Which Cannabis Strain for Which Mood?

Marijuana dispensaries in Denver, Los Angeles, and other major cities where weed is legal offer a seemingly endless variety of strains to choose from. Whether it’s an indica, sativa, or hybrid ounce deal you’re looking for, you are most likely to have recreational deals for multiple strains in each category. Choosing the right strain to fit your mood doesn’t have to be a guessing game with a little know-how. Here are the Savvy Stoner’s personal favorite strains to fit your mood.

Creative: Jack Herer is the strain to choose when you’re feeling creative. Sativa-dominant, it won’t make you too sleepy to actually carry out all the brilliant ideas that are bound to spring to mind after you smoke some.

Courageous: Ready for an exciting night out on the town, or need a little boost of willpower to face a challenging situation? Sweet-tasting and sativa-dominant, Golden Goat is the strain to choose whenever you need to feel courageous.

Joyful: Are you wanting to leave your worries behind and simply be, perhaps enjoying a day in the sunshine? Blue Dream will lighten your mood and have you feeling calmly content and upbeat in no time. A cross between Blueberry and Haze, Blue Dream is a hybrid that can lean more towards the sativa side or indica side depending on the lineage of the specific plant, growing conditions, and other factors.

Thoughtful: Feeling introspective and thoughtful? Orange Kush is the strain to turn your funk into an opportunity for productive and enjoyable contemplation and exploration. Whenever my thoughts become cyclical, I smoke some Orange Kush to turn it around. A hybrid strain with high potency, Orange Kush will transform your thinking in a positive way that brings fresh insight to the situation.

Exhausted: Are you absolutely drained and exhausted, ready for a little rest and relaxation? Northern Lights is the strain that will bring you the comfort and deep whole-body, whole-mind relaxation you desire. It’s an indica strain that’s become a legend for its potent effects.

Energetic: Whenever I’m getting a lot of stuff done and I want to get high without putting my productivity to an end, I choose Green Crack. This sativa strain is great for keeping you energized, happy, and engaged.

Angry: When my temper is flaring and I know I need to cool down, Blackberry is a strain I enjoy. Deeply calming and relaxing, Blackberry can make me forget why I was so mad in the first place, or at least become too lazy or lighthearted to argue anymore. Either way, this strain brings the peace. An indica-dominant cross between Black Domina and Raspberry Cough, it has a strong, fruity flavor that’s very unique.

Sad: If you’re feeling sad and you just want to get very stoned and feel better, Sour Diesel is a great strain to choose. A sativa-dominant hybrid, Sour Diesel will give you a fresh perspective and completely transform your mood in a flash.

Romantic: If you’re in the mood for romance, consider Pineapple Express. It’s a hybrid strain with a nice tropical flavor that will have you feeling euphoric, relaxed, and dreaming of romantic days on the beach.

What’s your favorite strain?

To discover more about which strains are right for different moods, it can be fun to keep a journal detailing what strains you smoke and their effects. Everyone reacts differently, so it’s only by observing your own moods and behaviors that you’ll know exactly how different marijuana strains affect you. Whenever you’re about to smoke, write down a few words about the mood you are in, how you are feeling and what you are thinking about. Write down the strain of marijuana and how much you smoked. Wait a few minutes for the effects of the herb to kick in, then again write down a few words about your current mood, describing your thoughts and emotions. Over time, you will be able to see which strains produce the most desirable effects to suit your every mood. If you need to find marijuana deals so you can afford to do a little more experimentation, look on CannaSaver for the newest marijuana deals from dispensaries near you.

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While marijuana isn’t necessarily unhealthy, smoking it may not be the healthiest way to consume. That’s why we’ve put together the healthiest ways to consume marijuana.

Why Search for the Healthiest Ways to Consume Marijuana?

There are many reasons to consume healthy products and to prepare them in a healthy manner.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have stated that heart disease is the leading cause of American adult deaths. According to the American Heart Association, half the American population has some form of cardiac disease.

