In recent years, mushroom brain supplements have been gaining popularity among those seeking natural ways to enhance cognitive function. Let’s explore why mushrooms, particularly adaptogenic varieties, are making waves in the world of brain health.

What Makes Mushroom Brain Supplements Special?

Mushrooms are more than just a culinary delight. Many varieties boast adaptogenic properties—natural substances believed to help the body manage stress and improve mental clarity. Among the best mushroom supplements for brain health are lion’s mane, cordyceps, and reishi. These fungi are packed with compounds like hericenones and erinacines, which support brain function by promoting the production of nerve growth factor (NGF).

Lion’s mane, often called the “smart mushroom,” stands out for its potential to enhance focus and memory. Cordyceps, meanwhile, boosts energy levels, making it a favorite for those who want to stay sharp during long workdays. Reishi offers calming benefits, helping to balance mental energy and focus—a perfect trio for cognitive support.

How Do These Mushrooms Work?

The magic lies in the bioactive compounds that mushrooms contain. Lion’s mane, for instance, stimulates NGF, which helps protect and regenerate neurons. This is essential for maintaining focus and memory over time. Cordyceps increases the body’s oxygen uptake, giving your brain the fuel it needs to perform at its peak. Reishi, an adaptogen for focus, combats stress—a common enemy of concentration—by regulating cortisol levels.

When taken consistently, these mushrooms can create a synergistic effect, enhancing overall brain health and paving the way for improved mental performance.

Choosing the Best Mushroom Supplements for Brain Health

With countless options on the market, finding the right mushroom brain supplement can feel overwhelming. Here’s what to look for:

1. High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for supplements made from organic, fruiting body mushrooms rather than mycelium. The fruiting body contains the highest concentration of beneficial compounds.
2. Third-Party Testing: Ensure the product has been independently tested for purity and potency. This guarantees you’re getting exactly what the label promises.
3. Combination Formulas: Some supplements blend multiple mushrooms for a broader range of benefits. For example, a mix of lion’s mane, cordyceps, and reishi can provide comprehensive cognitive support.
4. Ease of Use: Mushroom supplements come in various forms, including capsules, powders, and tinctures. Choose one that fits seamlessly into your daily routine.

Incorporating Mushrooms Into Your Routine

Getting started with mushrooms for focus doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some simple ways to include them in your day:

• Morning Boost: Add a scoop of lion’s mane powder to your coffee or smoothie for a focused start to your day.
• Midday Pick-Me-Up: Sip on a mushroom tea featuring cordyceps to combat the afternoon slump.
• Evening Wind-Down: Take a reishi capsule before bed to relax and prepare for a restful sleep, which is crucial for mental clarity.

Real Benefits Backed by Science

Scientific studies continue to support the use of mushroom brain supplements. Research shows that lion’s mane may help improve cognitive function and memory, while cordyceps enhances physical and mental energy. Meanwhile, reishi’s stress-relieving properties can help maintain focus even in high-pressure situations.

What’s more, these mushrooms are generally safe, with minimal side effects when used as directed. However, it’s always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

Wrapping It All Up

Natural solutions like mushroom brain supplements are gaining traction for a reason: they work. Whether you’re a student cramming for exams, a professional juggling deadlines, or someone who simply wants to stay sharp, mushrooms for focus offer an effective and natural way to boost brainpower.

Remember Laura from the beginning? That one cup of tea led her down a path of discovery. Could it do the same for you?

The post The Surprising Brain Power of Mushrooms: Nature’s Secret to Better Focus appeared first on Plants Before Pills.

What is CBD Oil?

CBD oil is a product that is derived from the hemp plant. Hemp is a variety of cannabis that is grown specifically for industrial purposes and contains less than 0.3% THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana. CBD is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the hemp plant and is the second most abundant after THC.

CBD oil is made by extracting the CBD compound from the hemp plant and then infusing it into a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or olive oil. CBD oil is non-psychoactive, which means it does not produce the “high” associated with THC.

CBD oil has been studied for its potential therapeutic benefits, which include reducing anxiety and depression, alleviating pain and inflammation, and improving sleep quality.

What is CBG Oil?

CBG oil is a product that is derived from the cannabis plant, specifically the hemp plant. CBG is a minor cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, and it is often referred to as the “stem cell” cannabinoid because it is a precursor to many of the other cannabinoids found in the plant.

Like CBD oil, CBG oil is made by extracting the CBG compound from the hemp plant and then infusing it into a carrier oil. CBG oil is also non-psychoactive, which means it does not produce a “high” like THC.

CBG has been studied for its potential health benefits, which include reducing inflammation, improving digestive health, and combating cancer cells.

What Are the Differences Between CBD Oil and CBG Oil?

