MH Canna-bliss Club

Shout out to the beginning of legalization. When strains were the sh*ts and we were young and dumb and just wanted to help consumers 😆😆😆 so glad it has changed so much in these years 😆

To Be Blunt Medicine Hat Greetings fellow cannabis lovers and welcome to a channel dedicated to our friend, Mary-Jane! To Be Blunt provides educational videos revolving around the Canadian cannabis market. Here we consume and evaluate.. ya we may bitch but mostly we celebrate. As packaging and strict guidelines restrain ind...

Let's Talk about Snoop Dogg Smoking a Joint at the Superbowl!

Let's talk about this because, it is something we completely expect him to do. Let's talk about this because it allows him to function at his highest level. But most importantly- Let's talk about this because of the extreme level of stigma and hypocracy of the United States and their fixation on football, alcohol, and s*x over health and well-being!!!

It is a well known fact that rough, physical contact sports can lead athletes to have many long-term ailments and issues that lead them to life-long injuries, trauma, prescription pain-killer abuse, uncontrollable bouts of anger, and depression.

Football (and high contact sports) are the number one cause of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy- which is a deterioration in the brain caused by repeated head trauma. It is being studied, doctors are trying to warn about it- yet the need for entertainment and the billion dollar industry that is Football in the U.S. keeps this from being a real discussion.

There is a great deal of successful clinical studies and research on the ability of CBD and other cannabinoids to be a neuroprotectant, reduce inflammation, and support neuro-genesis. This means that individuals who have played high-contact sports or who are suffering from CTE or other brain injuries, could greatly benefit from the use of Cannabis as a medicine.

The Superbowl continues to ban commercials that show cannabis's therapeutic potential, while continuing to show commercials of prescription pain killers, alcohol, and s*x. Will there ever be a point where we actually care about the health of our athletes? Isn't it a bit hypocritical to ban these commercials and stigmatize Snoop Dogg for doing what we all know he will, when one of the biggest participants in these studies happens to be players from the NFL? IT's time for change, and time for less stigma!

So- thank you Snoop Dogg- For being you. Unapologetically "you". For doing what feels natural and healthy to you, and for not letting the pressures of society and horrible media reporting scare you out of being "you". Thank you for doing this, and opening the conversation.

Let's talk about Super Mom's!

Super Mom has become an accepted term. Our culture expects women to be able to handle everything on their plate- it's actually an expectation.

But many Mom's experience mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression just trying to cope with their everyday life. Many turn to wine, alcohol, or pills as a way to cope and relax- and this is perfectly acceptable in our society. However, alcohol consumption or pills can lead to further mental health issues and even physical health issues.

Their is a huge stigma placed on Mom's who use cannabis, but let's take a second to break that down! Cannabis can be used to help focus, provide energy, improve moods, and of course- can help to relax.
As a canna-mom myself, I can honestly say there are many times where the right strain of cannabis can help me to accomplish my chores, or help give me the mind-frame or energy needed to keep up with my kids. It helps make me more understanding, creative, and sometimes, a bit more fun.

If you are a Mom who smokes w**d- you are not alone, their are many out there who find it is a good alternative to prescription drugs or alcohol. Just make sure to store it safely, and provide proper education to your children!

Ever considered using Cannabis for your pet?

You're not be alone! Everyday Canadian's run to their local retail store to access cannabis. The most common reason's would be for pain, anxiety, and temperament changes associated with aging.

While cannabis may be a good option for your furry friend, most people will take advice from friends, family, and even retail staff (when technically we are not allowed to speak to this!). Most people are afraid to talk to their veterinarian due to previous experience or feeling judged.

Research in this area has greatly advanced, and there are now amazing dependable resources for these types of questions. Check out the Canadian Association of Veterinary Cannabinoid Medicine for questions for the very best reliable information for you furry best friend - or speak to your local vet.

While animals do have an endocannabinoid system we all do, theirs are often a bit different. For example- dog's have higher amounts of CB1 receptors in the cerebellum of their brain- making them more susceptible to the intoxicating effect of THC. We also need to be careful with cat's. Many products on the market suggested for animals contain large amounts of terpenes (terpenes are present in plants and many terpenes are the same ones from plants that prove to be toxic for cat's). For this reason, and many others- it is strongly encouraged for you to reach out to your Veterinarian before purchasing any product for your pet.

Side note- if you are purchasing a Cannabis product for your pet off an online or health food store- this in not a legal product and does not test and require the same regulations as those found in retail and medical stores. These products could contain contaminants not good for your furry friends. We want to ensure the best of health for your critters- so make sure you reach out to your local veterinarian.

Let's talk terpenes!!
Terpenes are present in every plant in the world. They are responsible for the taste, smell, and sometimes the effect the plant will have on you.