Many approaches to healthy eating including the DASH diet recommend eating a two-thousand-calorie-a-day diet that focuses on 

• Fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains

• Fat-free or low-fat dairy products

• Fish, poultry, beans, nuts, and vegetable oils

• Limiting saturated fats including full-fat dairy products, and tropical oils such as coconut, palm kernel, and palm oils

• Limiting fatty meats

• Eliminating sugar-sweetened beverages and sweet snack foods

The National Cancer Institute recommends eating foods raw or lightly cooked. They caution against fried and battered foods. The institute also urges people to eat foods high in antioxidants and free radicals.

Why Choose Marijuana?

A 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health learned that one in five adolescents under 25 years old used marijuana. VeryWellMind.com outlines reasons youth and adults choose marijuana. Some use it to relieve anxiety or mood disorders.

Research has also found other therapeutic uses of cannabis. These include:

• Alleviating nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.

• The reduction of chronic pain symptoms.

• Short-term use of cannabinoids appears to improve multiple sclerosis-related spasticities.

• The use of cannabinoids is being examined as a treatment for such conditions as epilepsy and schizophrenia.

What are the Healthiest Ways to Consume Marijuana?

If you are worried about the effects of smoking or you don’t like the lingering taste or smell of marijuana, there are healthy alternatives.

Try Vaping

Vaping or vaporizing the flower isn’t the same as smoking. You’re actually heating the cannabis, not burning it. This significantly lowers smoking-related health hazards. Vaping allows the user to cook the bud at a chosen temperature. This allows various combinations of terpenes and cannabinoids without burning your throat or lungs.

Lower temperature settings release sweeter, lighter effects. Vaping also allows the combustion of oils and waxes from the plant.

Eat Edibles

Cannabis-infused foods are an increasingly popular way to ingest marijuana. If you are new to making edibles, try these dark chocolate hemp protein balls from the Minimalistbaker.com. 

If you are reluctant to create your own edibles, sample the increasing number of prepared varieties. Available in regular and gluten-free edibles from our trusted sources, you will discover an ever-widening selection of sugar-free, vegan, and kosher edibles.

If you want to skip the production stage, you can buy dried flower products. 

Whether you’re just getting started on baking edibles or you want to expand your methods of preparing munchies, sources like Sol Cannabis provide step-by-step directions. 

Create Cannabutter

You can get creative in the kitchen by creating cannabutter. You’ll find there are easy ways to make your own cannabutter. Emily Kyle offers this easy cannabutter recipe using your own dried product or with pre-dried cannabis.

Many cannabis chefs swear by this method of achieving a cannabis-rich infused butter as a base for baking. Using cannabutter to make edibles opens new product opportunities like those outlined in the recipes of MyEdiblesChef.com.

Experiment with Extracts and Oils

Oils and extracts preserve the medicinal goodness of marijuana. Those with allergies usually tolerate oils. These products are the fastest and easiest ways to enjoy the healthy benefits of marijuana. They are often consumed sublingually by placing the oil under the tongue. The substance then seeps into the bloodstream. Oils may also be injected.

Serve in Beverages

Cannabis oil may be added to the beverage of choice. Alcohol as a liquid is not recommended.

Try a cannabis smoothie. Place ice, fruit, and a little cannabis oil in your blender cup. Emulsify and enjoy.

A good way to enjoy cannabis oil in your coffee is to prepare a weekly supply of cream or milk. Add cannabis oil and puree. This works equally well with almond, hazelnut, or coconut milk. You can also stir in a dollop of cannabutter.

Create a relaxing cup of cannabis tea. Steep dry buds in boiling water just as you’d prepare tea using the leaves of your favorite brand. Using a tea strainer or a tea infuser ensures your brew will be leaf-free.

Blended non-alcoholic cocktails also accommodate cannabis oil for a tasty, healthy beverage.

Add cannabis oil to the juice of your choice by adding a drop or two to your juicer.

Experiment with Topicals

These weed-infused creams, balms, lotions, or salves provide pain relief for aching joints or muscles. They also help with skin conditions.

Chronic pain sufferers have experienced improved quality of life.

Topicals allow the cannabinoids to interact with targeted areas. The topical is absorbed by the skin. 

Topicals work best when the user directs them to a specific spot rather than as full-body consumption like edibles.

Topicals are the least invasive method of cannabis use. They don’t need to be inhaled, injected, eaten, or imbibed to feel their effects.

