The Benefits Of Smoking Weed
Weed is a fantastic thing. It’s not a “one-size-fits-all” substance but rather an “enough-variety-to-serve-all-needs” deal. Different strains, doses, and methods of enjoyment bring potentially different benefits.
No matter what your wants may be, weed has a way of easing the journey. While heading down to The Station for a sit-down with one of our Budtenders is the best way to find your perfect product, taking a look right here is a great start.
So, let’s get to work and help you zero in on benefits of smoking weed.
ADDRESSING PAIN AND INFLAMMATION
When it comes to goal-oriented weed use, alleviating pain is tops in desired benefits of smoking marijuana.
More than anything else, people seeking out weed for specific physical purposes are most often looking for relief from bodily discomfort. From joint pain and injuries to migraines and diabetic neuropathy, weed is a powerhouse of pain-fighting goodness.
You don’t have to be injured to consume weed for pain-relieving magic. Some even use marijuana to prevent pain and injury during exercise, as it helps with inflammation and recovery!
You don’t have to be a medical marijuana patient to consume weed intended for pain relief. However, there are some key differences between what a recreational user and a medical patient can buy.
REDUCING ANXIETY AND STRESS
Do you need to de-stress and find a more calm, peaceful mind space? Anxiety relief is up there when it comes to the benefits of smoking weed. However, it’s not as cut and dried as pain relief.
Weed and Anxiety Relief Rules
While the vast majority of folks using weed for stress and anxiety report improvement in symptoms, the fact is that some strains can actually increase anxiety.
Some strains, THC levels, and dosages can make things worse rather than better. Check out our in-depth guide on anxiety and weed if you’re looking for more information. However, keep these general rules in mind when finding strains for anxiety relief.
Is Indica Good For Anxiety?
Typically, yes – indica strains are often suitable for soothing anxiety.
Is Sativa Good For Anxiety?
It’s complicated. Sativas are sometimes more likely to ramp up anxiety.
Indica or Sativa: Which Is Right For You?
We recommend consulting with one of our budtenders to find the best strains for anxiety. Remember, taking a slow, careful approach is your best bet for finding effective relief from anxiety and stress.
EASING SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION
One of the known benefits of weed use can be an improvement in the symptoms associated with depression.
These effects are most powerful with lower doses of THC. However, it’s known that some strains of weed—primarily those high in THC—sometimes don’t interact well with prescribed anti-depressants.
For safety’s sake, we always recommend letting your doctor, therapist, and/or pharmacist know when mixing weed with anti-depressant medications.
STRIKING THAT CREATIVE SPARK
When it comes to taking full advantage of the benefits of smoking weed, nothing shines like the marriage between artistic endeavors and marijuana.
Music or movie-making, painting or poetry, there isn’t an art form out there that hasn’t been blessed by the kiss of the artistic weed fairy. Some of our most treasured works of art were created by folks who figured out how to perfectly meld their vision with their bud.
The perfect combination may take a little time to find because there are so many strains, personalities, and art forms.
SWEETENING DREAMS
There is no denying it—weed and better sleep go hand-in-hand.
As is often the case, there are general rules about which strain best contributes to improved sleep.
Indica or Sativa?
Indica: Most folks find that mid-to-higher THC indicas and indica-leaning hybrids are best for bringing sweet dreams and deeper sleep.
Sativa: Many report that sativa-heavy higher-THC strains can lead to more vivid and entertaining dreams. However, they also can interfere with sleep if you struggle with anxiety.
Which is best for you? That depends on what you’re looking for, so why not experiment to find out!
HAPPINESS
Yep, you read that right! One of the most significant benefits of smoking weed is an increased sense of peace and well-being.
While weed products may not conjure happiness out of thin air, they help alleviate the conditions that often make us unhappy.
Certain strains are well-known for creating a chatty, cheery, giggly-head high that leaves you feeling open, relaxed, and carefree. One that comes to mind is bubbly Bootylicious. As an added bonus, it’s also considered a go-to for depression, pain, and anxiety!
UP OR DOWN?
Now, a lot of the above rests on whether or not weed acts as a stimulant or a depressant.
Stimulant vs. Depressant
Those terms, stimulant and depressant, encompass far more than just mood. We’re talking about a broad array of physical and mental effects.
Which is weed? Well, here’s the thing—it can be one, the other, or sometimes even both. So much depends upon the species, the strain, and your personal body chemistry and brain.
There are some general rules:
1.) Sativas tend to be stimulants
2.) Indicas tend to be depressants
3.) Hybrids can fall anywhere on that spectrum. Effects-wise, some hybrids go pretty solidly one way or another. Still, some are the ideal blending of both sativa and indica effects.
You can find more information about weed as a stimulant and depressant in our helpful guide.
Finding The Right Strain For You
Keep in mind that these are just generalities. Getting together with your Budtender to explore your needs and past experiences with different species and strains is often the best way to start your quest.
And then? Well, do more science! Experiment and sample different weed products until you find your favorite—or favorites! There is no reason to limit yourself to just one!
HOW TO GET THE BENEFITS OF WEED WITHOUT SMOKING IT
There are many reasons a person might not want to inhale smoke into their lungs. Luckily, we don’t have to smoke it to reap the benefits of weed!
Alternatives to Smoking; The Station has many smokeless options to choose from.
Edibles are a favorite for many if you’d like to leave your lungs out of it. They come in many forms and flavors. They are easy and convenient to store and use, and dosing can be precise and uncomplicated.
Another great option? Tinctures in the form of oral sprays or sublingual (under the tongue) drops.
Adding tincture to foods is a great way to liven up your dinner without having to decarboxylate weed in your oven like in the old days. This is not to say there is anything wrong with decarbing your dearest strain and spicing up your favorite dish!
WEED HAS ITS BENEFITS
No matter how you come at it or your needs, odds are you’ll find what you’re looking for with weed. The myriad of benefits weed provides—physical and mental—are undeniable.
We’ve got something just for you, whether you’re looking to unwind, catch fire, sleep better, ease your aches, wax poetic, or feel happy. And if you need inspiration for other activities to do while high, check out our list of weed-approved fun!
And if you don’t want to smoke it? You don’t have to—there is a broad array of weed products sure to meet your needs.
Come on down to one of our shop and let our Budtenders help you take full advantage of all the benefits of smoking weed!
