The majority of us have experienced the munchies. That insatiable, bottomless desire to devour anything that’s not nailed to the table. The cravings are intense and the feeling of savoring your favorite foods can’t be described as anything less than pure ecstasy.
The brilliant minds at Yale published a study last year that found THC stimulates a group of nerve cells in the hypothalamus, the area of the brain that governs instincts like hunger and arousal. As most of the cannabis strains on the market nowadays have a high THC content, it’s no wonder so many of us have experienced the munchies.
For those undergoing chemo treatment or who are suffering from gastrointestinal/appetite disorders, the hunger stimulation can be a literal life saver. But, for those who are battling past or existing weight issues or eating disorders, the increase in appetite is not so desirable.
For the rest of us, sometimes we just don’t want to down a platter of brownies and tub of cashew milk ice cream. Crazy, I know.
So, what does one do in this instance? You want to experience the benefits of cannabis, but don’t want the insatiable hunger associated with the THC heavy strains readily available? Is there any hope?
Cannabis lovers, rejoice! By selecting strains that have a higher CBD than THC content, we can enjoy the benefits without the hunger. What strains are those?
Originating in Amsterdam and currently bred by Dinafem Seeds, Moby Dick has a high THC content making it one of the strongest sativas. Winner of Girl of the Year; by the cannabis newspaper Soft Secrets in 2010, this strain is a cross between indica dominant hybrid White Widow and sativa Haze; the former is known for its power while the latter for its cerebral stimulation, creating a mostly sativa plant that delivers a charged buzz.
Effects: Happy, uplifted, relaxed, euphoric, energetic.
Medical Uses: Stress, depression, pain, headaches, lack of appetite.
Flavors: Citrus, sweet, earthy.
Purchase Moby Dick AAAA bud HERE.
Harlequin is a 75/25 sativa-dominant strain renowned for its reliable expression of CBD. A descendant of Colombian Gold, a Nepali indica, and Thai and Swiss landrace strains, you can depend on Harlequin to provide clear-headed, alert sativa effects. Unlike most high-CBD strains, Harlequin almost always develops a CBD:THC ratio of 5:2, making this strain one of the most effective out there for treatment of pain and anxiety, as CBD can counteract THC’s paranoia while amplifying its painkilling properties. Flavors can range from earthy musk to sweet mango, but without a doubt, what draws crowds to Harlequin is its ability to relax without sedation and to relieve without intoxication.
Effects: Relaxed, focused, uplifted, happy, energetic
Medical Uses: Pain, stress, depression, inflammation, fatigue
Flavour: Earthy, woody, flowery
Purchase our Harlequin vape pen HERE.
CBD Shark is an 80/20 indica-dominant cannabis strain that offers an equal ratio of THC and CBD, a cannabinoid combination that helps patients treat an array of symptoms like pain, anxiety, and inflammation without the overly intoxicating effects induced by many high-THC strains. This clear-headed hybrid descends from a Shark Shock indica, but as for its second parent, we can only be sure that it was some high-CBD variety. Its aroma is comprised of sweet notes of fruit accented by subtle hints of garlic and herb.
Effects: Relaxed, sleepy, focused, happy, hungry
Medical Uses: Pain, fatigue, inflammation, stress, depression
Flavour: Pine, mint, earthy
Purchase CBD Shark bud HERE.
By enjoying cannabis strains that are higher in CBD than THC, you can reap the benefits without worrying about your waistline. It’s the best of both worlds and we’re here for it!
Have you tried any of the strains above? What has been your experience with them?