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Cannabis Strains to Help you Focus and Treat ADD/ADHD

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological condition that occurs in nearly 4% of the adult population and 5% of children across the world. In Canada, recent Community Health Surveys show that at least 2.7% of the adults, aged 20 years and older, are suffering from ADHD. According to healthcare experts, adult ADHD can reduce life-expectancy for at least 13 years. A large number of ADD/ADHD patients also suffer from associated symptoms such as clinical depression, frequent mood swings, cognitive disabilities, social phobias, panic attacks, anxiety and other psychological disorders. While medications, counseling and ADHD coaching helps one to manage the condition, medical experts nowadays also acknowledge the efficacy of medical cannabis in alleviating the symptoms. Keep reading this article to understand how cannabis strains work on the human body and brain to increase the abilities of concentration and attention as well as which strains are best for fighting ADD/ADHD.

Cannabis and ADD/ADHD

Many healthcare professionals and doctors all over the world are increasing recommending medical marijuana to treat ADD/ADHD symptoms and lack of focus in general. According to Dr. Jack McCue, MD, FACP and a medicine professor at the University of California, marijuana helps in treating ‘hyperactivity and impulsivity’. A UK clinical trial in 2017 has found that controlled use of cannabinoids can reduce symptoms of inattention, cognitive impairments, hyperactivity associated with ADHD. According to some theories, ADD/ADHD disorder is caused by a lack of dopamine, a neurotransmitter chemical responsible for transmitting nerve signals, in the brain. Reduced dopamine-level in the brain, therefore, means disabilities in learning and attention.

A marijuana ‘high’ helps ADHD patients to focus their mind by stimulating dopamine secretion in their brains. According to a scientific study published in the Nature journal, it is tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, a psychoactive compound present in cannabis plants, which increases the dopamine level in the brain. While usual ADHD medicines such as Ritalin or Adderall are meant to do the same thing, they can have some serious side-effects. Medical cannabis strains, many patients and doctors believe, are relatively safer.

Many users claim that it’s not THC, but the presence of CBD or cannabidiol that makes marijuana very useful for ADHD patients. Being a nonpsychoactive compound that produces a relaxing ‘body-high’, it helps them to fight the restlessness and anxiety associated with the disorder by binding with the adenosine receptors in the brain. A 2016 medical study has found that 25% of the cases using CBD helped in alleviating ADHD symptoms. CBD has the same dopamine-boosting effect on the brain without the psychoactive effects of THC. You need to try the CBD dominant cannabis strains if you want to be calm, clear-headed and focus your attention. The cannabinoids also help to alleviate associated symptoms like nausea, loss of appetite or sleep disorders which are also very common in ADD/ADHD patients.

6 best cannabis strains to increase focus and fight ADD/ADHD

We bring to you a selection of THC-dominant, CBD-dominant as well as balanced cannabis strains that are highly effective in counteracting attention deficiency and other ADD/ADHD symptoms.

Sour Diesel

One of the highest-rated cannabis strains across the world, Sour Diesel is THC dominant (26% THC-2% CBD). With a distinctive earthy and sour smell, SD gives you an extremely stimulating and uplifting cerebral high. According to cannabis reviewers, this particular strain produces a creative high by working on the frontal lobe of the brain and helps one to treat depression, anxiety and inattention.

Green Crack

Another popular THC-dominant strain (19-25%) in the market, Green Crack is extremely useful in increasing focus and sensory concentration. The rich terpene profile of the strain gives it a unique tropical citrus aroma which helps in uplifting the mood and fighting depression. Green Crack is very popular among ADHD patients for its energetic effect on the mind.

Harle-Tsu

Among the CBD dominant cannabis strains, Harle Tsu is undoubtedly one of the favorites among the patients suffering from ADD/ADHD or lack of focus in general. Due to its high cannabidiol content (20-24% CBD and 1% THC), HarleTsu is very useful in keeping the mind steady and focused without losing calm. Providing a little high and a full body relaxation, this strain is very effective in treating anxiety.