The primary difference between CBD oil and CBG oil is the cannabinoids they contain. While both oils are derived from the hemp plant, CBD oil contains CBD as its main cannabinoid, while CBG oil contains CBG as its main cannabinoid.

CBD and CBG also interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) in slightly different ways. The ECS is a complex cell-signaling system that plays a role in regulating a variety of functions, including mood, appetite, sleep, and immune function.

CBD works by interacting with both the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the ECS. CB1 receptors are primarily found in the brain and central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are primarily found in the immune system and peripheral tissues.

CBG, on the other hand, has a slightly different mechanism of action. While it also interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, it is thought to have a greater affinity for the CB2 receptor. CBG may also work by interacting with other receptors in the body, such as the 5-HT1A receptor, which is involved in regulating mood and anxiety.

Finally, CBD and CBG may have slightly different health benefits. While both cannabinoids have been studied for their potential therapeutic effects, CBG may have a more potent anti-inflammatory effect than CBD. CBG may also have greater potential for combating cancer cells and improving digestive health.

Which One Should You Choose?

Deciding between CBD oil and CBG oil can be a difficult choice, especially since both compounds have potential health benefits. Ultimately, the decision will come down to your specific needs and preferences.

If you are looking for a general health supplement that may help with a variety of conditions, CBD oil may be a good choice. CBD has been studied extensively and has a wide range of potential health benefits.

If you are looking for a supplement that may have more specific health benefits, such as

reducing inflammation or improving digestive health, CBG oil may be a better choice. CBG is a less studied cannabinoid, but emerging research suggests it may have potent anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects.

It is also important to note that CBD and CBG can work synergistically together. In fact, some companies are now offering CBD/CBG blends that combine the two cannabinoids for maximum therapeutic effect.

When choosing between CBD and CBG oil, it is important to consider the quality of the product you are purchasing. Look for products that are third-party tested and have a certificate of analysis (COA) to ensure that they are free from contaminants and contain the amount of CBD or CBG advertised on the label.

In addition, consider the extraction method used to create the oil. CO2 extraction is considered the gold standard for creating high-quality CBD and CBG oil. This method uses high pressure and low temperature to extract the cannabinoids from the hemp plant, resulting in a pure and potent oil.

Conclusion

CBD and CBG are two of the most prevalent cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Both compounds have been studied extensively for their potential health benefits, but they differ in their mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic effects.

CBD oil contains CBD as its main cannabinoid and has a wide range of potential health benefits, while CBG oil contains CBG as its main cannabinoid and may have more specific health benefits, such as reducing inflammation or combating cancer cells.

Ultimately, the decision to use CBD or CBG oil will come down to your specific needs and preferences. It is important to choose a high-quality product that has been third-party tested and has a certificate of analysis to ensure that it is pure and potent.

The post What Is The Difference Between CBD and CBG Oil? appeared first on Plants Before Pills.

A Brief Background on Cannabis Living

With marijuana becoming mainstream only in recent years, you might think that the beneficial uses of this plant are a new discovery. However, did you know that our ancestors used this plant for a wide variety of purposes? From farming and industrial to arts and recreation, humans valued the plant throughout our history. Processing fibers of hemp allowed our ancestors to create textiles, papers, ropes and plastics. Studies show that before the use of cannabidiol oil, some significant historical figures utilized this herb for spiritual and creative purposes.

From the hippies of the psychedelic 60s to the new generation’s hipsters, smoking marijuana has been a part of countercultures around the world. In fact, the term ‘420’ came to be because of a group of high school kids’ code for “let’s meet up at 4:20 to smoke weed.” The group of boys, known as The Waldos, were going against the grain by smoking this wonder plant. This was in 1971 and the term stuck until today, only containing a much more mainstream and inclusive meaning.

Now that marijuana is becoming accepted in many parts of the globe, the plant can cease being a counterculture element and start being part of the mainstream. Today, a whole lot of subcultures across the world throughout the years have some level of marijuana use integrated into their respective ways of life.

What’s more fascinating is even non-marijuana users are aware of and acknowledge the celebration of Weed Day. Come April 20, you see thousands of people (enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike) greeting one another with a hearty “Happy 420!”

The Influence of Cannabis in Culture

Aside from creating their own personal holiday, enthusiasts have enjoyed a taste of marijuana in culture as well. A lot of creative works can thank marijuana for their existence. Studies show that this plant plays a role in the creative process, making it a viable source of inspiration for artists.

In Literature

A good number of literary works were written while the authors were under the influence of marijuana. This includes Les Miserable, a literary masterpiece writer Victor Hugo, who was a member of Club Des Hashinchins a group of enthusiasts who used the plant during some of their meetings. This club also includes other writers such as Alexandre Dumas, Charles Baudelaire and Honore de Balzac.

