You already know about THC and CBD, but it’s time to learn more about the different cannabinoids in marijuana. Cannabichromene, or CBC for short, is one you’re likely to hear a lot about in the near future. It doesn’t get nearly as much attention as CBD or THC does, but we’re learning more every day about how all of the cannabinoids work together.

The Science of CBC Cannabinoids

To dive deeper into what CBC is, it’s important to take a quick look at the science of cannabis. CBC comes from cannabigerolic acid, which is often known simply as CBGa. Enzymes can convert CBGa into cannabichromene (CBC) or cannabichromene carboxylic acid (CBCa). CBCa can still get decarboxylated and become CBC, just as THCa is decarboxylated with heat to become active THC. There’s no need to get deeper into the chemistry at this point, so we’ll end our science lesson there and focus on the actual benefits of CBC. 

Understanding CBD More Simply

You can use what you already know about THC and CBD to understand the other cannabinoids more completely without diving into chemistry and biology. For example, you already know that THC has psychoactive properties, and it’s the reason cannabis can create the intoxicating effects of being high. CBD, on the other hand, doesn’t offer psychoactive effects, but it’s known for inspiring a general sense of wellness. Even though these two cannabinoids are the rock stars in the cannabis plant, there are over 100 other known cannabinoids supporting CBD and THC.

To stick with the rock star analogy, THC and CBD are like John and Paul from the Beatles. Everyone knows them and loves them, and their unique personalities are clearly reflected in all of the group’s work. CBC is like Ringo. He’s not the most famous in the group, doesn’t get as much love as those at the front of the stage, and sometimes you can’t even see him back there behind his drum kit. Still, though, the White Album wouldn’t be possible without the balanced rhythm he provided.

All of the cannabinoids in cannabis, like the members of a legendary band, have to work together in concert (pun intended) to create something that makes the fans go wild and stands the test of time. The presence of other cannabinoids and terpenes will help THC and CBD shine brighter than they could on their own, and this is called the entourage effect.

What Is the Entourage Effect?

John and Paul were able to shine more completely with the Beatles than they could on their solo albums, and cannabinoids also perform differently depending on the entourage they bring with them. Different strains often lend themselves to different experiences, even when they have almost the same levels of THC. The presence of CBC in premium cannabis strains could be remarkable for a variety of reasons:

  1. One study concluded that the “combination of CBC and THC leads to enhanced tetrad and anti-inflammatory actions.” They further noted a potentially “additive relationship between the anti-inflammatory effects of CBC and THC.” This seems to indicate that strains with higher levels of CBC may be preferable for those who buy cannabis after experiencing discomfort or edema (swelling).
  2. A rodent-based study of non-psychoactive cannabinoids concluded that “CBD and CBC stimulated descending pathways of antinociception and caused analgesia by interacting with several target proteins involved in nociceptive control.” In more relatable terms, analgesia is defined as the inability to feel pain.
  3. Another study on rodents found that “the cannabinoids cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabinol (CBN) did not produce antidepressant-like actions up to 80 mg/kg in the mouse FST, while cannabichromene (CBC) and cannabidiol (CBD) exhibited significant effect at 20 and 200mg/kg, respectively.” Further studies on this topic may provide interesting information for anyone who smokes cannabis to unwind or who is prescribed medical marijuana for a stress disorder.
  4. Cannabis products are starting to earn their place in skincare routines, and this study might explain why. “CBC, CBDV, and especially THCV show promise to become highly efficient, novel anti-acne agents. Moreover, based on their remarkable anti-inflammatory actions, phytocannabinoids could be efficient, yet safe novel tools in the management of cutaneous inflammations,” the researchers report.

Buy High CBC Strains in Denver

Most companies don’t make products with a lot of CBC yet, but you can find this fascinating cannabinoid in many of your favorite strains. Research the strains on our online dispensary menus,  or talk to a budtender when you visit either of our dispensaries in Wheat Ridge or Boulder. We’ll help you find premium cannabis that contains a lot of cannabinoids including CBC. Place your order today to start exploring more strains.

 

Fighting the battle to get a good night’s sleep can be exhausting in more ways than one. If you’re one of the millions of individuals dealing with sleepless nights, you’ve likely spent a considerable amount of time and effort searching for effective remedies to help you relax and sleep. And now, a growing number of consumers have reported that they’ve discovered what they believe is their key to a good night’s sleep: cannabis.

Finding the Best Cannabis Strains for Sleep

Whether you’re a seasoned cannabis consumer or new to the world of marijuana, the massive variety of cannabis strains available can easily become overwhelming. When you’re searching for the best cannabis strain for sleep, it’s important to understand that the strain, form, and cannabinoid content can have a major effect on your experience. 

By keeping a few key factors in mind, you can select an option that’s suited to your desired effects and personal preferences. Here is what you need to know about choosing a nighttime cannabis strain that aligns with your unique wants and needs.

