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Originally Posted On: https://zenleafdispensaries.com/blog/cannabis-resolutions/
As the new year approaches, many of us are thinking about ways to improve our lives and become the best versions of ourselves. For some, this might mean getting in shape, eating healthier, or taking on new hobbies. For others, it might mean incorporating cannabis into their daily wellness routine.
Cannabis has been used for centuries for its medicinal and therapeutic properties. In recent years, more and more states have legalized its use for recreational purposes as well. This growing acceptance and legality has guided many to cannabis to aid relaxation, sleep, and improve their overall well-being. As it turns out, these beneficial qualities are precisely what makes cannabis such a wonderful companion to many New Year’s resolutions. Let’s explore some cannabis-friendly resolutions and dive into how cannabis can support your New Year’s resolutions in numerous ways.
I’ll Increase My Productivity and Focus
One of the most popular New Year’s resolutions involves improving not only your productivity at home or work, but your ability to focus on the task at hand. One way to potentially achieve these goals is by incorporating cannabis into your routine.
While cannabis has long been associated with relaxation and stress relief, certain cannabis strains and products have shown to have cognitive benefits, including increased focus and productivity. For example, low to moderate doses of THC improved performance on tasks requiring sustained attention and working memory. It’s also known that low doses of THC are associated with improved time management and organizational skills.
I’ll Stress Less
Reducing stress is an excellent New Year’s resolution, as excessive stress can cause memory issues, reduced cognition and learning, reduced immune function, increased inflammation, poor cardiac function, gastrointestinal issues, hormone imbalance, and more. One option to support stress and anxiety relief that has gained popularity in recent years is the use of cannabis.
THC is a cannabinoid compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis, such as the often stress-relieving “high” that people experience when they use it. Cannabis also contains CBD (cannabidiol), which is a non-psychoactive compound that has been shown to have several potential health benefits, including anxiety and stress relief. Other cannabinoids, including CBN, CBG, and more, may have stress-reducing benefits, as well.
I’ll Improve My Personal Wellness
There are several ways cannabis can be used to improve one or more aspects of your personal wellness. For example, it can be used, as mentioned above, to help manage stress and anxiety. The same qualities make cannabis ideal for improving sleep. Depending on the strain, cannabinoid levels, and terpene profile, cannabis can have a calming effect that helps you fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer. Cannabis can be used to enhance creativity and focus as well. For example, some people find that it helps them to think more clearly and to come up with new ideas, while others use it to help them stay focused and uplifted during their exercise routines.
Cannabis can also be used to improve physical health. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and has been used to help manage chronic pain and other conditions such as epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. It can also be used to help with weight management, as it can reduce appetite and increase metabolism. Overall, cannabis can be a useful tool for self-improvement and a wonderful addition to a healthy lifestyle.
I’ll Stay Up to Date with Cannabis Related News
I’ll Become Involved with My Local Cannabis Community
In addition to following news sources, you can stay informed by attending industry events and conferences. These events provide a terrific opportunity to learn from experts, network with other professionals and cannabis consumers, volunteer to promote cannabis outreach, and stay up to date with the latest trends and developments in the industry. And don’t discount cannabis-related social media accounts and influencers. Many industry professionals and companies use social media platforms to share events you can participate in to spread the good news about cannabis in your local area.
It’s important to stay informed about the legal landscape surrounding cannabis, too. In many parts of the world, cannabis is still illegal, while in others, it is legal for medical or recreational use. Keeping track of the cannabis laws and regulations in your area can help you stay compliant and avoid any legal issues. Learning about cannabis and the relevant laws can help you determine how cannabis can support your New Year’s resolutions.
I’ll Try New Products and Familiarize Myself with All the Ways to Consume Cannabis
One of the most exciting aspects of using cannabis to support your New Year’s resolutions is the variety of products that are now available. In addition to traditional flower, there is now a wide range of concentrates, edibles, other oral products, topicals, and more on the market. Each of these products offers a unique set of benefits and can be formulated in diverse ways to fit just about any preference.
Beyond smoking, there are a few different ways you can use cannabis:
Vaping
Vaping cannabis is a great alternative to smoking it, as it does not require combustion and instead relies on convection and conduction heating of concentrates or dry herb. This method of consumption can be used with oils, concentrates, or flower, depending on the device being used. Not only does vaping produce less odor and fewer toxins than smoking cannabis, it could produce possibly stronger effects due to the greater degree of control over temperature settings.