In Music

Perhaps one of the most popular parts of the cannabis culture is music. From Noble Prize awardee Bob Dylan to Panic! At the Disco’s Brendon Urie, there certainly is a lot of musicians who get their inspiration from this plant. In fact, Dylan has a song saying that “everyone must get stoned.” Meanwhile, Urie, who has ADHD, is a medical marijuana card carrier.

Aside from individual artists using this herb, there is an entire music genre that highlights marijuana. You guessed it: it’s Reggae. Originating from Jamaica, this genre is said to support the herb. Many Reggae musicians tackle this herb in their songs. Bob Marley even worked to develop a marijuana brand called Marley Natural.

Other cultural aspects that marijuana has penetrated include fashion and design, especially with the rise of cannabis-inspired fashion labels such as Sundae School. There are even retailers now that offer marijuana accessories like a marijuana ring and weed necklaces.

The Role of Cannabis in Lifestyle

Aside from its prevalence in culture, marijuana also plays a great role in lifestyle. It has created a niche in many markets including medicine, beauty and health aids. Many people have incorporated this herb in their everyday routine, proving its potential as a lifestyle plant.

As an Addition to Medical Treatments

When it comes to medicine, cannabidiol is the cannabinoid that comes to mind. This compound is known for its properties that help alleviate pain, inflammations, and spasms. Moreover, it is also found to be valuable in addressing tumors and treating cancer patients. Patients who suffer from cachexia, nausea, and vomiting due to cancer t­­reatments are given CBD for relief.

As a Sleep Aid

For individuals without debilitating conditions, but who suffer from difficulty in sleeping, this plant is also a viable treatment. Insomnia sufferers who have trouble sleeping but can only get disturbed sleep can take CBD oil to induce a restful slumber. Moreover, this compound is great for boosting energy, so it gives a more energized feeling upon waking up.

For Stress Relief

Whilst CBD is great for helping people with sleep problems, THC is known for its psychoactive effects. This makes it a great stress reliever at the end of a long work week. Moreover, it can also help treat mental and mood disorders including depression, PTSD, anxiety, and other similar conditions.

Cannabis Beauty

Lastly, with the herb’s various medicinal benefits, more and more cosmetic products now have the plant as an ingredient. This is a brilliant idea, especially as this plant has regulating properties, making it perfect for moisturizing dry skin and controlling oily ones. Moreover, its anti-itch, -pain, and -inflammation properties help cannabinoid-infused beauty products treat skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and even psoriasis.

How You Can Live the Cannabis Life

As the plant becomes more mainstream, especially in light of the legalization in various parts of the world, many people are now free to pursue the cannabis life. In fact, hundreds of dispensaries have popped up to make marijuana products more accessible to more people. So, if you are eager to join this culture and lifestyle, here’s the best way to do so:

Start with Tinctures

Not everyone is comfortable with straight-up consuming dried buds. For those wanting a milder and less adventurous entry to the cannabis world, tinctures are your best bet. Basically, these are hemp oil packaged in bottles with droppers for easier and controlled use. You can consume this sublingually or by placing a few drops under your tongue and wait for it to take effect.

Tinctures are great for various medicinal and recreational purposes because you can get pure CBD oil or one infused with THC oil. This gives you the option to take advantage of CBD’s medical properties or to use THC for its psychoactive effects. With these products, you can easily use cannabinoids for pain relief, anxiety treatment, and sleep aids.

You might be thinking, “How is this a more beginner-friendly product?” Aside from their simple use, cannabinoid oils can be mixed with various food and drinks. You can simply infuse your dishes or beverages with this oil. From savory food such as pasta to baked goods such as cookies, infusing your recipes with this is surely a great way to start.

Get a Taste of the Real Thing

Once your taste buds get accustomed to the weedy taste the oils can give, you might be more comfortable with giving dried buds a try. However, don’t be too overwhelmed by the sheer number of strains you can choose from. There are hundreds of varieties available in dispensaries, each having its own unique properties. Some have high CBD contents, while others have more THC. Some have the usually weedy smell, while others have more pleasant aromas. So, if you ever get overwhelmed, just get help from the budtender present at your local dispensary.

If smoking is not your thing, you can certainly make use of your dried buds in many other ways. Those who liked the ease tinctures bring might want to make their own cannabis oil, especially as cannabinoids bind to fat pretty well. You can also use your leaves to make pesto sauce or incorporate these into baked goods.

Explore Your Options

One of the best things about marijuana legalization is that companies now have the liberty to develop cannabis-infused products. This escalated the number of products to hundreds of options. From CBD vape oil to gummies, you now have the option to ingest this herb in many innovative and fun ways.

You can blend in with vapers by grabbing a vape pen and loading it up with cannabis juice. Moreover, you can grab a non-alcoholic hemp wine and beers to enjoy the beverages without the effects of alcohol but with the goodness of marijuana. If you want to get a fix of this herb without getting suspicious looks, you can simply pop a cannabis-infused gummy in your mouth and get a delicious dose.

