Feeling calm is something that some people take advantage of, and is something that everyone has a right to enjoy. If you haven’t felt so calm lately, maybe try cannabis with these cannabinoids to help you out.

Cannabidiolic Acid

CBDa occurs in the resin glands (trichomes) of the cannabis plant. It is the precursor of cannabidiol (CBD). CBDa is considered inactive until it is activated and then it becomes active CBD. To activate CBDa, it must be aged and go through a heating process (decarboxylation) to convert it to CBD.

Along with CBD, this raw acid-form does not have psychoactive effects. There are many potential benefits to this compound with studies showing that the molecule has positive effects when taken alone or in combination with other cannabinoids via the entourage effect.

Anti-proliferative – prevents cancer cell migration, noted specifically in cases of aggressive breast cancer
Antiemetic – reduces nausea and vomiting
Anti-inflammatory and pain reduction through COX-2 inhibition
Positive effect on seizures for the treatment of epilepsy, also when used in combination with CBD
Anti-anxiety effects
Potential anti-depressive effects through 5-HT1A receptor activation

Cannabidiol

CBD is a natural chemical derived from the cannabis plant. The compound belongs to a classification known as cannabinoids, which are found both in cannabis (phytocannabinoids) and the human body (endocannabinoids).
Your body has an endocannabinoid system, which in short means that it has receptors for cannabinoid compounds like CBD and THC. CBD and THC both interact with the body through the endocannabinoid system, a biological communication system that regulates a wide array of functions, like:

• Pain
• Appetite
• Mood
• Memory
• Immune response
• Sleep

CBD is often used to help with anxiety and feeling more calm, so it’s not surprising people use CBD to feel calm. You can get pure CBD extracts also if you wanted to enjoy the calm effects CBD gives without feeling that high THC gives you.

CBD and THC have chemical structures similar to the body’s own endocannabinoids, which allows them to interact with the endocannabinoid system’s cannabinoid receptors. It helps to balance out your system, which helps make you feel better and calm.

The main difference between CBD and THC? CBD doesn’t give you the mind altering effects, whereas THC does. Typically you’ll find high concentrations of CBD in hemp (defined by the government as having less than .3% THC). You’ll find high THC in craft cannabis, because usually craft cannabis connoisseurs are growing for higher levels of THC.

Cannabinol

CBN is a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid that is produced from the degradation of THC. There is usually very little to no CBN in a fresh plant. CBN acts as a weak agonist at both the CB1 and CB2 receptors, with greater affinity for CB2 receptors than CB1. The degradation of THC into CBN is often described as creating a sedative effect, known as a “couch lock.” Some people like this couch lock high to help them calm down, while other prefer to not feel high at all. It’s really up to you and your preference for what’s going to help you calm down.

Tetrahydrocannabivarin

THCV is a minor cannabinoid found in only some strains of cannabis. The only structural difference between THCV and THC is the presence of a propyl (3 carbon) group, rather than a pentyl (5 carbon) group on the molecule. Though this variation may seem subtle, it causes THCV to produce very different effects than THC. These effects include a reduction in panic attacks, suppression of appetite, and the promotion of bone growth. THCV acts as an antagonist at the CB1 receptor and a partial agonist at the CB2 receptor. Reducing panic attacks itself will help you to feel more calm. 

Terpinolene

Terpinolene has been shown to exhibit antioxidant and anticancer effects in rat brain cells. Studies with mice show that terpinolene has a sedative effect when inhaled. In addition, terpinolene is responsible for many of the floral notes found in Jack Herer varieties. Since terpinolene typically gives you a sedative effect, you’re more likely to feel calm when consuming cannabis that has this in higher quantities. Terpinolene has been known to be less widely known compared to other cannabinoids, but its calming factors can’t be ignored. When looking for cannabis cultivars to help you stay calm, smell them and see if you can find some that smell piney, floral, and a bit herbaceous. If you stick to those you’ll be more likely to find that the cannabis keeps you calm. Some cultivars that are already known to contain some terpinolene are Dutch Treat, Ghost Train Haze, and Agent Orange. 

Myrcene

Myrcene is the most prevalent terpene and is found in most varieties of cannabis. Myrcene concentration dictates whether a cultivar will have an energetic or sedative effect. Cultivars containing over 0.5% of myrcene produce a more sedative high, while cultivars containing less than 0.5% myrcene have an energizing effect. Myrcene is also present in thyme, hops, lemongrass, and citrus, and is used in aromatherapy. Trust your nose when you’re looking for cannabis with myrcene. If it smells more citrusy or fruity, you’re likely going to enjoy the calming and uplifting effects from that cannabis. Some cultivars that contain the calm effects of myrcene are Granddaddy Purp, Amnesia, and Trainwreck.

When you’re looking to use cannabis to help you calm down, be sure to keep a journal of what works for you and what doesn’t. With this you’ll be able to stay away from cannabis cultivars that stresses you out more, and find cannabis that keeps you calm. 

If you have any questions on cannabis types to help you stay calm, call one of our cannasultants today and get some help!