Smoke And Tell YQL

Budtender is likely the job title of the employees helping you at a retail cannabis store, budtenders are super knowledgeable and probably the most up to date with what’s new on the market. Budtenders can offer suggestions and recommend products but they are prohibited from giving any medical advice which can make their jobs super tricky! Go into your local retail cannabis store and have a conversation with whoever is behind the counter, even if you’re a seasoned user, I’ll bet they can teach you something new!

A cannabis educator is able to consult with medical cannabis patients and will be your guide through the medical system. If you are seeking to use cannabis to relieve medical symptoms it’s best to consult a medical doctor and then an cannabis educator. There are now many ways to obtain legal cannabis which means the freedom to decide what’s best for you and your needs!

Come visit me at Bridge Bud Supply West sometime. I won’t be giving medical advice but I can sling you some killer bud. 🍃🤙🏻

Lets talk terps!
Terpenes are the organic aromatic chemical compounds found in almost all plants, including cannabis, which define the tastes and aromas. These are the same compounds that are extracted from plants to make essential oils. Terpenes are found in the trichomes of cannabis which is that sticky frosty coating found on the buds. Terpenes are not the same as cannabinoids which we will discuss next.
Terpenes and cannabinoids are often described using a car analogy which goes as follows:
Cannabinoids (THC, CBD, etc) are like the engine of the car which produce the power to get you going. Where terpenes can be considered like the steering wheel which control the direction of the car. This basically means that cannabinoids will indicate how far you will go but terpenes will take you in the direction you want to go. This is why terpenes are so important! Not just the highest THC as is commonly thought.
Understanding how different terpenes interact with your body is imperative when choosing strains as that’s how you will get the most predictable and desirable cannabis experience every time.

Here are some examples of my favourite cannabis terpenes and the effects they can have on the body:
Linalool – A sweet and floral aroma and is the reason that lavender is associated with a sense of calm. Linalool has a relaxing effect and has been known to reduce anxiety. Relaxing as it is linalool can also uplift your mood. Linalool is best activated at 388°F and some other documented uses are analgesic, anti-insomnia, antipsychotic, sedative. Cultivars dominant in linalool are my favourite to reach for to relax before bedtime.
Pinene – associated with uplifting, happy, clean and focused feelings it has a strong piney smell and is not surprisingly also found in pine needles. Pinene is a bronchodialator, meaning it helps open up the airways, which in turn we are able to breathe more easily. More oxygen means it can give a fresh and focused feeling. Pinene is best activated at 311°F and other documented uses for are analgesic, antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties. The strain Jack Herer is known to have higher quantities of pinene and is my favourite for outdoor adventures.

So what is cannabis?
Lets talk about it!

By definition the cannabis plant is an annual, dioecious, flowering, herb. This means it is an aromatic plant which flowers only once and does not grow back the following year. The cannabis plant can also be expressed as male or female with these s*x organs being found on different plants.

The cannabis plant is covered in trichomes which are the frosty and sticky coating found on the stem, leaves, and flowers. Trichomes are not unique to the cannabis plant; however, this is where the cannabinoids are found which are unique properties of cannabis. Terpenes are also found here. I will discuss cannabanoids and terpenes in detail at a later time.

When the cannabis plant is grown for medical or recreational use the plants need lots of room to grow and produce cannabanoids such as THC and CBD. When the plant is used for textiles, seeds etc. they are grown closer together as this will force the plant to grow up to the sun leaving a thick fibrous stalk for harvesting.

Cannabis is wind pollinated and therefor does not require the interventions of insects or other pollinators. Once the male plant has released its pollen the plant will begin to die. The fertilized female plant will begin to produce seeds rather than flower which is not ideal when growing for THC/CBD consumption. So male and female plants must be kept apart from each other when trying to grow for flower at home.

Cannabis has an abundance of different uses and there is evidence of it being used in pottery over 10,000 years ago. It’s time we study the research, advocate for change and realize the amazing potential that we have right in front of us.