Cannabis has made its way into culture and lifestyle, making it a more prevalent option in the mainstream market. With thousands of marijuana products you can choose from, you can start living the pot life right now. Who knows, you might even get to give your own contributions to culture and lifestyle. Now, that would be a great way to live a fulfilling and enjoyable cannabis life!

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What Is Kratom?

Kratom, or Mitragyna Speciosa, is an evergreen tree that is a part of the coffee family. It is native throughout Southeast Asia, and it is commonly found in countries such as Thailand, Myanmar, and Indonesia. Kratom is known for its euphoric like effects and the health benefits it possesses. Although Kratom is legal in the United States and sold in many alternative medicine stores, it is illegal in numerous parts of Southeast Asia due to a lack of testing and knowledge about this plant.

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has not yet approved Kratom for medical use because there have been few clinical trials to fully understand the herb. People take Kratom for a variety of reasons. Some use it for purely recreational purposes, whereas other people use it for pain relief or try to substitute it for opioids or to treat withdrawal symptoms. Kratom is a highly controversial substance that hasn’t been researched enough to know the long term effects.

Kratom For Energy

There are three main strains of Kratom. These strains include red, green, and white variations. The best strain for energy or motivation is white Kratom. Some people state that when taken in small doses, white Kratom makes them feel energized, focused, and sociable when they otherwise won’t be. But when taken in higher doses, people have reported feeling calmness, euphoria, and even sedation, which isn’t good when you are trying to be focused and energized. It is advised if you do plan on taking Kratom of energy, motivation, and focus, that you choose white Bali Kratom. It is one of the milder types of Kratom but will give you the boost that you need. There is also white Maeng Da Kratom or white Borneo which are more potent but they are also good for boosting your energy if taken in small doses.

Other Benefits Of Kratom

Along with Kratom having great energizing properties, it also some other benefits. First of all, many people say that Kratom is a great relief for chronic muscle pain because it works like a sedative in relaxing your muscles. Another thing that people use Kratom for is treatment for anxiety and depression as it can energize you and make you crave more social interaction. Of course, none of these are scientifically proven, but people that actively use Kratom have stated these benefits.

In conclusion, although the Kratom plant is quite a controversial herb, it can have amazing benefits and qualities and may be a useful source for chronic pain, anxiety, depression, treatment for drug addicts, and an energizer. Many people in today’s age are opting for natural path options instead of modern-day medicine, and this could be the new up and coming natural medication. With further research and clinical trials, this plant may one day be approved by the FDA and become as common as THC and CBD are becoming.

The effects are said to usually start within 10 minutes after ingesting the plant and can last up to one and half hour.

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Since the days of marijuana prohibition, marijuana was thought to be this harsh, addicting substance that was a gateway to other “harder” drugs. Adults have kept it away from their children and anyone who used it could easily be deemed a “drug addict,” a “washout,” or a “lush”. All of these were based on falsehoods and the truth is now coming to come to light.

Marijuana and Hemp CBD have definitive medical benefits and many studies are emerging to justify these claims. There are far more harmful substances out there that are currently legal in most of the world such as tobacco and alcohol. It’s looking like the world is starting to understanding the truth about “weed” and that it’s not the horribly addictive and destructive substance that it was hyped up to be in the past. As we ascend into 2021, will cannabis stocks be the next big investment craze? Only time will tell. 

As the new year rolls around, you may be looking for ways to diversify your financial investments and cannabis stocks could very well be the vehicle to do so in 2021. If you’ve been paying attention at all this year, you may have seen marijuana stocks all over the news and expectations of it being legalized on a federal level this year. Whether you are a cannabis enthusiast or just someone who is looking to take on the future in a progressive way, there is no way to overlook marijuana stocks in 2021.

2020 was a year of many firsts, such as the football team located in the nation’s capital losing their name (Formerly known as the Washington Redskins), the Pope endorsing same-sex civil unions, and Kamala Harris becoming the first female vice president. Speaking of the vice president-elect, the world flooded into cannabis stocks just after Mrs. Harris mentioned her endorsement of the MORE Act, which would expunge weed convictions and make marijuana legal on the federal level in the United States of America. Stocks like Tilray ($TLRY), Aurora ($ACB), Aphria ($APHA), and Canopy Growth Group ($CGC) skyrocketed shortly after the name drops.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that the buzz around cannabis this year is one of the significant “high” lights that will trend into the new year. Cannabis are on a tear, and there are even Special Purpose Acquisition Company’s (SPAC’s) being created to harvest the growth in the cannabis industries.  It is quite possible that cannabis could be the next real global revolution in health and it’s definitely something to keep in mind in terms of your financial portfolio.

The post Why Cannabis Stocks Could Take the World by Storm in 2021 appeared first on Plants Before Pills.