THC and CBD may affect your sleep differently

One of the first things you learn as a cannabis consumer is that there are many different strains, and they are generally characterized by their cannabinoid content. THC and CBD are the two cannabinoids you’ll see referenced most frequently, and each one can play a markedly different role in helping you reach your sleep goals. 

Many individuals report that they prefer high-CBD strains for sleep, and a scientific survey found that about two-thirds of participants felt that CBD supported their improved sleep quality. But on the other end of the spectrum, some animal model studies made connections between CBD and increased alertness. 

So, what does this mean? Ultimately, the strain that’s well-matched to your preferences is a completely personal choice. You may consider starting with high-CBD strains, then transitioning to higher-THC options if you don’t feel that your sleeplessness improves. If you aren’t sure where to begin, our budtenders are always happy to help.

Consider edibles as your cannabis form of choice

For individuals hoping to switch up their bedtime routine with the addition of cannabis, edibles are becoming an increasingly popular choice. Most people report that the experience of consuming edibles is different than enjoying other forms of cannabis, including smoking or vaping. 

Recent studies have found that the effects of edibles may last between six and eight hours, and others state that effects generally kick in about 30 to 60 minutes after consumption. When you do the math, it makes sense that so many people say that cannabis edibles are a good match for their journey to better sleep.

Be open to experimenting with various strains

Everyone experiences cannabis differently, and it’s virtually impossible to predict exactly what to expect from a given strain. Your friend’s favorite strain for nighttime might end up being one that you dislike. For this reason, it’s very important that you remain open to trying various strains, using trial and error to determine one that fits your personal preferences. Our budtenders are here to help you weigh your options and land on the strain that’s ideal for you personally.

What are the Best Strains for Sleep?

It’s true that everyone’s idea of the perfect strain for sleep can vary considerably, but there are a handful of options that seem to be recommended more often than others. Here are some of the cannabis strains that our customers report loving for a good night’s sleep:

Star Killer

A popular go-to for people interested in relaxation, Star Killer is one of our customers’ first choice.

GG #4

Also known as Gorilla Glue, GG #4 is reported by many consumers to support pleasant sleepiness. 

Chem Penny

This high-CBD strain is another that we often hear our customers describe as a sleep-friendly fan favorite, and could be one to try if you prefer a CBD-centric experience.

Orange Juice Kush

Although the name of this strain might make you think of breakfast time, it’s actually one that’s commonly enjoyed before bed. Numerous customers have reported that Orange Juice Kush helps them feel calm and relaxed, so it’s understandable that they like it for evening use.

Find Top Strains for Insomnia at Options Cannabis Company

At our cannabis dispensaries in Boulder and Wheat Ridge, Options Cannabis Company offers a wide range of cannabis strains to choose from. Our dispensary menu features a diverse selection of strains, making it easy to shop for one that fulfills your individual goals. Our friendly, experienced budtenders are passionate about supporting customers in their cannabis journeys and are always here to help you choose your best-fit cannabis strains, edibles, or concentrates for sleep.

Browse our Boulder and Wheat Ridge dispensary menus online, or stop by to shop in person.

Many people love cannabis for its ability to help them feel less anxious, but there are also times people feel even more anxiety while on cannabis. How could that be? It’s been one of the most interesting mysteries in cannabis lore, and Canadian researchers have set out to solve it. Their study, published in late 2018, has provided some insights about why some strains are better than others for people with anxiety.

The Neuroscience Behind Cannabis and Anxiety

The team of Canadian neuroscientists took an ambitious step toward explaining why some strains affect us differently than others. To start, they partnered with a single dispensary and surveyed over 400 of their patients about their experiences with different strains. In addition to their surveys, they conducted multiple lab experiments on the different strains to get a closer look at their chemical composition.

Survey participants rated the strains on a scale from one to ten, saying how effective each one was at making them feel less anxious. The researchers compiled all of this data, then compared it to the lab results for the different strains. They were able to identify some patterns involving terpenes found in some of the most and least effective strains.

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are some of the organic compounds found in plants (in this case, cannabis). Each is associated with its own flavor, smell, and helps give the plant its specific aroma. To put it simply, you might compare them to the essential oils of a plant. This is relevant to the cannabis industry because of a phenomenon some people call the entourage effect.

The entourage effect is a theory that the terpenes in cannabis change the way the body processes THC and CBD. That’s a possible explanation for how two strains with the same levels of THC and CBD can hit people differently. In other words, terpenes may play a key role in how the active ingredients in cannabis make a person feel.

Best Terpenes for Reducing Anxiety

According to the study, strains with high THC levels and lots of the terpene trans-nerolidol were best for addressing anxiety. Some of the best strains also had their roots in a Central Asian kush landrace, giving them high levels of caryophyllene and limonene. Trans-nerolidol is also found in lemongrass, jasmine, and tea tree, so look for strains with fruity, floral aromas.

