Showing posts with label natural. Show all posts
Showing posts with label natural. Show all posts

Monday, August 17, 2015

25 of the Best Medical Marijuana Strains for Treating Fibromyalgia

25 of the Best Medical Marijuana Strains for Treating Fibromyalgia:


Fibromyalgia is a complex, chronic pain disorder. Known by many as an "invisible illness," Fibromyalgia is often mistaken for other diseases and disorders, written off as general pain, or sometimes even misdiagnosed or ignored. People with fibromyalgia are aware of how real the disorder is, however, and positive progress is being made in the medical community every day to help the people who live with this incurable (but somewhat manageable) condition. One positive step in the right direction involves the use of medical marijuana in treating Fibromyalgia. Several studies have already shown benefits to using medical marijuana for Fibromyalgia, and as we learn more and more all the time, hopefully in the near future we will see even more proof of it's effectiveness, as well as more medical marijuana (and fewer "Big Pharma" narcotics) in the hands of fibro patients everywhere.
But before we get ahead of ourselves though, we have to remember that, as is the case with most medical conditions treated with marijuana, there will probably be certain strains that will help more than others. There may even be certain strains that exacerbate symptoms and flares much more; so it is very important to know what you are looking for in your meds.  

And that is where the staff here at Green Leaf Clinic comes in...

We have been tirelessly researching the connections between Fibromyalgia and medical marijuana for weeks now, in the hopes of discovering the very best strains for our patients with Fibro to consume, and we have come up with a great list for you all. We took in a variety of factors when it came to our final decisions, including which strains truly addressed key Fibromyalgia symptoms, CBD content (as high CBD's offer pain relief, strengthen bones, relieve anxiety, and act as anti-inflammatories, and anti-epileptics, as well as easing nausea), and even smell, taste, potency, appearance, and strain names and histories.  We also read reviews from patients on several websites and informally spoke with Fibromyalgia patients in the Michigan Medical Marijuana Program in Lansing, Eaton Rapids, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids.

What we came up with, was a great list of 25 amazing strains (and a few honorable mentions as well) to use in treating Fibromyalgia.  But before we get to that list, let's go over exactly what these meds are treating...

Picture from: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/147083.php


Common and Uncommon Fibromyalgia Symptoms and Associated Conditions:

A person who has Fibromyalgia will experience many, though probably not all, of the afflictions on this list. If there is something you see missing, please let us know in the comments. 

-chronic muscle, skeletal, joint, and deep tissue pain
-muscle spasms/tremors
-"brain fog"
-fatigue/sleep issues/sleep apnea/insomnia
-depression
-anxiety
-headaches/migraines
-social isolation
-memory and mood issues
-neuropathy (nerve pain)
-abdominal cramps
-irritability 
-menstrual problems
-fertility problems
-muscle/joint stiffness
-nausea
-bloating
-constipation
-tingling in hands/feet
-itchy skin
-temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
-irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
-restless leg syndrome (RLS)
-sexual disfunction
-worsened allergies
-gluten intolerance or Celiac Disease
-thyroid problems
-other rheumatic and/or autoimmune diseases such as Lupus, Grave's Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

That is quite a slew of problems! But luckily, Green Leaf Clinic has solutions! 
Without further ado, here are...

25 of the Best Medical Marijuana Strains for Treating Fibromyalgia:


1. Permafrost
Sativa dom. Hybrid
This very frosty strain of medical marijuana has relaxing, yet uplifting, euphoric effects. It is effective in treating muscle and joint pain, depression, spasms/tremors, gastrointestinal disorders, and more. It is also a rather great strain for MS patients with, or without, Fibromyalgia as well.

2. Canna-Tsu
Indica dom. Hybrid
This medical marijuana strain is packed with powerful CBDs and is great for treating muscle, joint, and deep tissue pain, inflammation, anxiety, social disorders, muscle spasms/tremors, etc.

3. Violator Kush
Indica
Violator Kush is high in both THC and CBDs, making it a very desirable medical strain. It offers relaxation, slight sedation, and pain relief and can assist with both depression and insomnia.

4. Romulan
Indica dom. Hybrid
This strain, named after a smart, devious, manipulative, and mysterious alien race from the Star Trek universe, is wonderful for massive relaxation. It acts as a sedative and is one of the best strains for insomnia. Romulan also assists by melting away stress and anxiety...

5. Green Queen
Sativa dom. Hybrid
Green Queen is a great daytime medication for Fibro patients because it is uplifting and energizing, even as it aids in the relief of joint and muscle pain, muscle spasms, and symptoms of IBS. With it's high levels of THC, this strain is just a fun one to smoke - the fact that it helps with stress and depression too is just icing on the cake.

