispensary

Some cannabis strains are higher in pinene than others. Here are some high-pinene strains for you to check out next time you’re at your favorite Woodlake marijuana dispensary.

• OG Kush: 75/25 indica-dominant hybrid. A legendary west coast strain that is known for producing intensely euphoric physical and cerebral effects. Has a consistently high THC content.
• Blue Dream: A 60/40 sativa-dominant hybrid that delivers a nice blend of uplifting cerebral and mellow physical effects. A great pick-me-up strain that can be enjoyed both during the daytime and at night.
• Cannatonic: A 50/50 hybrid with a 1:1 to 1:2 THC to CBD ratio. Cannatonic produces mildly euphoric and energizing effects without producing too strong of a high.
• Harlequin: 75/25 sativa-dominant hybrid with a roughly 1:1 THC to CBD ratio. Produces a strong relaxing and calming buzz.
• Cotton Candy Kush: 50/50 hybrid strain with a sweet floral and citrus taste. Features a potent cerebral and physical euphoria that can have people giggling and smiling in no time.
• Grape Ape: 90/10 indica strain that produces strong physical sedation. An infamous strain that is known for its unique flavor that is laced with notes of sweet grape. Produces a profound full-body ‘couch lock’ effect that is great for treating pain and insomnia
• God’s Gift: a 90/10 indica known for its massive THC levels. Has potent pain-relieving properties and a sweet berry flavor.

THC is a cannabinoid known for producing intoxicating and mind-altering effects also many websites claim bulk delta 8 THC can be an alternative.. This cannabinoid has long been associated with euphoria and recreational fun, but THC is actually believed to have many therapeutic benefits as well.

It’s never a great idea to ingest too much THC, but there are times when a high-THC strain or product is definitely the right answer. When should you reach for the high-THC stuff?

THC & High-THC

THC is the most abundant cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Its intoxicating and uplifting euphoric effects have made high-THC strains and products a favorite of recreational cannabis users. However, THC also has many potential therapeutic benefits that could make high-THC appropriate for medicating in certain situations.

How much THC is considered ‘high-THC’? Well, one recent study by legendary Dutch seed distributor Dutch Passion found that the average THC level of ‘premium’ Amsterdam coffee shop cannabis was around 18.5%. So next time you’re browsing strains at your local marijuana dispensary in Des Moines, WA, you can probably consider any strain over the 18.5% threshold to be high-THC.

More THC, Better Results? – When To Use High-THC Products

Knowing just how much THC to ingest isn’t always easy and consuming too much could lead to unpleasant side effects like anxiety and paranoia. But there are times when high-THC can be just what the doctor ordered. Here are a few situations in which high-THC cannabis products may be an appropriate option.

No Appetite

THC has also been known to stimulate appetite. When the cannabinoid is ingested it is believed to stimulate the release of certain hunger-inducing hormones that can even make food smell and taste better. Many cannabis strains have a reputation for causing a wicked case of the munchies. If you’re struggling with a weak appetite or low weight, a strain or product high in THC may be able to help.

Struggling With Insomnia

THC has also been known to induce sleepiness and cause drowsiness. This is especially true of heavy indica strains that are known for their relaxing and sedating properties. Even doses as low as 15 mg have been shown to induce sleepiness.

Dealing With Pain

Research indicates that THC may be especially useful when treating neuropathic pain. In fact, one scientific review found that cannabis may be just “as tolerable and effective as current neuropathic agents”. Research indicates that even small doses of cannabis can be enough to reduce pain intensity in those suffering from neuropathic pain.

Too Much THC?

Ingesting too much THC can lead some people to experience unpleasant side effects like anxiety, paranoia, and drowsiness. One way to minimize the risk of side effects is by keeping some CBD on hand. CBD is believed to reduce the stimulation and euphoria caused by THC since it reduces THC’s ability to bind to cell receptors in the body. Just one quick dose can be enough to have you feeling fine again.

High THC Strains From Your Favorite Marijuana Dispensary In Des Moines, WA

Some strains have been specially bred to have a higher THC content. Keep an eye out for some of these strains next time you’re at your favorite Marijuana Dispensary in Des Moines, WA.