When selecting the most effective topical, Healthline.com suggests you pay attention to

• The company’s reputation

• The manufacturing process

• The topical ingredients

• What buyers say about the product

Explore Dabs using Wax, Shatter, etc.

Dabs, crumble, shatter, wax, and budder are all highly concentrated forms of cannabis. They differ in the way they are cooked.

Many users love the transparent sheen of shatter. Budder and crumble are both wax variations.

Dabbing involves using super-potent concentrated cannabis made from hash oil. Thus, there is little waste. First, a nail made of titanium or ceramic is heated. Then, shatter, crumble, or wax is placed on the heated nail. As it vaporizes, the user inhales it through a bong or a dab device. Dabbing is more like vaping because the user inhales the vapor, not smoke.

Consider marijuana smoking with a bowl, a joint, a blunt, a spliff, a bong, or a pipe.

Experienced smokers can control the degree of inhaling, the duration of smoking, and the effects they wish to achieve. 

A joint is a traditional way to consume marijuana. It involves rolling cannabis in thin rolling paper. Bigger than a joint, a blunt contains cannabis inside a cigar wrap. Made of tobacco, the wrap adds to the high.

Like a joint, a spliff is a mix of tobacco and cannabis. A bong is more efficient. Joints blunts and spliffs keep burning between hits. With a bong, smoking material burns only during the two or three hits you take. Bongs get you higher with the same amount of weed and do so with less smoke inhalation.

Bongs are harder to clean and less portable than pipes. But, bongs filter out the bad while retaining all the benefits of cannabis. Bongs burn cooler than pipes but you can experience water burns.

How Cannasaver Can Help

Shop from an online source that provides an illustrated, organized catalog of trusted products. Enjoy the savings of featured specials and coupons. 

Read more of our informative blogs. Take your time browsing our cannabis products. 

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The Effects of Different Marijuana Strains | Enhance - Debilitate - Normalize,

When I first started budtending, I was very much of the "if it messes you up it's what you want" persuasion. I still very much dwell in that area but as I have had the opportunity to try a ludicrous amount of different strains and crosses, I can much more accurately get to the effect I'm looking for in most cases. Some strains I know for sure will effect me in a specific way, whereas some strains still baffle me and I need to do more pretend research on, all strains just making me wish I could test individual cannabinoids by themselves, But after all of this, I needed a way to explain the generalized effect of strains beyond the Indica Sativa Hybrid model, as there are plenty of cases where just those labels alone were either not accurate enough or in some cases even opposite. We recently got a Sativa strain that is under no circumstances effectually useful as a Sativa, and I would never sell it as such. A lot of categorization happens based on the physical makeup of the plants that are grown, as you can't necessarily know what a plant is really going to result in outside of how it has ended up in previous batches.
 

Indica vs. Sativa

The use of Indica Sativa and Hybrid in a consumer context is also essentially a curse. I cannot even begin to count the number of people that have come in not even ever having smoked weed adamantly telling me that they don't want Indicas, they hate them and they only want Sativas because someone told them all Indica strains would put them to sleep. This is understandable as these past two years have really opened up a lot as far as open experimentation and research, which can only continue to climb. But even so, the average customer is probably still going to tell you that they don't want Indicas, or that Sativas make them too paranoid or sometimes even that Sativas put them to sleep and they can ONLY smoke hybrids, which is generally all nonsense.

Even just going by my dispensary alone, we have always had Indica strains that are very energetic in addition to the more downer strains, and plenty of Sativas that I would never recommend for people to go out and do stuff on, more prone to relaxation and calmness. I have had a hard time really trying to narrow down how to describe the effects of different strains in a way that I can keep them all straight in my head and avoid being constantly thrown off by new weird crosses. So after much deliberation, I came up with the following three categories: enhance, debilitate, and normalize.
 

Three Ways to Categorize The Effects of Smoking Marijuana

Enhance strains are generally more applicable to Sativas and Sativa leaning hybrids, but are not limited to that by any means. Any strain that modifies your mental or physical feelings in a way that pushes you forward or helps you focus or even body high that reduces muscle pain could fall under this category, Enhance strains can come in many different ranges of strength as well, some lower THC strains being very beneficial for cerebral effect. These strains are generally more recommended for going out and doing things, mental expansion and creativity channeling, among other positive effects. The body high side of enhance strains I have also found to be a little more like lifting body high, losing a few pounds of weight in your extremities, good for all kinds of outdoor kinds of adventures. Enhance strains can also carry with them a heavy drop effect once they have worn off, as enhancement can't be permanent and you must eventually go back to normal you.

