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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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Tips for choosing the right cannabis strains

What will a novice pot smoker do if s/he is in the mood for a trip to a Canadian weed shop with the express objective of procuring some weed for a weekend bash? The sheer number of options can indeed make the task of choosing the right cannabis strains for beginners a complicated and mind-boggling one. Before you find yourself in a similar situation, you need to read this post and learn about a few tips for selecting the right weed strain for you.

Tips for choosing the right marijuana strains for beginners

Tips for choosing the right marijuana strains for beginners

Broadly speaking there are two main kinds of cannabis strains- sativa and indica. While sativa strains have an energizing effect, indica strains are known for their relaxing and sleep inducing properties. Needless to say that there are a host of hybrid strains that are basically a mix of both indica and sativa and offer the effects of both.

Do a little research

Before you decide to give pot your first shot make sure to do a little research about the kind of weed you want to go for. Every cannabis strain produces a different effect on your body and mind. While some weed strains are good for productivity, others help you sleep, while others will stimulate your appetite or your sex drive. This is why you need to figure out the effect you are looking for before stepping into your local cannabis store.

Understand your tolerance

Before choosing the right cannabis strains for beginners, it is important to take your personal experience with cannabis into consideration. The first question you need to ask yourself is how familiar are you with weed? If you are a rookie user, then ideally you should go for strains that come with low THC and high CBD. This way you’d get the euphoric feeling without the slightest trace of anxiety or paranoia. However, if you are an experienced user, then feel free to experiment with new strains available in the dispensary.

Consider the smell and the taste

For those of you who are planning to smoke up the weed, you need to be on the lookout for a strain that comes with an appealing smell and taste. Each strain gives off a different smell- some are minty, some are earthy, while some are fruity or citric. Therefore you need to determine which aroma is perfect for you before settling on the right cannabis strain.

Determine the availability of the particular strain

It needs to be said that not every strain you look up on the internet will be readily available in your local weed dispensary in Canada. However, no matter which part of the country you’re in, you’ll surely find a few strains which are popular in your area. Therefore, it’s always wise to check out which strains are available in your locality and then make an informed decision. It’s always best to consume locally produced strains since they are always fresher than the imported ones.

Examine your strain

Once you’re in the dispensary, make sure to examine the strain closely. One of the basic rules of potent weed is the visible white crystalline layer of trichome covering the bud- so ensure that your strain has one.

Ask your bud-tender for help

If you still cannot make up your mind then the bud-tender at your local weed shop will surely come to your rescue. Feel free to talk about the kind of high or effects you are after and leave the rest for your bud-tender to decide.

Best cannabis strains for beginners:

Here’s a list of cannabis strain which every newbie pot smoker which try out:

Harlequin

This sativa dominant strain comes with a low concentration of THC and is known to produce pleasant psychotropic effects. The sweet and earthy flavour along with the mood-elevating capacity of this strain will never leave you disappointed.

Pennywise

For a more stoning experience go for Pennywise, an indica dominant strain with a more or less balanced CBD, THC ratio. A hybrid of Harlequin and Jack the Ripper, Pennywise gives you a discernible high although its high CBD content will keep your high on the mellow side. It will make you mildly euphoric and increase your focus and lucidity.

Jack Herer

One of the most popular strains both among connoisseurs as well as weed newbies, Jack Herer comes with a rather high percentage of THC (around 25%). However, not all THC dominant strains induce anxiety or paranoia and Jack Herer is definitely not one of those. Even first-time smokers can handle this strain very well and most of them reported that it produces a creative, tranquil, lucid and pleasantly cerebral high.

Cinex

Cinex is a slightly sativa dominant strain that comes with a THC percentage of 22%. Known for its citrus aroma, Cinex also features a white coat of trichomes on the bid. It gives you an energy boost thus making it perfect for day time users and first-time users. The creative cerebral buzz is much favoured by artists, musicians and writers.

Blue Dream

A powerful hybrid of Haze and Blueberry, Blue Dream aka Azure Haze is a strain that will give you a mellow cerebral high without making you sleepy or paranoid. The euphoria it produces along with its refreshing taste of mixed berries is going to be a blissful experience for new users.

Before heading to your local weed store just keep in mind that you need to start with a strain that is low on THC. If you want an exhilarating experience then remember the golden rule- begin low and go slow. Moreover, try not to smoke your joint at once…ideally just go for a single drag and see how you feel before taking the second one. If you are using an edible then start real low! Never consume more than 5-8 mg of edible on your first try. Lastly, keep in mind that CBD is your friend which will always counter the anxiety-inducing effects of THC. As we’ve already mentioned before, start with a strain that comes with a decent amount of CBD for an unforgettable experience.

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What are the Best Cannabis Strains for Chronic Pain?