• Ghost Train Haze (sativa)
• Amnesia Haze (sativa)
• Gorilla Glue #4 (hybrid)
• GSC aka Girl Scout Cookies (hybrid)
• Kosher Kush (indica)
• Bruce Banner (indica)

While smoking is likely the most common form of cannabis consumption, the age of recreational legalization has brought with it an astounding variety of ways to dose with cannabis products. Between edibles, concentrates, and more, there is an abundance of cannabis consumables on the market to suit every purpose or need. Before you make your next trip to a cannabis dispensary in Gormley, here’s everything to keep in mind about all of the great cannabis consumption methods available.

Smoking Cannabis

While smoking cannabis is timeless, innovation has even been applied to standard pipes and bongs when it comes to the breadth of available products. Online head shops and dispensaries alike offer novel ways for smoking and new technologies that make the process simpler, smoother, or more satisfying than ever before.

Other forms of cannabis consumption may be well suited to a variety of purposes, but smoking cannabis is still a versatile means of getting your daily dosage. Smoking involves grinding your cannabis into a finer form and packing it into the bowl of a pipe or a bong. Most pipes and bongs will include a carb for enhanced airflow, and much modern smoking equipment sold aims to make the process of cleaning less of a hassle.

Edibles

Next to smoking, edibles are likely to be the most prevalent cannabis consumption method. While the early days of edible creation were marked by “magic” brownies, cupcakes, and cookies, the present-day edible market is full of an amazing array of consumables that span almost any food one can think of.

Beyond brownies and other baked goods, customers can purchase edible pizza, pasta, and other restaurant-quality food. In fact, there are even edible restaurants and cafes open in regions where recreational legalization has come into full effect. For those looking for a lighter buzz, edible soft drinks may also be found at cannabis dispensary in Gormley .

When eating edibles, it’s important to bear in mind that they often deliver a much more powerful high than would be imparted from simply smoking cannabis. Always exercise patience when eating edible products, and make sure to measure out your dose before consuming. Often the edible packaging will have helpful information to guide your experience with consumable cannabis.

Concentrates

Like edibles, concentrates are known as exceedingly strong cannabis products. However, most concentrates are consumed via inhalation using specialized equipment, whether it’s the famous “dabbing rig” featured at many cannabis gatherings, or vaporizers that turn cannabis vape liquid into plentiful, potent smoke.

Among concentrates, there are many variations as well. When most people think of “concentrate,” they typically think of cannabis wax, shatter, or budder. While these are not the only varieties of concentrates, they are the most common sold at cannabis dispensaries and consumed using dabbing rigs to produce mind-bending powerful highs.

Tinctures and Capsules from a Cannabis dispensary in Gormley

Finally, for those seeking consumable cannabis that is specifically geared towards medicinal purposes, tinctures and capsules exist that make the process of dosing entirely easy. Tinctures are potent bottles of cannabis liquid that come with a specialized dropper for applying directly to the tongue. Meanwhile, many THC capsules allow for simple, portable cannabis dosing.

You can find these consumption methods and more at your nearest cannabis dispensary in Gormley.

Marijuana is a surprisingly complex plant, containing many hundreds of “active ingredients” like the cannabinoids THC and CBD. While you can’t taste these compounds, there’s a family of natural chemicals called terpenes that lend different strains of marijuana their fantastically diverse and appealing scents and flavors. Today, we want to introduce you to one of the most important, fragrant oil called caryophyllene. It imparts an intriguingly spicy and peppery aroma to popular strains like Bubba Kush, Gelato, GSC, and countless others.

But caryophyllene is about much more than just a fanciful fragrance. Like most terpenes, it imparts powerful medicinal effects as well. That’s why one Philadelphia marijuana dispensary is going out of its way to stock marijuana strains and products that highlight terpenes.

What can caryophyllene do for us? Let’s get acquainted!

Introduction to Caryophyllene, a Medical Powerhouse

Noted for the spicy and peppery aroma we mentioned a moment ago, caryophyllene is sometimes described as “warming” or “energizing.” That’s a hint as to some of the other places these terpene shows up: Black pepper, oregano, cloves and cinnamon.