Debilitate strains come in two main types for me, strains that are very heavy on the body high and knockdown potential, and strains that make you stupid. I am a huge fan of strains that make you stupid, me stupid, what have you. I avoid a lot of enhance strains as I feel like there is rarely as much change in my headspace, sometimes getting a little more tangential than usual but that is rarely something I'm looking for, as anything more going on in my head just pushes me more towards just getting too distracted to function, whereas strains that knock me down mentally make me more able to enjoy the present rather than spiraling through my thoughts. Intense heavy body high as opposed to the enhance strains lifting body is also a preference for me, again because I want to be knocked down. While these strains can be often attributed to Indicas, the dumbing strains I have found are generally closer to hybrids, usually resulting from an interesting strain cross.

Normalize strains are interesting because they vary from person to person, as you may find that an Enhance or a Debilitate strain may actually knock you down or pick you up to normal. Most CBD strains that I have tried fall into this category, as they are generally just relaxing and relief heavy, without actually being too down. Some people associate CBDs with going to sleep or tiredness, but I don't really agree in any context. Normalize strains are more along the lines of getting you to a nice average space that you want to inhabit, rather than pushing you too much in any direction, similar to how people will take antidepressants or Adderall, things like that.

But these three categories are fairly fluid, really only getting assigned to strains that I think fully embody these ideas. Still if you go into a store and ask for something that fits one of these contexts, I guarantee you will have a much more productive conversation with your budtender. They may even be able to find you something much closer to what you need rather than just assigning you the Indica or Sativa of the day because you told them you couldn't smoke one or the other. I recommend you always take your drug research seriously, and try to move away from the traditional genetic classifications of weed. The sooner we start to move away from these ideas the sooner we can really advance into growing strains that do the same thing every time.

Save your stickers, keep a journal, whatever works for you, I encourage you to do it. Learning is the best aspect of this industry right now, as much as everyone else would have you believe it is money.

Money is not what we're working for.

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When consuming the many different forms of marijuana on the market today, consumers tend to find favorite strains along the way. Whether the outcome is productivity, melting into the couch, pain relief, or creativity, we know what we like and want in marijuana’s effects.

We Coloradans know what we like when it comes to how we “choose our own highs”. Innovation in marijuana continues to gain traction at the speed of light. You will see some classics on this list but also note the newcomers. With such innovations come delicious, mouth-watering products with extremely potent results.

With that said, let’s look at the top strains in Colorado.

Do note: strains tend to appear and disappear all the time. You can’t always expect to get these strains but we guarantee if you do, you’ll be all the better for it. You can check here for deals on all bud.

Top Strains in Colorado

Without further ado, here are our top strains that you can find here in Colorado.

​​99 Problems

“If you're having girl problems I feel bad for you son, I got 99 problems”

Gotta stop you right there, Mr. Z, is it? Or can I just call you Jay? We’ve already got it!

99 Problems is a sativa-dominant strain being the result of breeding Stardawg and White 99. The strain tends to bathe those who live wildly in the strong aroma of sweet fruit/berries. 99 Problems blasts through your senses with positivity, energy, and a grand boost of focus.  This potent strain often hits between 28-30% THC. 

Let it be known, 99 Problems is not for beginners.  

Afghan Kush

The awesome strain needs no introduction!

Afghan Kush is known for being a pure indica strain that can be traced for centuries. The strain is known for having body heavy effects which allow the consumer peace of mind and possibly a visit from the sleep fairy.

Afghan Kush manages sleeplessness in canna-newbies who might be more prone to paranoia when trying to unwind. This comes from the high yield of CBD in the strain.

With a homely earthy aroma and taste notes of old-school hash, Afghan Kush shows proud lineage through dense buds and many shiny trichomes.