Aromatherapy is based on this concept, using terpenes such as lavender for calming, and limonene for uplifting energy.

The effect and high that you receive from the cannabis plant is based on the idea of the entourage effect. It's more than just the THC or CBD content. Every compound in the cannabis plant ( terpenes, flavanoids, and minor cannabinoids) play a factor and work together for the overall effect.

This is why the industry is moving towards listing their total terpene content to help consumers understand what strain and combination will work for them to tailor their high.

I've experienced strains at 14% THC, with a high terpene content that knock my socks off *Tangerine Dream highly suggested**!! Over a high THC strain with minimal terpenes.

Many medical professionals will use this information to help find the strain that is just right for you. Check out the picture below to see what terpenes can do for you!

And, as always, reach out if you have specific questions!!

Our Endocannabinoid system is such a complex and remarkable system!

It is in all mammals on earth, and always has been- which helps us to understand what an important system it is in maintaining homeostasis within our body, and why so many conditions seem to be impacted by Cannabis use.

Our Endocannabinoid system is part of every major organ system in our body- from our brain to our bones!

Did you know, when you have an area of injury or trauma, our body will automatically increase the endocannabinoid receptors in that area of our body to aid with healing? This is a big deal! Our body systems have evolved over millions of years and know that increasing the areas that THC and CBD bind to will aid with healing- including in our brain (mental health!)

There are many current doctor's, scientists, and educational professionals that are recognizing most major conditions (Fibromyalgia, MS, Irritable Bowel Syndrome...) are a result of something known as Endocannabinoid Deficiency Syndrome. Which is when our bodies are not creating enough cannabinoids on it's own and require supplement with cannabis products.
This is why the pharmaceutical companies have been working to develop synthetic cannabis products which are currently used in treatments today- they just are not openly known as synthetic cannabis! Have you ever been prescribed -Marinol, Syndros, Dronabinol, Nabilone, Cesamet, Epidiolex, or Sativex? Yep, You have been prescribed synthetic cannabis!

Apologies for the lack of posting lately. As part of my continuing education in Cannabis Health, I spent a week completely off grid working at the most amazing outdoor cannabis harvest! These guys were so true to the legacy market feel- while still meeting all the regulations and requirements needed to get their product into the legal market. Aside from the amazing educational and spiritual experience, it was truly inspiring to see how passionate these growers are about this plant. They work so hard to create quality product for you the consumer, to help decrease the stigma of cannabis 👏👏

The prejudice around medical cannabis is keeping us from understanding that there alternatives out there that have the potential to save individuals lives. The statement "things will change, it just takes time" - should be unacceptable. There are people who are suffering NOW who don't have time to wait for politics to catch up to the evidence that is currently out there.

Did you know? This was an ad that was intended to be played during the Superbowl. REAL testimonials from REAL people, with tons of evidence and studies to back up these claims. It was pulled and was not allowed to be shown.

How frustrating that we continue to be bombarded with alcohol, gorgeous women, and greasy fast food ad's; yet are not able to be shown something that could improve lives of children, athletes, veterans, and substance abuse individuals.

ATHLETES are currently benefiting from medical cannabis, and even the NFL itself is involved with research studies on how cannabis can help individuals who are experiencing pain and concussions from athletic activities.

A bit ironic, no? Should we as people not be provided with information that could potentially change our lives?

See the ad that was banned below. What do you think, should this commercial have been allowed?

Acreage Cannabis Ad Rejected For Super Bowl By CBS * Super Bowl Champions Talk About The NFL's Stance On Cannabis: https://www.forbes.com/sites/javierhasse/2019/02/01/super-bowl-champions-talk-about-the-nfls-...

The stigma around cannabis often keeps us from remembering that it is a plant that is meant to bring people together, through laughter and wellness!

I wanted to share this gorgeous canna-bouquet myself and my wonderful friends worked together to build for a friend experiencing a difficult time.

It was created with love, home grown buds, home grown flowers, and some store bought goodies.

The reception when it was delivered was met with gratitude, curiosity, and laughter. Cannabis is a gift, and no stigma should prevent us from sharing!

Let's Talk Cannabis Topicals!

One of my personal favorite product categories on the market, cannabis topicals are helpful, convenient, versatile and discreet.

I tend to use these products after activities of heavy exercise (my entire team was grateful for the icy/hot CBD topical after our baseball tournament), or when I have a bit of an arthritic flare up.

People can find benefits from topicals in the way of skin care relief for Acne, Eczema, and Psoriasis, as well as for relief of arthritic pain, pulled or strained muscles, and any other conditions that are a result of inflammation.

Unlike most other products, Cannabis topicals containing THC are not likely to give you the intoxicating feeling. Instead, the THC and CBD in the product will absorb into the skin and target the specific endocannabinoid receptors in that part of the body for targeted pain relief. As we learned in a previous post, our endocannabinoid system has both THC and CBD receptors all throughout our body, from our nerves to our bones. This allows for the THC and CBD in the topicals to absorb and interact with these receptors, without necessarily entering the blood stream which would give the intoxicating "high".