But as we hinted, caryophyllene does much more than entice us with its scent: It’s uniquely suited to interact with our bodies. According to a 2001 study, it’s believed that most terpenes interact with our bodies’ hormonal systems to influence our storehouse of serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine and other brain chemicals. Caryophyllene is no different, but what sets it apart is that it also interacts directly with the Endocannabinoid System, much in the way cannabinoids such as THC or CBD do. Some researchers believe that this “second channel” increases its effects.

What are those effects? Let’s begin with one of the most important: Fighting pain. As the staff at one Philadelphia marijuana dispensary report, pain relief consistently ranks as the #1 reason people turn to marijuana for relief of symptoms. And as you likely know from personal experience, pain is often associated with inflammation.

That’s where caryophyllene shines. A number of rodent-model studies point to the terpene’s anti-inflammatory abilities. Anecdotally, high-caryophyllene strains such as the “GSC / Girl Scout Cookies” family are renowned for their effectiveness at taming persistent pain.

Other Medical Uses for Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene’s anti-inflammatory powers aren’t too surprising, given that so many of the marijuana plant’s cannabinoids and terpenes also exhibit such effects. But that’s not the end of the story: One study points to caryophyllene’s potential in fighting off combat anxiety and depression. And an experiment performed in 2014 suggests a surprising new use for the terpene: Helping reduce dependence on alcohol.

As in many studies, those test subjects were mice, not humans. But it suggests an exciting new approach in the treatment of alcohol dependence, a serious condition that affects some 15 million Americans at any given time.

Then there’s the question of “The Big C.” We want to be explicit here and point out that marijuana has not been shown to cure cancer, at least in clinical trials. That said, a number of experiments suggest that terpenes—including caryophyllene—may have a role to play here. Separate studies performed in Canada and South Korea both demonstrated caryophyllene’s ability to help other drugs kill cancer cells.

In the Canadian experiment, caryophyllene was shown to potentiate paclitaxel, a common chemotherapy drug. And the South Korean study found that caryophyllene contributed directly to apoptosis—or cell death—which could have a major impact on the development of new anti-cancer drugs.

Do you have other questions about this remarkable terpene? Talk to the staff at a Philadelphia marijuana dispensary to learn more about the mechanics of how marijuana works with the body, or to help you choose the best marijuana products for your needs.

Cannabis is all the rage these days! From exciting revelations about its ability to tame chronic symptoms to the ever-increasing pace of statewide legalizations, it’s hard to ignore the “Green Wave” pushing cannabis to the top of the news cycle again and again.

But with all the excitement, it’s easy to overlook the fact that cannabis is actually one of humankind’s oldest medicines. Nearly 5,000 years ago, Chinese physicians recognized the plant’s ability to treat pain, digestive issues, and many other symptoms. But lacking the diagnostic and imaging tools we have access to today, what they didn’t know was how cannabis imparted these effects. For that, we have a group of roughly 150 plant-based compounds to thank. Let’s meet the cannabinoids!

Understanding Cannabinoids: A Family of Plant-Based Medicines

One of the reasons cannabis is a powerful medication is that it delivers not one but dozens of different medicinal compounds. The most important are the ones called cannabinoids. You’ve probably heard of the two most common ones: THC, short for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and CBD, short for cannabidiol. While it’s believed that most—if not all—cannabinoids have some interaction with the human body, today we’ll focus our attention on these two most important ones.

THC is the cannabinoid associated with the plant’s distinctive and euphoric psychoactivity, or what some call its “high.” But THC does much more than that: Among other effects, it helps us manage pain and insomnia, soothes upset stomachs and stimulates the appetite, among other effects.

CBD doesn’t make you feel high, though some people experience a gentle cerebral stimulation. Instead, this cannabinoid imparts a variety of medically useful effects: It’s an anti-inflammatory, helping relieve certain types of pain, and it can help reduce anxiety and certain types of seizures.

Even more fascinating, the identification of cannabinoids—a process that began way back in the 1940s—led scientists to discover what may be the most important regulatory network in the human body, the Endocannabinoid System.