Blue Walker

Blue Walker is the beautiful hybrid of the strains Blue Dream and Skywalker OG. This force-yielding strain is almost a pure sativa at 90%. THC percentages tend to stick to 26-30%.

Blue Walker will grant you a long-lasting buzz of euphoria. The strain is known to help with anxiety, pain, depression, nausea, and stress. 

Bruce Banner #3

AKA The Incredible Hulk is the strain many consumers seek after. The strain has effects of euphoria and happiness, that come quite quickly.  With THC levels between 23-26%, it is easy to see why Mr. Banner is gaining popularity.

Bruce Banner #3 is a sativa dominant hybrid being a cross of  Strawberry Diesel and OG Kush. BB #3 is known for being incredibly relaxing. The sativa head high achieves euphoric greatness, with allowance for creativity and boosting mood. The strain is nice and sweet, with flavors of citrus. 

Chocolate OG

Chocolate OG is an indica dominant strain and is well known for its highly relaxing chemical structure. Chocolate OG is the immaculate cross with Chocolate Rain (Also sounds awesome) and True OG. THC percentages in this strain come close to 30%. 

Chocolate OG delivers flavors with cheesiness and hazelnut but lingers with cocoa aromas. The buds in this strain are nicely capped with icey trichomes. The chocolatey goodness allows you to fall into a euphoric/giggly sensation. 

Chocolate OG effects help to reduce pains, aid in combating insomnia, and other health-filled benefits. Come try this, the Willy Wonka in you is screaming.

Green Crack

Let it be known, you will not become a Dave Chappel skit. Green Crack is only pure energizing sativa. No trace of crack here, whew…

Green Crack is the definition of pure energy, focus, and fun-having good times. Green Crack has incredible cerebral effects and maintains its awe through mouth-watering fruity/mango flavors. Green Crack is a great daytime strain helping fight fatigue and stress. Green Crack is extremely appealing to those needing to get stuff done and have fun doing it.

Grease Monkey

This is an Indica-dominant weed strain resulting from a cross between Gorilla Glue and Cookies and Cream marijuana strains. It is the highest THC percentage flower on our list, with a whopping value of 31%. This value can significantly vary depending on the growth conditions, as already stated.

Grease Monkey has a strong aroma of nutty vanilla and skunky diesel. When smoke, the high effect builds behind the eyes and then spreads to the rest of the body. It drives you to a euphoric high characterized by mental calming effects. Medicinally, this strain is a remedy for chronic pain, nausea, insomnia, loss of appetite, etc.

Hell's OG

Hell’s OG buckles down with a heavy, indica dominant breed of the strains Blackberry and OG Kush. Hell’s OG sounds scary at first, but ends up being a citrus flavored, candy-coated treat.

Hell’s OG is known for its psychoactive effects. The strain is well-known to destress consumers from mind and body, allowing for some timeless bliss. Hell's OG has been used to treat PTSD and insomnia. First-timers beware. This stuff is awesomely potent.

Ice Cream Cake

This is a tasty treat I was able to try recently. Almost as relaxing as ice cream on a hot day.

Ice Cream Cake produces large, dense nuggets of golden green. Ice Cream Cake is the cross of Animal Mints and Triangle Kush. The strain mirrors flavors of vanilla for pure delight. The aroma is a classic skunky one. You can expect your sesh to encounter body relaxation and ease you into dreamland. 

Jungle Cake

Ohh! More cake! Just remember, in terms of marijuana, anytime you see cake...get it!

Jungle Cake is the cross of the strains Wifi and Wedding Cake. The strain struts in with light smells of sugar/frosting with pungent fuel.

Jungle is also another on the list to reach up to 30% THC potency. The strength ensures a lasting, powerful high.

Sour Diesel

And last, but most certainly not least. A legendary favorite. Sour Diesel, the popular sativa that just doesn’t slow down. Sour Diesel is a perfect addition to a day of adventure. Sour diesel is a long-lasting strain that will leave you stress-free and relieve any pains you may have.

Being a 90% sativa dominant strain, the high you will feel from Sour Diesel can help you access hallways of creativity. This strain is typically pretty high in THC being between 20-25%. Sour Diesel is rich with citrus flavor and robust gassy smells. The strain is known to help anxiety, depression, and fatigue.

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