6. MediHaze
Sativa dom. Hybrid
This strain's high CBDs are matched with high THC for a VERY potent combination.  This sativa dominant medical marijuana strain of canna-power is great for pain, inflammation, anxiety, attention and social disorders, and for providing focus - it's rather heavy pain relief does not come with a fogginess or sedative feeling, but instead a clearheaded, focused "high" which is great for any patient with Fibromyalgia who still has to go to work every day.

7. ACDC
Sativa dom. Hybrid
ACDC is full of CBDs and has little to no THC; meaning, there are no psychoactive effects associated with this particular marijuana strain, making it a great choice for those who want relief from pain, inflammation, muscle spasms, anxiety, and more without the "high."  This is also a good choice for those with Fibro who are at a higher risk for cancer, as it helps prevent cancer and kills cancer cells.

8. Blue Dream
Sativa dom. Hybrid
Blue Dream is a great all day medication for Fibromyalgia patients as it provides energy, euphoria, and feelings of happiness, as well as a clear-headed, yet creative and dreamy, focused vibe.  It is relaxing without being sedating and it is a great medical marijuana strain choice for the pain, depression, nausea, stress, and digestive upset Fibromyalgia can cause.

9. Grape God
Indica dom. Hybrid
This Indica dominant medical marijuana strain is a great choice for right after dinner... it provides relief from pain, stress, and depression and makes it's users happy, euphoric, relaxed, and peaceful, without being too heavily sedating. 

10. Tangerine Dream
Hybrid
Tangerine Dream is this writer's personal favorite of this bunch, because Tangerine Dream is a medical marijuana strain that you can smoke all day! It smells and tastes great, it looks great, and of course, it is an amazing medicine. It provides massive pain relief and relaxation but while still stimulating energy, creativity, focus, and drive. It makes one feel euphoric and uplifted, and it truly knocks out pain. It is best for chronic muscle and joint pain, stress, depression, and for those who tend to socially withdraw when their chronic illness flares up.

11. White Berry
Indica dom. Hybrid
This lovely Indica heavy strain is a wonderful choice when it comes to treating pain, depression, stress, and spasms related to Fibromyalgia. It provides relaxation and a significant amount of pain relief, while also making one feel very happy, euphoric, creative, and almost as if floating!

12. Remedy
Hybrid
Got the sickness? We've got the Remedy! This medical marijuana hybrid strain was crafted to be very high in CBDs and very low in THC, making it a great choice for patients who do not desire psychoactive effects or to "get high." It is great for joint and muscle pain, spasms/tremors, anxiety, inflammation, and neuropathy.

13. Blueberry Skunk
Indica dom. Hybrid
One of the best strains for addressing multiple issues, Blueberry Skunk is a great choice for Fibromyalgia patients.  It eases pain, stress, depression, anxiety, nausea, inflammation, etc. plus it is potent, sweet smelling, and flavorful, especially well cured to perfection.  For patients with a lower tolerance, Blueberry Skunk may provide the giggles and the munchies as well.

14. Cannatonic
Hybrid
If the name wasn't a hint enough in itself, I will let you know now: Cannatonic is one of the very best strains for RELAXATION! It is high in both CBDs and THC and it helps with muscle and joint pain, spasms/tremors, neuropathy, inflammation, stress, depression, anxiety, and the negative effects of cancer treatment.  It is an especially important strain for any Fibro patients with a family history of cancer to take as a preventative measure and equally important for Fibro patients who are currently battling cancer as it can help kill cancer cells and slow disease growth.

15. Charlotte's Web
Sativa
Charlotte's Web is a great strain for patients with Fibromyalgia, but it was originally designed for a little girl with seizures, hence why it is high in CBDs, low in THC, and is a very functional medicine.  It provides great relief from pain, stress, and depression by inducing euphoric and happy feelings and allowing for an energized, yet calm, focus. It's nice.

16. MediBud
Hybrid
MediBud is another strain on our list that is great as an all-day smoke, as it gives pain relief and other wonderful benefits while still providing energy, happiness, and focus (mixed with a hint of euphoria to keep that depression at bay.) It is a wonderful hybrid medical marijuana strain for patients with Fibro!

17. Afghani CBD
Indica
Afghani is an amazing medical marijuana strain as is, but someone made it even better by making it  more CBD heavy. Afghani CBD is the perfect medicine for Fibromyalgia patients to take before bedtime.  It is a sedating, relaxing, sleep inducing, dream maker of a med, and it is great for treating pain, depression, restless leg syndrome, muscle spasms, stress disorders, and of course, insomnia.