This study also exposed some trends about which terpenes may not be quite as good for people with anxiety. The study doesn’t prove that these are necessarily the worst terpenes for anxiety, but they might be worth watching for:

How to Find the Best Strain for Anxiety

Though the study mentioned is a great advancement in the right direction for the cannabis community, the scientists themselves caution that more research is necessary. One of the original neuroscientists from this study has said that since everyone is different, people would be best suited to try different strains until they discover which one is best for them.

Best Reported Cannabis Strains for Anxiety in Boulder and Wheat Ridge

We at Options Cannabis Company have a full dispensary menu with diverse flower offerings, and our experienced budtenders have some of the best product knowledge in the industry. Stop in to chat with us about the specific terpene profiles of our different strains and learn more about which ones have been best for our customers with anxiety. In the meantime, you can also contact us online with any questions.

Options Medical Center carries a wide variety of cannabis products for both medical and recreational customers at our dispensary in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. One of the best products for experiencing the health benefits of cannabis is oil. Cannabis oil comes in both Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) versions so it’s important to know the difference of each and what they can do for you. We here at Options always want to make sure our customers and patients are informed before, during, and after their trip to see us.

The most important difference to keep in mind between THC and CBD oils is that THC oil has psychoactive effects and is typically associated with getting “high,” and CBD oil is nonpsychoactive and leans more toward health. Also, THC oil consumption can be illegal in some states and impairs ones ability to do things such as operate a motor vehicle, whereas CBD oil does not provide the intoxicating effects that THC does so it is more widely accepted.

THC Oil

As we previously mentioned, THC oil and THC vape oil are typically associated with the psychoactive properties of marijuana. They should only be used when there is no intention to operate heavy machinery, make important decisions, etc. The effects of THC oil include fatigue, relaxation, altered senses of sight, smell and hearing, reduced aggression, and hunger. Due to these effects, THC oil is used medicinally for dealing with the side effects of many conditions and treatments such as chemotherapy, AIDS treatments, spinal injuries, tremors and seizures, Parkinson’s, MS, and Glaucoma.

CBD Oil

CBD oil in contrast to THC oil has no psychoactive properties at all. Due to this it is more widely accepted in places that THC and cannabis are not allowed to be sold or consumed. Also, it is recommended for those that still want to be able to operate heavy machinery, spend time with people, etc. Due to the fact it has no psychoactive properties, it is used in the treatment of arthritis, different types of anxiety, schizophrenia, depression, and appetite in cancer treatment patients. It is also used to reduce psychotic symptoms, treat nausea and convulsions, anxiety, and inflammation.

Next time you need cannabis, see us at Options in Wheat Ridge. We have been a part of the cannabis industry since 2012, and are dedicated to providing personalized service and individualized care to our customers and patients. We strive to provide the best cannabis to Colorado at all times. If you have any questions about THC or CBD, or any other cannabis products, come on in and see us or contact us here.

Oil, oil, oil! Everywhere you look these days there is cannabis oil, CBD oil, THC oil and many other varieties on store shelves. Colorado marijuana dispensaries are up to their ears in all different kinds of oils. Oils have many medical benefits, but what is the difference between hemp oil and cannabis oil? Which products are right for you?

Hemp Oil and Cannabis Oil

To begin with, it’s important to understand the difference between hemp oil and cannabis oil. Both hemp and cannabis are part of the same family of plants, which is why they are often confused. However, when it comes to oils, hemp oil is actually produced by pressing hemp seeds, while cannabis oil comes from cannabis flowers. Hemp seed oil is high in fatty acids but free of cannabinoids. This means it contains some nutrients but cannot get you high. By contrast, cannabis or marijuana oil can contain cannabinoids and can be further broken down into THC oil and CBD oil.

THC and CBD Oils

If you’ve learned anything about marijuana nomenclature, you know that THC is the cannabinoid that is most often responsible for “getting high,” while CBD oils do not have a psychoactive effect and are credited with things like pain relief. Thus, when you see marijuana oils on the shelf, they will typically denote whether they are CBD or THC oils. Some oils available for purchase will be pure THC, some will have different ratios of CBD and THC, and some will be pure CBD.

As you explore marijuana dispensaries in Colorado, take a look at different oils and see what the main ingredients are. Remember that hemp seed oil is not the same as cannabis oil, and that THC and CBD produce different effects. If you are looking mainly for medical purposes, CBD will be your best bet, while THC is more about the psychoactive results and relaxation.

To learn more about different types of oil available in Colorado, visit Options Medical Center in Wheat Ridge today and speak to one of our specialists. We can help you select an oil that is best suited to your needs.

Wheat Ridge Location
9085 W. 44th Street,
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

Call: 720-242-9452

Recreational Hours:
Mon - Fri: 9 AM - 9:30 PM
Saturday: 10 AM - 8:30 PM
Sunday: 10 AM - 7:30 PM