Tinctures / Sublinguals
Tinctures are liquid solutions containing cannabis extracts that are generally consumed sublingually (underneath your tongue). Sublingual absorption allows for fast absorption into the bloodstream when administered properly—often providing effects within minutes after ingestion. Additionally, tinctures offer versatility since they come in various concentrations and flavors allowing users to better customize their experience.
Edibles
Another option is to consume cannabis-infused edibles, such as low-dose cannabis gummies, chocolates, and baked goods. Since they must first be digested before the cannabinoids reach the bloodstream, edibles can take longer to take effect than smoking or vaporizing, but they can provide longer-lasting benefits. New edible products are always entering the market, including cannabis tonics, teas, gourmet candy bars, mints, and even savory snacks.
Topicals
Topicals are topical lotions or creams that typically contain cannabinoids like THC or CBD extracted from the cannabis plant. These products are applied directly onto your skin’s surface where they interact with sensory receptors located just below while providing localized relief of soreness and pain. Different topicals have different properties so look for ones that provide desired benefits such as cooling menthol lotions or warming infused creams!
I’ll Learn About Cooking with Cannabis
Cooking with cannabis can be a fun, enjoyable experience and a fantastic way to learn how cannabis can support your New Year’s resolutions. If you’re new to cooking with cannabis, there are a few things you should know before you get started. Primarily, it’s important to understand that cooking with cannabis is remarkably different than smoking it.
When you smoke cannabis, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is activated by heat and immediately absorbed into your bloodstream through your lungs after you inhale. Conversely, when you prepare cannabis flower for edibles, you’ll need to activate the THC differently for absorption through your digestive system.
To activate THC to create edibles, it’s important to decarboxylate your flower first. This process creates a chemical reaction that removes a carbon group, so the THC is effective and produces the “high” effects its known for when ingested. To decarboxylate, preheat your oven to 245°F and grind your cannabis finely and evenly. Spread the ground cannabis onto a baking sheet and bake it for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure it’s evenly heated. Once it’s done, your cannabis is ready to be used to infuse.
For an even easier path, try infusing your butter with distillate or RSO – no decarboxylating is required, so simply infuse your butter or oil with the the cannabis goodness!
There are many ways to incorporate cannabis into your cooking, including infusing your decarboxylated flower into oils or butter. Take advantage of the cannabis recipes available online for dishes as diverse as cannabis-infused brownies, cookies, and even pasta sauces and salad dressings. Just be sure to follow the dosage instructions carefully and start with a low dose until you know how you’ll react.
I’ll Become a Cannabis Strain and Terpene Master
Learning about cannabis strains, particularly the cannabis terpene profiles involved, can enhance your understanding and appreciation of the plant. Terpenes are aromatic oils that give cannabis its distinct smell and flavor – and have a range of therapeutic benefits. For example, linalool is known for its relaxing and stress-relieving effects, while limonene has uplifting and mood-boosting properties. Pinene, on the other hand, has been shown to improve memory and alertness. Thus, understanding the different terpenes found in a strain can help you choose one that is best suited to your needs and preferences.
It’s important to note that terpenes work in synergy with other compounds in the cannabis plant, including cannabinoids like THC and CBD. This is known as the entourage effect, and it helps to explain why whole-plant extracts are often more effective than isolated compounds. By learning about cannabis terpenes, you can gain a deeper understanding of the plant and how it can be used for various therapeutic purposes.
In addition to their therapeutic benefits, terpenes can be used to create delicious and aromatic cannabis-infused edibles and beverages. By understanding the flavor profiles of different terpenes, you can create dishes that are tailored to your specific tastes and preferences and enhanced by their inclusion . For example, if you enjoy a citrusy flavor, you may want to look for strains high in the terpene limonene. Terpene knowledge can help you choose strains that are best suited to your needs and even inspire you to create your own cannabis-infused beverages and beyond.
Enjoy Cannabis Throughout 2023
As the new year approaches, many people make resolutions to improve their health and well-being. For some, this may be how to use cannabis to support their New Year’s resolutions for their wellness routine. For others, it may be learning about new ways to use cannabis, learning how to cook with cannabis, or even learning all about terpenes.
Overall, cannabis can be a useful tool for improving your health and well-being, but it’s important to use it responsibly. By being mindful of the potential risks and benefits, you can make informed decisions about how to incorporate cannabis into your wellness routine in the new year.
For more information about how cannabis can be incorporated into your efforts to keep any of the above resolutions, consult with the friendly, knowledgeable staff at your local Zen Leaf Dispensary.
Here’s to a happy new year!