18. Purple Alien OG
Indica dom. Hybrid
This very relaxing mmj strain is a wonderful choice when it comes to treating symptoms of Fibromyalgia, especially stress, anxiety, pain, nausea, and insomnia.  

19. White Rhino
Indica Blend
White Rhino is actually a favorite with our patients and staff members here at Green Leaf Clinic. Why? Well, White Rhino addresses multiple issues (much like Blueberry Skunk) and it is a pleasure to smoke. White Rhino helps with pain, anxiety, depression, inflammation, nausea, spasms, social disorders, insomnia, and more. 

20. Northern Lights
Indica
This medical marijuana strain is another good one for the end of the night, right before bed, as it is one of the best aids for insomnia there is.  It is also good for pain, stress, and anxiety - it lends a calm, dreamy euphoria to the mind, and a soothing, sedative, relaxation to the body. 

21. Avi-Dekel
Sativa dom. Hybrid
This particular strain is another that is high in CBDs and low in THC, a common trend when it comes to treating chronic conditions, and it is a great help for spasms, tremors, seizures, inflammation, pain, insomnia, and digestive disorders such as IBS.

22. Sour Tsunami
Hybrid
One of the first to be bred as a high CBD, low THC strain, Sour Tsunami lead the way for many other strains, but it is still a giant in its own right! Sour Tsunami allows the patient to be relaxed and focused simultaneously while it addresses pain, muscle spasms, inflammation, stress, neuropathy, and more.

23. Somango
Indica Blend
Somango is a wonderful medical marijuana strain for Fibromyalgia patients because it provides a clear-headed, functional, and euphoric energy that is good for pain, anxiety, stress, depression, and frankly... getting through the day!

24. Island Sweet Skunk
Sativa
This strain can be very good or just kind of good. To be very good, one must find an Island Sweet Skunk that is bred to be high in CBDs as those are best for Fibro patients.  If you can find high CBD variants of Island Sweet Skunk, you will be in luck.  Island Sweet Skunk relieves anxiety, pain, inflammation, muscle spasms, and more, making it a great choice of medicine to treat Fibromyalgia.

25. Casey Jones
Sativa
Finally, we have the fun, free-spirited feels of Casey Jones to round out our top 25 strains for Fibromyalgia. Casey Jones made the cut because it is a potent, uplifting strain that inspires creativity, daydreaming, and a rather overwhelming euphoria. It can make people rather talkative, so it is great for social gatherings, sporting events, parties, etc. and it lends relief to stress, anxiety, pain, fatigue, depression, nausea, digestive issues, malaise, and more! 

HONORABLE MENTIONS:
CBD Mango Haze, Critical Mass, UK Cheese, God Bud, Jedi Kush, GDP x Purple Urkle, Pineapple Trainwreck, Super Cheese, LA Confidential, Hawaiian Dream, Avi, Midnight, Nebula II CBD, Zen, CBD Shark, Digweed, Satori, ChemDawg, Blueberry Chunk, Purple Pineapple, Deathstar OG, Deep Purple, White Lightning, Belladonna, Jack Herer, Alien Blues, Holy Ghost, Kali Mist, Jesus, Ringo's Gift, Grand Daddy Purps, Purple Urkle, Dr. Funk, Purple Crack, Shaman, Blue Cheese, Harlequin, and Bubba Kush.

Picture from:Wikimedia Commons

Other Methods of Relief to Try with Medical Marijuana in Treating Fibromyalgia:

-massages
-exercise
-water therapy / swimming
-meditation
-acupuncture
-talk therapy
-healthy diet changes
-dancing
-Pilates and Yoga (w/ accommodations)
-aromatherapy
-vacation/sick days/time off/mental health days/medical leaves
-other prescriptions or herbal supplements
-heating packs / ice packs

SOURCES:

Michigan Medical Marijuana Program Patients

Thursday, July 16, 2015

The Best Marijuana Strains to Start and End Your Day

The Best Marijuana Strains to Start and End Your Day:



Medical marijuana can be very useful in helping relieve and/or treat pain, anxiety, depression, nausea, muscle spasms, ADHD, restless leg syndrome, cancer, glaucoma, etc. But as we discussed here:  Indicas and Sativas and the Importance of Knowing Your Meds, not all medical marijuana strains are created equal, nor do they all address the same medical issues. So, it is important, as a patient in the medical marijuana program, that you do some research in order to find the best strains for you!