In a study published in Health Affairs, chronic pain topped the list of the common reasons people give when they enroll in medical marijuana programs and start using CBD. Even though the survey did not find out whether CBD really provides relief, it proved what many researchers have been saying for years — the plant is a potent medication for different types of pain such as arthritis and joint pain.

CBD Products as Medicine

The cannabis plant family, which includes hemp, produce two compounds that benefit health: cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Both these compounds work by communicating with the endocannabinoid system, a group of receptors in the body responsible for regulating various physiological processes such as digestion, feeling, pain, and sleep.

While researchers found that both are potent in providing pain relief, more doctors prescribe pure CBD oil to their patients because of minimal harmful effects. Unlike THC, CBD has no psychoactive effect — meaning it does not affect one’s mental state. Hence, doctors and other healthcare practitioners prescribe it to most of their patients because of its host of healing and anti-inflammatory properties without the fear of nasty side effects.

Aside from relieving pain, other CBD oil benefits include relief for anxiety and depression, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, glaucoma, and even cancer.

CBD Hemp Oil for Pain

Cannabidiol comes from either marijuana or hemp. Most of what you buy from dispensaries came from hemp. With the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill that legalizes the use of products derived from the plant, health experts believe the cannabidiol industry will boom further especially for patients.

CBD hemp oil relieves the pain from:

• Arthritis
• Cancer
• Crohn’s disease
• Fibromyalgia
• Headaches
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Migraines
• Multiple sclerosis
• Muscle cramps
• Neuropathy
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatism
• Temporomandibular disorder (often referred to as TMJ)

Many patients with these conditions take prescription medicine for immediate relief. But since the rise of cannabidiol products in the market, many patients have shifted to a more natural and safer treatment for their sufferings.

How to Consume Cannabidiol

There are many ways to consume cannabidiol. You can apply ointments, balms, or lotions directly to the affected area. You can also try cannabidiol tinctures, edibles, vapes, and capsules. With tinctures, you can drop the substance under your tongue or place it in your food. You can also eat edibles like chocolate bars, gummies, tea, and coffee. Vapers can also buy CBD vape oil. Some patients supplement cannabidiol capsules along with their multivitamins.

In most cases, putting on cannabidiol on the localized areas of pain can provide more consistent levels of the substance with less minimal body processes. The body still needs to undergo a lengthy process if they consume the cannabis-derived compound through the mouth or lungs. But for chronic pain emanating inside the body, the Mayo Clinic recommends 2.5mg to 20mg of cannabidiol oil consumed orally every day.

Where to Buy CBD Oil

You can buy the best CBD oil in reputable dispensaries or online stores. One online retailer that sells various CBD products for inflammation and arthritis is Simple Garden CBD.

There are many kinds of cannabis/cbd oil, each with a unique mixture. Some brands contain THC, which can affect your mood if you consume beyond the recommended dosage. Hence, to ensure you are getting the right dosage, you may need to consult with your doctor or a cannabis expert but before buying. You should also ask for guidance from budtenders or store attendants especially if you purchase CBD or cannabis products for the first time.

Cannabidiol is a natural painkiller with minimal side effects, unlike prescription drugs. Consult your doctor now to find out which product works best for your condition.

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Before Your Visit Cannabis Dispensary

Nothing beats the feeling of going to your trusted dispensary for a visit – aside from the feeling you get when you ingest your cannabis, of course! Whether you are a long-time enthusiast or a newbie to the cannabis world, keep in mind that it is always important to prepare for your dispensary visit. These are some of the things you should do before you go:

• Check Your State’s Marijuana Laws

There is no denying that this plant has been widely used in the United States for decades. However, recent changes to legislation have made the medicinal and recreational use of cannabis legal in a number of states. As of today, 33 states have legalized medicinal marijuana, 10 of which (with the addition of Washington, D.C.) allow its use for recreational purposes too. Moreover, cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) and a controlled amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are permitted in a majority of the states, except Idaho, South Dakota and Kansas. So, before you go to a dispensary, ensure that using this herb for your intended purpose is allowed in your state.

Once you are sure that possessing and using cannabis (and cannabinoids) for medicinal or recreational purposes is permitted in your state, you should take note of the specific details of such permissions. How much cannabis are you allowed to possess on your person? How about in your place of residence? Are you required to obtain an MMJ card before you can get your dose of cannabis? Keeping tabs on the policies can help give you peace of mind in knowing that you are aware of the fundamentals and on the right side of the law when purchasing this plant.

• Do Your Research

Another important step you should take before you travel to your dispensary is to do due diligence on such dispensary. Aside from knowing the law, you might want to do further research to make sure that your trip is worth all the effort. A quick look online to get the best marijuana dispensaries in your area is a good idea. Look for a local dispensary that operates legally, and that offers excellent products, services, and variety. The best way to do this is to scour the internet for reviews about a particular dispensary. Take note of what they have to offer, how their budtenders interact with customers and the overall quality of the shop.