Harlequin

One of the parent strains of HarleTsu, Harlequin is another favorite CBD strain of the marijuana users who consume it to increase focus or treat ADHD symptoms. It is a 75% sativa heavy strain that has a piney, fruity and peppery flavor. Harlequin is extremely effective in treating anxiety or paranoia associated with ADHD patients. It also gives you a focused mind full of creative energy without the intoxicating effects of THC. This makes the strain a perfect choice for daytime use.

Blueberry Headband

A 50/50 hybrid between sativa and indica, Blueberry Headband is a strain with balanced THC and CBD contents. It produces a mixed effect that combines a cerebral high with full body relaxation. With a unique sweet and spicy aroma, Blueberry Headband helps one to focus by reducing stress and anxiety. The THC content in it ensures waves of creative energy, while the CBD helps to intensify concentration by clearing away the unnecessary thoughts.

Whether suffering from ADD/ADHD or not, we all lack focus sometimes. There is an increased belief among many that cannabis strains can help one to self-motivate and concentrate better. However, not all cannabis strains can have the desired effect on everybody. Every human body and brain react to the same cannabis strain quite differently. You need to find out which strain is most suited for your unique biological and psychological makeup. Before you start taking marijuana to increase your focus or treat ADD/ADHD symptoms, it is always better to consult a healthcare expert or a medical professional. Self-medication on cannabis strains, if properly guided and regulated, can work wonders on ADD/ADHD symptoms and conditions involving lack of focus.

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Medical marijuana and the condition it treats

Medical marijuana is one of those few topics capable of provoking a fiery debate among scientists, researches, doctors, policymakers and the general citizens. People are divided in opinion regarding the safety, benefits and the legality of cannabis. Should it be decriminalized and legal? Has it got proven benefits? Is it really the ‘wonder drug’ people are making it out to be? Keep reading to find out more.

What is medical marijuana?

To put it simply, medical marijuana makes use of the natural compounds in plants of the cannabis genus to treat a variety of conditions and diseases. The cannabis plants consist of over a hundred natural compounds called cannabinoids, each of which produces a distinct effect on the human body. However, there are two kinds of cannabinoids that are extensively used in medical cannabis namely tetrahydrocannabinol commonly known as THC and cannabidiol or CBD.

The difference between THC and CBD

While THC comes with a psychoactive effect, CBD offers anti-inflammatory effects. This is why THC is more associated with a mind and body high while CBD is generally meant for therapeutic uses. Marijuana strains or products that have a high percentage of THC are more suited for recreational use but those with a high percentage of CBD are meant for therapeutic uses. Although the therapeutic values of THC aren’t much talked about, recent researches have proved its efficacy in treating neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. According to these studies, THC is also capable of pain alleviation and can help improve the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

Which conditions can be treated by medical marijuana?

1. Prevents the cancer cells from spreading

As per a study published in the Molecular Cancer Therapeutics journal, medical cannabis can stop the cancer cells by neutralizing a gene called Id-1. Researchers of California Pacific Medical Centre in San Francisco have concluded that CBD might help in checking the spread of the cancer cells. Furthermore, the American Association for Cancer Research reported that cannabis can help in slackening the growth of brain tumor, lungs tumor and breast tumor.

2. Treats arthritis

The anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis make it a staple for patients of arthritis around the world. Sativex a cannabinoid-based pain killer and CBD oil works wonder on patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are known to have experienced a considerable reduction in pain as well as improved sleep.

3. Used on patients of epilepsy

Medical marijuana can greatly help in controlling and abating epilepsy seizures. THC helps to control seizures by binding the cells in the brain responsible for managing excitability and thereby promoting relaxation. More recent studies show that CBD can even help to curb the symptoms of treatment-resistant epilepsy. The use of cannabis for an epilepsy medication called Epidiolex is presently awaiting approval by FDA and once approved the billion-dollar cannabis industry will surely garner massive investment potential.

4. Dravet’s Syndrome

Medical marijuana is a very potent medication for reducing the symptoms of Dravet’s Syndrome- a severe seizure disorder. Marijuana-based experimental therapies particularly the medication Epidiolex has shown promising effects on patients of Dravet’s Syndrome. Presently there are over 40 children in the state of Florida who are undergoing cannabis-based therapies to keep the severe seizures at bay.