We here at Green Leaf Clinic want to keep helping you with your research efforts by putting as much medical marijuana information together that we can for you, here on our blog! We already gave you a great list of strains to medicate with during fireworks displays: 10 Marijuana Strains to Smoke Before a Fireworks Show, but now we want to provide you with a bit more practical information for day to day use. Hence: The Best Marijuana Strains to Start and End Your Day



10 Best Medical Marijuana Strains for Morning:

Morning strains are meant to be a bit more uplifting, cerebral, and energizing. Though they can help with pain, they are not major sedatives, so a patient can still be highly functional on these. Many of these strains ease anxiety, stress, and depression, cultivate focus and clarity, and offer the patient euphoric feelings of well being to help get through the day. Almost all of them will assist with nausea and help patients eat a solid breakfast as well. What a perfect way to start a day!

1. Peacemaker
2. Super Cheese
3. Durban Poison
4. Cinderella 99
5. Power Plant
6. Jack Herer
7. Super Lemon Haze
8. Killer Queen
9. Blueberry Yum Yum
10. Kushage

More great morning strains: Pot of Gold, Kandy Skunk, Super Sour Diesel, Blue Dream, Green Crack, Platinum Bubba Kush, Lemon Drop, AK47xBubblegum, Purple Haze, White Fire, CheeseWreck, White Widow, Headbanger, Emerald Jack, Tangerine Dream, Super Silver Haze, Pineapple Express



10 Best Medical Marijuana Strains for Night:

Night strains are meant to be more relaxing, soothing, and calming than morning strains. Medical marijuana strains that are best used after dark also act more like sedatives, muscle relaxers, and high dose painkillers than the morning strains do.  They also assist with insomnia issues. Many recreational "stoners" will claim that these strains will give you "couch lock," (as if it is a bad thing) and they will actually steer people away from these strains; but as a patient and a budtender I can tell you right now: if you are in massive amounts of pain after a long day of work, "couch locked" is exactly what you need to be - and these strains will help! Offering full body relaxation and with just enough added oomph to happily buzz the brain, these nighttime strains are the perfect end to a long day.

1. Granddaddy Purple
2. Northern Lights
3. Purple Urkle
4. Lavender
5. Grape Ape
6. Blue Cheese
7. G13
8. Blackberry Kush
9. Afghani
10. White Rhino

More great nighttime strains: Dr. Funk, Brand X, Deathstar, Purple Rhino, Critical Kush, Skywalker OG, Purple OG Kush, God's Gift, MK Ultra, Purple Passion, Hindu Kush, God Bud, Blueberry, Bubba OG, Deep Purple, Power Kush, Grunk, Blueberry Skunk, Romulan, Vanilla Kush, Ogre Berry


Saturday, May 30, 2015

Cannabis Coconut Oil Recipe

Cannabis Coconut Oil Recipe:


Photo originally used on BuzzFeed

What You'll Need:

oven

crockpot/slow cooker

aluminum foil

spoons

cheesecloth

cannabis (trim, shake, and/or bud)

coconut oil

sunflower liquid lecithin

glass storage container/jar

about 5 hours 

Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon

Directions:

1. Start by decarboxylating your cannabis. Preheat the oven to 230 F. 

2. Break up your plant material (trim, shake, and/or bud) but do not grind.

3. Place the plant material on a cookie sheet in a thin, even layer and cover with aluminum foil.

4. Place the prepared cookie sheet into the oven and "bake" for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

5. After 45 minutes to an hour, remove the cookie sheet of marijuana from the oven and set to cool.

6. Turn the crockpot/slow cooker on low/medium (around 150 F - 175 F)

7. Combine 1 cup coconut oil and 1 teaspoon sunflower lecithin in the crockpot/slow cooker for every 14 grams of decarboxylated bud (24-28 grams if you are just using trim)

8. Cover and let it all simmer for about 3-4 hours, making sure to stir every 35-45 minutes or so.

9. After 3-4 hours, turn off the crockpot/slow cooker and allow contents to cool, but not harden.

10. Once mostly cool (but still very much in liquid form) strain the contents of the crockpot/slow cooker through the cheesecloth, collecting the liquid cannabis coconut oil in a glass storage container.

11. Store in a cool, dry, dark place, and use for cooking, in capsules, on sore gums, as a topical cream on it's own, or as a base for massage creams, lotions, hair care products, etc. 



Thursday, May 28, 2015

Indicas and Sativas and the Importance of Knowing Your Meds

As a medical marijuana patient, much of your treatment once you are certified depends on you! But figuring out which varieties and strains of medical marijuana work best for you can seem a bit overwhelming, I know. So today on The Green Leaf Clinic Blog we are going to discuss some major similarities and differences between indicas and sativas, the magic that is the hybrid, and the importance of knowing your meds.