What if the pain or discomfort your feeling is throughout your entire body? There are also Bath salts, scrubs, and bath bombs that can help to provide whole body relief. Currently, there are new transdermal patches that are available and can provide days of relief in a time-release format (be careful as these are not your regular topical and will enter your blood stream- you will feel intoxicating effects if there is THC.)

Be careful when purchasing topical cannabis products online or in stores. Often, these are able to be sold in those locations because they are made of h**p seed oil. H**p seed oil does contain CBD and THC but only in very minimal amounts, and do not contain the cannabinoids of your regular topical product. (See previous post about Entourage effect to understand why these are important!)

We must always be careful when trying products for ourselves as each individual reacts differently. Many creams will contain natural plants and terpenes that are known for pain relief such as peppermint, lavender, and arnica- so always try a small amount on the skin and see how you react before applying large amounts.

See the articles below for more information on cannabis topicals!
https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/what-are-cannabis-topicals

It's NOT ALL ABOUT THE THC!!!

Many Cannaseur's will pride themselves on their tolerance levels, and their ability to handle some of the highest potency strains- but let's talk about what really gives us the complete experience when we use cannabis- the ENTOURAGE EFFECT.

Each individual cannabis cultivar is made up of hundreds of unique compounds. These compounds include
- Cannabinoids (such as THC, CBD, CBD, CBG)
- Terpenes (linalool, pinene, myrcene, etc.)
- Flavanoids (responsible for color, etc.)
Many of these compounds are needing further research to completely understand all of their effects, but what we do know is that all of these compounds work together to enhance the overall experience of each strain/cultivar. This is known as the entourage effect.

Let's think of our endocannabinoid system like an airplane. THC and CBD are like the fuel that get our airplane(endocannabinoid system) off the ground and flying. However, think of terpenes and other cannabinoids as the wings. They keep you flying, and are responsible for the overall experience of the ride.

This analogy becomes abundantly clear when you try a distillate or concentrated product that does not contain the whole flower cannabis terpenes. You may smoke a product that is 80% THC, however, most users report the high from the THC distillate does not last very long, or doesn't feel the same as a whole flower at 20% THC. The reason for this is that the extra cannabinoids and terpenes that add to the overall effect have been removed.

For example, Myrcene is a terpene known to help THC cross the blood-brain barrier with easier access. Meaning cultivars high in Myrcene will often have a bit of a stronger effect. Terpinolene is a very strong smelling terpene that will often have a 13% cultivar feeling like 18%.

Many people will miss out on amazing cultivars, simply due to a mid-range THC potency level. There is a reason one of the top strains in Canada is only 13% THC! Don't take my word for it, try it for yourself. Next time you are tempted to go simply for the highest THC, try a mid-range potency with 2% terpene content or higher. You may find yourself surprised!

Want to learn more? Follow the link below to learn more!

https://www.cannabistech.com/articles/what-is-the-entourage-effect-in-cannabis/

Let's talk the Science of Terpenes!!

Many of my future posts will talk about the different terpenes found abundantly in all plants- and how their effects can enhance your overall cannabis experience. But let's start with WHAT they are and HOW they work!

Terpenes are present in all living plant species. They are what give plants, and fruits their specific smell, as well as many of their therapeutic benefits ( think along the lines of aromatherapy).

Terpene scents trigger automatic responses in our bodies that lead to how we feel, these scents travel directly to the smell center (Olfactory Bulb) in our brain. This is directly related to the Amygdala and Hippocampus centers of our brain which are responsible for our emotions, responses and memory..
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It's why some love the smell of campfires and autumn leaves falling, while for others it can trigger bad memories, and therefore bad reactions. Our responses are often based on past memories and experiences which trigger us to remember them as pleasant or unpleasant. That is why, no two individuals will experience the same effects from terpenes and why we love some smells more than others!⁠⠀

Terpenes are present in the cannabis plant, and each strain has it's own unique combination of terpene profiles. Our bodies will react differently to these different terpenes.

Because they mimic plant terpenes we encounter in our everyday lives, Cannabis allergies could very well be Cannabis allergies- but they could also be your body's response to a specific terpene! Allergic to citrus? Avoid Limonene abundant strains. Have an issue with lilacs? May need to avoid strains high in linalool. With legalization and more information about each available strain- it's easy to find what you are looking for, what your not looking for, and to "tailor your high"!

Interested in learning more? Follow the links below!
https://wayofleaf.com/cannabis/101/terpenes-and-marijuana-aromatherapy
https://wayofleaf.com/cannabis/ailments/do-terpenes-get-you-hig