You also need to make sure that you know how CBD and THC works. Basically, these compounds bind with the body’s cannabinoid receptors located in the central and peripheral nervous system, as well as in the digestive and immune systems. What’s fascinating is that our bodies have a natural endocannabinoid system and the compounds from the herb simply enhance its functions. It is also crucial to know that a 1:1 ratio of CBD and THC improves the effects of these two cannabinoids.

By knowing how cannabis works, you will be more confident about getting these products. This knowledge can also help you decide which products will best suit your needs to achieve the desired results.

• List Down Your Expectations

To guarantee that you get the effects you are aiming for, be sure of your needs and preferences. First, determine what you want to get from the product. Are you looking to take advantage of cannabis’ medicinal properties? Or do you simply want it for the recreational effects it offers? This will help you determine what kind of item to get.

For the dispensary itself, you might want to set a time and place that is amenable to your schedule. A word of caution though, you might want to set aside more time for your visit, especially if you are getting medical marijuana. Just like regular medical clinics, these places can have licensed medical practitioners who will conduct consultations, and these can take time.

• Bring These Essentials

When heading out to the dispensary of your choice, you want to ensure that your visit will be successful. To guarantee that you will be going home with goodies in your cannabis pouches, make sure that you have these with you before you leave home:

o An ID – In states where recreational cannabis is legal, dispensaries are only permitted to distribute these products to people 21 years old and over. The dispensary may require their customers to present identification cards, so see to it that you bring one that shows your date of birth.

o Your MMJ Card – For people under the age of 21 and in need of medicinal cannabis, make sure that you have your doctor’s recommendation. If you are a patient who incorporates this herb into your medical routine, make a point of having your MMJ card with you.

o Cash – Bear in mind that this herb remains illegal federally. Hence many banks and financial service companies prohibit transactions involving marijuana. If you are thinking of going cashless, reconsider this plan and go with cash instead.

During Your Visit

So, you found a place that has great reviews, and you are ready to go. While you are there, you want to make sure that you get the best product. Check out these helpful tips on how to pick the cannabis item that perfectly suits your taste:

• Survey the Selections

With the variety of cannabis products available on the market, these shops are likely to carry a wide selection of items. Take the time to see which of these items might suit you the best. You may find a combination of dried buds, baked goods, and cannabinoid extracts. Decide for yourself the intake method you prefer. Is it the old-school way of smoking a joint? Or perhaps you want to give your experience a delicious twist and get cannabis-infused food products.

Whatever your thoughts, if you ever get confused and overwhelmed, do not hesitate to get help from the budtender. Remember, these people know the items they are selling, and they are there to assist you on your journey.

• Dig Deeper

You may have decided to get, say, the dried buds. You’ve found the type of product you think you might like. But remember, there is more to marijuana than meets the eye. You still need to decide which strain will certainly hit the spot for you. Again, your budtender will be your best source of information if you’re unsure of what to get. If you are looking for a body high, their staff is likely to recommend an indica-based strain, while they can suggest getting a sativa-dominant variety for a head high.

• Go Beyond the Mainstream

Aside from getting mainstream products like dried buds, baked goods, and extracts, you can also get more artisanal ones. From finely made cannabis-infused chocolates and coffees to vape juices and cosmetic items mixed with cannabinoids, you can be as adventurous as you like when choosing a product.

After Your Visit

Congratulations! You have just purchased your cannabis item! You must be excited to consume your newly-purchased goodies. However, the best experience comes when you make the most of these products. Need help? See to it that you keep these pointers in mind:

• Pick the Best Time

You want to make sure that your intake will work to your advantage, so it’s important to pick an optimal time for your consumption. If you want a brain high, it is likely that you purchased a CBD-rich item. These products are great for daytime, especially for mornings, as they will boost your energy and creativity levels. For those who work in the afternoon or at night, you can also ingest it before you start.

On the other hand, THC-rich treats give you a body high based on its sedative, relaxing and euphoric effects, making it better to consume these products during your downtime or before you rest.

• Take it Slow

The cannabis experience may vary, depending on the individual. For some, just one hit gives them the effect they are looking for, while for others, it takes time to show results. If you do not get the feeling you are looking for, take our word of advice: avoid taking it all in one go! Give it time to work its magic, and sure enough, you will feel its effects. This way, you are not getting more of a dose than intended, and you will be practicing healthy and safe consumption.

• Enjoy Your Cannabis!

Lastly, the best advice we can give you is just sit back (or get up!) and enjoy the goodness cannabis provides. This way, you can take advantage of what the plant has to offer without worries. Who knows, you might be on your way to becoming a cannabis enthusiast if you aren’t one already.