Recently medical cannabis has garnered a lot of attention because of its popularity as an alternative treatment for several chronic pain conditions such as arthritis and migraine. For people battling with chronic pain, medical marijuana can be one of the safest and most effective treatment options and this is one of the foremost reasons encouraging people to visit their local marijuana store.
Does medical weed really help with chronic pain?

A study by NASEM corroborates the fact that cannabinoid compounds like CBD and THC can be extremely effectual in pain alleviation. According to the report, the natural cannabinoid receptors in the human body play an important role in keeping pain in check. There is a bunch of anecdotal evidence which supports that the medicinal use of marijuana for treating several kinds of chronic pain such as neuropathic pain, pain associated with multiple sclerosis, cancer or spasticity. A study on the effects of cannabinoids by the National Academies of Science came to the conclusion that chronic pain patients treated with cannabis generally experience a considerable lessening of the pain symptoms.

Why do some people still oppose medical marijuana for chronic pain?

The earliest evidence of the medicinal values of cannabis can be traced back to 2700 BC when Shen Nung, the then Emperor of China and the founder of Chinese medicine documented the pain alleviating properties of marijuana. Unfortunately, the present laws, restrictions, and stigma associated with pot smoking have forced a section of the doctors to go for a more conservative approach. This is why they prescribe a host of pharmaceutical medicines for pain management rather than prescribing marijuana even though they come with a range of side-effects.

Old-school physicians who grew up with the idea that “marijuana is bad’’ and who paid too much heed to the government propagandas are the ones who still refuse to explore the medical benefits associated with cannabis consumption. It needs to be stated in this context that opioid drugs which are the most common pain medication can have fatal consequences when abused while NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)increases the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Cannabis, on the other hand, is safe effective with much lesser side effects and zero chances of overdose or tolerance.

The best cannabis strains for pain management:

Now let’s take a quick look at some of the most popular marijuana strains for treating pain symptoms.

White Widow

One of the most popular strains for coping with chronic pain, White Widow has a high concentration of THC which helps to curb the inflammatory molecules, while its indica genes ease muscle tensions and induce a state of calm. Moreover, White Widow triggers a sense of motivation and euphoria encouraging the user to forget about their pain. If you are looking for an effective pain management strain without any sedative side-effect then don’t hesitate to go for this one.

Blue Dream

This cross between sativa haze and Blueberry indica is a sativa heavy strain that can be very helpful for patients of chronic pain. The full-body relaxation effect produced by Blue Dream leaves you with a feeling of tranquillity and doesn’t come with sedative effects.

ACDC

ACDC is one of the least psychoactive cannabis strains which can even be used by non-users. One of the most medicinal weed strains in the market, ACDC is a CBD heavy strain which has been specially created for people with serious medical conditions. With a THC: CBD ratio of 1:20, ACDC is all about healing with minor mood-altering effects like enhanced concentration and sociability.

AK-47

One of the most popular hybrid weed strains, this one is a favorite among patients of chronic pain. This sativa dominant strain is said to heighten the alertness of your mind followed by a mellow and relaxed feel. Ideal for day-time users, AK 47 can greatly reduce your symptoms without putting you to sleep.

Harlequin

Harlequin which has a CBD: THC ratio of 5:2 is an ideal choice for patients who have limited experience with cannabis. It has enormously benefited the patients of arthritis and fibromyalgia and other types of inflammation-related pain. It gives a crisp and clear high and elevated mood without any sedative effect.

Purple Kush

This strain which originated in California has been cited by patients of fibromyalgia to be extremely effective against pains due to inflammation. Moreover, it can also help to relieve temporary aches from sprains, pulled muscles or sore joints. Purple Kush is known for its sedative effects which help with migraines and other kinds of headaches. The high THC content of this cannabis strain gives you a cerebral high and this is why it needs to be avoided by inexperienced users.

Blackberry Kush

Blackberry Kush is an indica heavy hybrid strain which has gained in popularity because of its pain relieving properties. Although it is known to produce a ‘couch-lock’ kind of high, it is often used by patients of severe pain who find it to be blissful. It gives a strong body high while producing a euphoric sensation followed by sound sleep.

Cannatonic

The parent strain of ACDC, Cannatonic which comes with a minimal amount of THC is just the right cannabis strain for first-time users. People sensitive to THC should certainly opt for this strain which induces an uplifting and relaxing feeling and helps to deal with migraine and muscle spasms.

Jack Herrer

Jack Herrer is a popular weed strain that comes with a sharp focus on pain management. Ideal for daytime users, this sativa dominant cannabis strain can come in really handy for dealing with general pain symptoms.

Cannabis is a perfect natural alternative to over the counter painkillers. When it comes to marijuana for pain management, it is important to note that there are scores of weed strains in the market which are effective analgesics. However, each strain is meant for specific conditions so you need to experiment with a few before buying your monthly stash. You can also consult a cannabis doctor for the ideal pain-alleviating strain and then head to your nearest cannabis dispensary.

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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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