Understanding Cannabinoids: The Endocannabinoid System

Even knowing that cannabinoids like THC and CBD impart their powerful medicinal effects doesn’t tell us how they do it. That process began in the 1960s, when THC and CBD were first isolated in a lab. But it wasn’t until 1990—when a biologist identified a cannabinoid receptor in the brains of lab rats—that the two pieces of the puzzle clicked into place.

Soon, other scientists pieced together the beginnings of a network they called the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). And since then, our understanding of the ECS has only grown, so much so that many researchers believe it’s the body’s single most important regulatory and signalling network. Among other tasks, the ECS is responsible for such critical functions as:

• Immune response
• Memory
• Proper sleep function
• Appetite and metabolism
• Communication between cells

We don’t only get cannabinoids from the cannabis plant. The body produces what are called endocannabinoids—such as anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol—which interact with the ECS as well. But what makes cannabis such a remarkable medicine is that cannabinoids like THC and CBD are “speaking the body’s language.”

Here’s another way of looking at it. Many pharmaceuticals work by turning the body’s natural physiological responses “on” or “off.” Cannabis tends to modulate those responses instead, working with them in partnership to elicit a more sustainable response. One example would be the way the cannabinoids THC and CBD both modulate anti-inflammatory responses to pain and injuries, making these cannabinoids excellent choices for the long-term care of several types of pain.

Our understanding of cannabinoids is still a work in progress. But hopefully, this article gives you an idea of the enormous potential of these all-natural, game-changing plant medicines.

Want to learn more about cannabis? Make sure to check out our post on terpenes.

Terpenes are aromatic compounds that give plants their smell. They can be found in many plants, but are found in high concentrations in cannabis. But just exactly what are these compounds and what do they do?

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are aromatic hydrocarbon compounds that give plants their unique signature smell. It’s believed that plants developed terps as part of their evolutionary process in order to help them lure pollinators and deter predators.

When it comes to cannabis, terpenes are produced by the same gland that also produces cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Each strain has a unique terpene profile that is passed down genetically. That’s why there are so many unique smelling cannabis strains. But the terpene content of an individual bud doesn’t just depend on its genetics. It also depends on factors such as how roughly it was handled, the soil it was grown in, and how long the curing process it underwent was.

Over 100 different terps have been identified in the cannabis plant. Since terpene content can depend on so many different factors, even if a strain has the same terps as another that doesn’t necessarily mean they will smell the same since there may be different concentrations of each terpene present.

Terps And Cannabinoids

For a long time, it was thought that the only contribution of terpenes was their aroma. However, recent research indicates that they may actually have therapeutic properties of their own, similar to those possessed by cannabinoids.

For example, one study found that certain terpenoids may have anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also been suggested that other terps may have calming effects, while others, like myrcene, are believed by some to produce sedating effects. However, much more research needs to be done on terpenoids, how they work, and what they do, before we can conclusively state that they are producing effects of their own.

It’s also been suggested that terps may work together with cannabinoids, flavonoids, and other plant compounds to produce a more full and complete buzz than cannabinoids ever could on their own. This phenomenon, termed ‘the entourage effect’, was detected by researchers in 1998 when studying endocannabinoids in the body. It has since been extended to cannabinoids as well.

This theory may explain why some people find that products containing isolated THC (like pure distillate) do not produce the same kind of full, enveloping high as a whole-plant extract does.

Enjoying Terpenes

When you smoke cannabis, you are destroying many of its terps by exposing them to an open flame. By comparison, vaporizers are able to hit each terpene’s vaporization point, releasing that vapor, capturing it, and letting you inhale it. As a result, vaporizer hits tend to be much more flavorful than smoke.

If you’re looking for the tastiest cannabis hits around, try dabbing concentrates out of a dab rig. Dab rigs are glass water pipes that produce smooth, flavorful hits loaded with terps and cannabinoids.

The Most Common Terps In Cannabis

Some of the most common terps in cannabis include:

• Myrcene
• Pinene
• Linalool
• Caryophyllene
• Terpinolene