Along with the push to legalize cannabis, the call for proper education on procuring these items is on the rise. This helpful guide is a valuable resource to a smarter, safer and more effective way to avail of and use these products, allowing you to benefit from this wonderful plant.

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Breaking Down Kratom Alkaloids
To understand the potential of Kratom and products derived from it, let’s break down some of the alkaloids found in Kratom.

Mitragynine
One of the two most common alkaloids found in Kratom is mitragynine. Mitragynine is usually the primary alkaloid in Kratom. It accounts for up to 70% of the alkaloid content in Kratom leaves, and it has been studied in isolation for many years. It binds readily with important receptors in the body, which accounts for its reported effects.

7-hydroxymitragynine
This is the other most prominently active alkaloid found in Kratom.
7-hydroxymitragynine chemically similar to mitragynine, so it is often studied in relation for the reasons and in the same contexts. The amount of 7-hydroxymitragynine in Kratom leaves varies much more than that of mitragynine, though. The amount is dependent on the variety, drying procedure, and time of harvest but is always quite small, typically just fractions of a percent.

Paynantheine
Paynantheine is the Kratom alkaloid that makes up the second-highest amount of chemical compounds in the Kratom leaves. It is typically present in higher amounts than 7-hydroxymitragynine, but it is not as active in the human body. More research needs to be done about this alkaloid, but there is some information available at this time.

Speciogynine
The alkaloid with the third-highest concentration in most Kratom leaves is speciogynine, another alkaloid that is thought to have active effects in the human body. More research needs to be done about this substance as well.

Mitraphylline
Typically accounting for less than 1% of Kratom leaves, this alkaloid may act in many unique way on human physiology. Mitraphylline is believed to have a great deal of potential and it is an exciting candidate for additional studies.

Ajmalicine
Ajmalicine was one of the first alkaloids found in Kratom when studied in the 1970s in Southeastern Asia. This alkaloid is a receptor antagonist that may interact with parts of the body that regulate various functions.

Many, Many More
There are so many alkaloids found in Kratom leaves, and there are likely even more that have yet to be discovered. While those with the highest concentrations have the most direct effects through Kratom, even those with lower quantities can act in symbiosis with other alkaloids. More studies will need to be done to see if the alkaloids function with each other.
It will be very interesting to find out how much that is the case. In the case of CBD and cannabis products, it has been found that many chemical components of cannabis actually work together to have more profound effects on the body, sometimes called the entourage effect. Whether or not the same can be said about Kratom components is yet to be seen.

Studying Kratom Alkaloids
As you worked through the list of some of the 40+ alkaloids found in Kratom above, you likely noticed that many of the alkaloids have not been thoroughly researched.

Because the amounts of alkaloids in leaves vary so greatly, studying them individually needs to be done sooner rather than later. Alkaloid content in leaves varies based on geographic location, harvest time, technique, and much more.

If science makes it so that we have a better understanding of individual alkaloids and their effects on the body, we would be better able to diversify and understand different Kratom strains. We already know that the leaves’ strain color, for example, can possibly be linked to alkaloid content breakdown.

According to a study from the 1970s, the alkaloids found most frequently in one area were:
Mitragynine
Speciogynine
Speciociliatine
Paynantheine
Ajmalicine
C9 methoxy-oxindoles

When looking at other strains and other geographic locations, however, this breakdown varied tremendously. Many studies that did not analyze the alkaloid breakdown of Kratom may not equally apply to all strains, and that is a problem.

As we move forward with Kratom studies, we know how important it will be for individual alkaloids to be analyzed. There is a diverse world of alkaloids in the leaves of Kratom, and there may be great benefits hidden in those alkaloids.

Looking Forward With Kratom Alkaloids
While mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine remain the most prominent and well-studied components of Kratom, there are many other alkaloids that may provide some real benefits. As we move forward, we can expect to see more research done about those components. Not only will they be useful in Kratom as a whole, natural substances, but those alkaloids could be developed into additional substances as well.

Only time and additional research will be able to show the true potential of Kratom alkaloids!

Kraken Kratom is a premier online vendor of high-quality Kratom products. They offer a wide variety of the most popular Kratom strains including Bali, Maeng Da, Gold Reserve, and others.

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Today, it cannot be denied that the use of cannabis and even CBD Hemp oil has already been normalized in society, albeit far and few in between. After all, having a daily dose of pure cannabidiol or a hit of a joint is no different from having a glass of wine to relax, particularly after a long day. Someone Great, Netflix’s newest film is showing viewers just how women are taking back their space and showing the use of weed in their everyday life.

Setting the Pace

Television shows have already featured strong female personalities who have used cannabis. In fact, the characters of Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer in Broad City have had numerous adventures with this plant. One of these hilarious escapades includes Ilana transporting cannabis and keeping it safe under her lady bits.