5. Prevent Alzheimer’s

As reported by researchers of the Scripps Research Institute, the THC present in medical marijuana can be used to delay the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. It blocks the enzyme in the brain cells thus slowing down the formation of amyloid plaques. These amyloid plaques destroy the brain cells which generally result in Alzheimer’s.

6. Parkinson’s Disease

Researches from Israel conducted extensive studies and experiments to prove that smoking cannabis can remarkably help in reducing the tremors and pains associated with Parkinson’s disease. The best part about cannabis medicine is that it improves fine motor skills and promotes deep sleep among Parkinson patients.

7. Multiple sclerosis

Researches by the Canadian Medical Association indicate that medical cannabis can be helpful in relieving the pain associated with multiple sclerosis. It controls the muscle spasms and negative neurological effects caused by MS.

8. Crohn’s disease

Medical marijuana is known to have cured Crohn’s disease which is basically a bowel disorder resulting in nausea, vomiting, pain, diarrhea, weight loss etc. A study by Israeli scientists came to the conclusion that smoking a joint every day can lower the symptoms of this disease in

10 out of 11 patients!

9. Hepatitis C

The treatment for Hepatitis C comes with plenty of excruciating side effects like fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, depression and muscle aches. A study published in the European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology suggested that a whopping 86% of patients using medical marijuana successfully completed the treatment. This is definitely due to the fact that cannabis intake results in lessening the side effects of the treatment.

10. Anxiety and depression

The non-psychoactive nature of CBD allows it to treat a range of anxiety and stress-related problems such as post traumatic stress disorder, panic issues, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and substance abuse disorder. It acts as a sedative in low doses but a high dose of THC heavy strains can make one feel anxious and paranoid. This is why people with anxiety disorders often go for CBD medication.

11. Lowers the side-effects of chemotherapy

Patients undergoing chemotherapy have immensely benefited from the intake of medical marijuana which considerably lessens the painful side-effects like nausea, loss of appetite, severe pains and vomiting. In fact, there are various FDA approved high THC drugs which are meant to combat the side effects of chemotherapy.

12. Effective on patients with Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disorder where the body tends to attack itself for reasons which still aren’t clear to scientists. Medical marijuana helps to calm the immune system and helps the body to deal better with the symptoms of Lupus.
Our advice for patients is to be totally honest with your physician and tell them about your interest in cannabis therapy and the fact that you want to be educated about this alternative form of medication. Once you have found the right doctor, there are numerous Canadian weed stores to help you with choosing the perfect strain or cannabis product.

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Magic Mushroom Cannabis: Can the two be combined?

The legalization of marijuana in Canada has encouraged users to explore the option of other all-natural drugs such as magic mushrooms. A magic mushroom cannabis mix can give you a very enjoyable psychoactive experience since these two are known to complement each other perfectly. Although mixing drugs are generally associated with bad trips and hospital visits, a mix of magic mushroom cannabis goes hand in hand because of the absence of any synthetic chemicals. Being all-natural compounds, both marijuana and magic mushrooms balance out each other’s negative effects to create a very pleasant overall experience. One of the most loved poly-drug combos among tripping enthusiasts, the magic mushroom cannabis experience will manifest itself in intense yet enjoyable audio-visual hallucinations.

Understanding magic mushrooms:

Psilocybe cubensis or magic mushrooms come with a consistent level of psilocin and psilocybin- the two active compounds of shrooms which are responsible for producing the high. Mushrooms can be eaten both cooked and raw and can also be mixed in juice or tea. They can be effectively used by people with depression, anxiety disorders and suicidal thoughts. The psychedelic effects of mushrooms can be perceived within 15 to 20 minutes. According to Ronan Levy, the co-founder of Field Trip Ventures, a Canadian company focussing on therapeutic psychedelic products, “We strongly believe that psychedelics are the next wave of the path that’s been created by cannabis,”. Although mushroom is still illegal, several researches are being done on the therapeutic properties of magic mushrooms.