Indicas and Sativas and the Importance of Knowing Your Meds:

Medical marijuana on the whole, regardless of strain or variety, tends to help with pain, nausea and food issues, anxiety and stress, and inflammation. But particular strains and varieties obviously have the potential to do more in some areas over others. Here, we will discuss some of the key ways in which indicas and sativas affect and help the body.

INDICA:
Popular strains: OG Kush, Granddaddy Purple, Afghan Kush, Blueberry, Purple Urkle
 
Indica plants are typically more stout and bushy, with thicker fan like leaves than a Sativa plant. The aromas and flavors can vary from sweet, musky Earth tones, to juicy fruit-laced flavors, to super skunky and pronounced scents and flavors that will indicate to everyone around you that you indeed have weed on you!

Indica strains are mostly known as being the "couch lockers;" this is because indicas tend to produce more of an overall body "high" as opposed to just a head "high." Indicas are great for treating chronic pain, muscle spasms, MS, Fibromyalgia, EDS, nausea, insomnia, CFS, anxiety, stress, Restless Leg Syndrome, migraines, seizures, and other disorders and symptoms that heavily affect the physical body. Indicas and Indica heavy hybrids are usually best for evening use, particularly right before bed, as some can give a feeling of physical numbness or sedation.
 
SATIVA:

Popular strains: Kali Mist, Durban Poison, Green Crack, Lemon Haze, Jack Herer

Sativa plants typically grow a bit more tall and spindly than indica plants do and their leaves are usually more thin and finger-like than fan like. The aromas are typically not as "skunky" as with indicas either, so hiding a sativa plant or bud is usually a bit easier than an indica plant or bud. Many of the flavors for sativas are bright, fruity, & spicy; some may have a bit of an "industrial clean" smell & taste to them as well. 

Sativas are known to give a more heady "high" as opposed to a body "high," but that does not mean that the physical state of the body is not altered whilst using a sativa; sativas actually can address pain and muscle issues in similar ways to indicas. Though the pain relieving aspects of sativas surely do not act as intensely, the mental/psychoactive effects are much more pronounced. Sativas are stimulants! Sativa strains are great for energy, happiness, arousal, relieving anxiety, depression, stress, migraines, and nausea, as well as inspiring creativity, productivity, and overall feelings of euphoria. Sativas are a great choice to smoke with other patients too, because they help stimulate the imagination and get conversation flowing.

HYBRIDS:

(AKA: The best of both worlds!!!)

Popular hybrids:
Chem Dawg, AK-47, Juicy Fruit, Pineapple Express, Blueberry Skunk, Headband, Tangerine Dream

Hybrids are great for people with chronic illnesses who have a plethora of symptoms or ailments, because hybrids have the ability to address key areas, hit on by sativas and indicas on their own, together at once! So a patient with high pain levels who also has an anxiety disorder, for example, could get maybe a 60 Indica/40 Sativa hybrid to better meet his or her needs.

Hybrids can also be great if you want the benefits of certain plant strain but don't want to wait to grow it! Some hybrids take key elements from notoriously hard to grow strains and put them in an easier, more accessible strain to grow, taking some of the headache out of things for patients who grow for themselves or caregivers who grow for their patients.
 
The Importance of Knowing Your Meds

Knowing your strains and what they do for you is very important, because as a patient, you are not just smoking, eating, & applying marijuana to "get high," have a good time, or recreationally get messed up with your friends. You are medicating with a natural, herbal medication in order to alleviate symptoms that affect your well being and life!

Look at it this way: If you were using traditional medicines and not medical marijuana and you had a headache, you would take ibuprofen, Tylenol, aspirin, etc. right? You wouldn't reach for the Tums and then wonder an hour later why you still had a headache, would you? Medical marijuana is similar in that there are particular varieties and strains that address certain medical issues better than others. Some are meant for severe chronic pain, some are meant to stop seizures, some are meant to ease anxiety and stop panic attacks... if you needed one of those and then got one that was an appetite stimulant first instead, you would be in a similar boat as the headache/Tums scenario... but with the munchies involved...

So do your research! Find the varieties and strains of medical marijuana that work for you! There will still be lots of choices, so you will still be able to mix it up from time to time (and avoid "strain lock") but you will have a better idea of what you need, what really works, and a slightly smaller array of plants to choose from in order to make the decision making process a little easier.
 
Good luck and stay medicated!