Mary + Jane from MTV also takes pride in showing two strong women breaking through a male-dominated weed delivery company in Los Angeles. Even Disjointed featured a commanding female presence through a cannabis activist who runs her own dispensary, perfectly depicted by Kathy Bates.

A More Relatable Approach

While these shows paved the way for the plant and the many CBD hemp oil benefits to become known, it seems that the film Someone Great appears more relatable, particularly for women who are not only experiencing a breakup but also those who are going through overwhelming changes in life.

Here, the character of Gina Rodriguez, the protagonist of the breakup comedy named Jenny, is finally moving from the Big Apple to sunny San Francisco. Having recently broken up with her boyfriend of nine years, Jenny makes it a point to leave the city with a bang. To do this, she meets with her two girlfriends, Erin (DeWanda Wise) and Blair (Brittany Snow) and goes on a series of wild exploits throughout Manhattan.

What makes these 20-something women relatable, apart from their kinship and their struggles, is their love for pot. As they began their thrilling journey around the city, each of these female characters either smokes up a joint or inhale the vapor of their CBD oil vape pen. Whether it be having sexual trysts or doing some work and grinding it up, this film illustrates that women are still capable of doing whatever they set their mind do even while taking cannabis.

This Netflix movie successfully showed using weed has become more accepted not only in society but also as a part of people’s lifestyle. In many ways, this has also become akin to taking a generous serving of wine at night, particularly when it comes to relaxing.

Various Uses of Cannabis

Jenny, Erin, and Blair all showed how they used cannabis in their life. Come to think of it, while each of these characters used it hastily, all of these individuals benefited from taking this herb. One enjoyed sex better, one became more relaxed and equipped in dealing with work, and so on.

Apart from using these in non-traditional ways, cannabis can also be used to alleviate pain and to treat a variety of illnesses and health concerns. The market now has CBD oil for pain management, CBD beauty products, and so on, thus upping the hemp game of the industry.

Someone Great shows that women are also adept with dealing with cannabis on screen. More than this, the film depicts a sense of rawness and relatability that allows viewers to see for themselves that weed does not have to be shunned. Give it a go and see just how eye-opening this movie can be.

The post How ‘Someone Great’ Normalized Women Consuming Weed appeared first on Plants Before Pills.

Kratom is one of the naturally occurring options to some medications. Those who are in search of healthy and safe alternatives but are not familiar with this plant should take a look at the guide below:

Introducing the Plant

Kratom or Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical tree found in parts of Southeast Asia such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. It belongs to the botanical family Rubiaceae. There are three varieties of this tree such as those with white, red and green leaf veins. Each type contains varying levels of chemical compounds that gives it psychoactive effects.

Those with green leaf veins are known to give uplifting effects, which offers a boost of energy. Meanwhile, those with red veins are known for is sedating property. In some Southeast Asian cultures, this plant Is consumed as an intoxicant or as medicine. It can be consumed fresh or dried. Its leaves can be chewed fresh or it can be brewed into teas. It also comes in pill or tablet form.

Aside from its activating and sedative effects, these leaves are also known for being an analgesic and mood enhancers. When used for its medical properties, it can help in relieving pain and addressing sleep issues.

Kratom and other Similar Plants

Now that you know what this plant is and its effects, you might be wondering how it compares with other plants such as cannabis. Like cannabis, kratom is known for its psychoactive properties. Both are also used in folk medicine in various cultures because of their pain-relieving, uplifting and sedative effects. They also come from a family of flowering plants, and they have varieties that are valued for their respective medicinal and recreational effects.

However, they share some differences. The most obvious is that cannabis is becoming more mainstream and is even incorporated in federal and state legislations. Moreover, cannabis comes from the family cannabaceae, while kratom belongs in the family rubiaceae.

Speaker of families, did you know that kratom and coffee are related? They both belong in the family rubiaceae. They both have energy boosting and mood-enhancing attributes. Both are also rich in anti-oxidants. Kratom, however, has a sedative property. It also has a pain-relieving attribute, which coffee also has but to a limited extent.

Legislation Regarding Kratom

We all know that cannabis is federally a Schedule I drug as per the Controlled Substances Act. It has also been legalized for medical use in more than 30 states and for recreational use in 11 of those, including DC.

Kratom is legal in almost all states except Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin. In some states, it is fully legal, but in some prohibit it in some counties and cities. However, some are proposing that it should be included in the list of Schedule I drugs. You can also buy kratom powder online from various retailers.

Internationally speaking, the legality of this plant varies. Some countries such as Australia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Russia and Poland do not allow the consumption of this plant.

Conclusion

Kratom can be the next big thing when it comes to naturally occurring alternatives. While no significant researches have been conducted, unlike in the case of cannabis, it might be worth considering, especially for scientists and those who are looking for natural options.

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