Magic mushroom, cannabis: both are absolutely natural

Both marijuana and magic mushrooms are naturally occurring organisms which come with its own blend of active ingredients. While marijuana comes with hundreds of terpenes and cannabinoids, magic mushrooms come with several active molecules which include eight psilocybin derivatives such as aeruginascin, serotonin, baeocystin, and norbaeocystin. Psilocybin is widely regarded as the only active ingredient of shrooms. Although researches have confirmed the presence of many other psilocybin derivatives, not much attention has been given to those molecules.

The cannabis effect

The marijuana you smoke comes with a minimum of 113 different cannabinoids the most famous of them being CBD and THC. THC is the active ingredient of the cannabis plant which is responsible for producing the cerebral high in users, while CBD or cannabidiol with its tranquilizing effects is known to weaken the psychoactive effects of THC. Many marijuana strains contain both THC and CBD and thus produce a high which is both euphoric and sedative at the same time. The kind of high you’re experiencing largely depends on the cannabinoid ratio in the strain being consumed. The user generally feels a sudden gush of energy and clarity which slowly transforms into a sense of peaceful lethargy. One of the most noted effects of cannabis is a marked reduction of depression and anxiety. The happiness and euphoria induced by weed are also accompanied by hunger and a desire to sleep.

The magic mushroom effect

The high induced by magic mushroom is characterized by two things- euphoria and hallucinations. As already mentioned before, the active ingredients psilocin and psilocybin are responsible for producing the mind-altering effects associated with magic mushrooms. After consumption, the metabolism in the human body converts the psilocybin into psilocin. The psilocin then activates the serotonin receptors of our brains and raises the dopamine concentration in the basal ganglia. These reactions in our brain are the factors that produce the intense euphoria associated with ingesting magic mushrooms. Magic mushrooms are universally regarded as uppers since they energize the mind and leads to a body buzz. The cerebral high goes hand in hand with intense joy, a warped perception of time, out- of –body sensations and closed-eye visualizations. An intense mushroom trip that can last for about 3-6 hours can be a rather strong emotional experience and in many cases, the effects seem to last longer because of its intensity. Many mushroom users have cited a feeling of paranoia and anxiety during their high, and cases of full-blown panic attacks are also not unknown.

Combining magic mushroom cannabis

Both cannabis magic mushrooms alter the perception and thought processes and promote joy, euphoria and creative insights. The synergistic effects of combining the two will increase the intensity of your shroom trip while keeping your paranoia and anxiety in check. So basically a combined magic mushroom cannabis trip will enhance the peak of your trip and generate an overall ‘feel good’ sensation. Smoking a joint at the start of your mushroom trip can help you do away with the initial feeling of nausea or any rough transitions you might experience in the course of your trip. It will rid you of the anxiety and paranoia which characterizes the onset of the mushroom trip.
Once the mushroom trip is already underway, many users refrain from smoking up, although experienced users might consider smoking a joint to amplify the mushroom high.

Once you’re past the peak, marijuana will start acting in synergy with magic mushrooms and make the hallucinations and lesser sensations last for a longer period of time. It will also mitigate any negative emotions which might accompany the last leg of your trip. Moreover, users have reported a motivated feeling throughout the trip because of the combined effects of cannabis magic mushrooms. Experienced users of mushrooms and weed are going to enjoy the combined effects immensely. However, users who don’t have much experience with either should no way consume them both at the same time.

In conclusion, it can be said that although magic mushroom cannabis combo can give you a killer high while dampening the negative emotions, it is always best left to users who are comfortable with both weed and shrooms. People prone to panic, anxiety or bad trips should stay away from weed till the end of the mushroom trip. However, if you are looking forward to enhancing your perception and experience, then a combination of marijuana and magic mushrooms can produce an exhilarating experience which borders on the spiritual!

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Our team curates new experiences for cannabis tastemakers throughout Canada. We hand-craft each Pink Pack from a wide spectrum of flowers, edibles, concentrates, topicals, and handcrafted accessories.

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