This Puzzled Life is a mental health and recovery blog exploring addiction, trauma healing, LGBTQ experiences, humor, and the strange moments that shape us.
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Today, I want to tell you about the “hash hole” or “doughnut” that I will use to celebrate National Hash Hole Day. The strain that I’m going to tell you about is called Zoo Dog.
Zoo Dog is a 70/30 indica-dominant hybrid. It is a cross between Gorilla Glue #4 x Chemdawg. Gorilla Glue #4 is a three way cross between Chem’s Sister x Sour Dubb x Chocolate Diesel. Chemdawg is an indica-dominant hybrid whose exact lineage is unknown. The genetics in this strain are amazing. GG #4 x Chemdawg were some of the first specific strains that tried when I initially got on medical cannabis. These strains are fire on their own. But with the combination of these strains and then a nice strip of concentrate is absolutely a bonfire.
The top terpenes in this strain are Limonene, Humulene, Isopulegol, and B-Caryophyllene. Patients report relief from conditions such as chronic pain, depression, headaches, migraines, anxiety, sleep, and stress. What I can personally tell you about my experience is that you better take your Cheetos to the couch with you. This infused preroll that is sitting at 43.04% will have you growing into the fabric of the couch or recliner within a few tokes. Thanks for reading! Keep blazin.’
Affirmation: My body is filled with healing energy whenever I inhale cannabis.
“The best way I could describe the effect of the marijuana and hashish is that it would make me relaxed and creative.”
-Steve Jobs
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. I’m going to tell you about a strain that will be the perfect “get up and go” that you need to help make it through this Thanksgiving Holiday and beyond.
Green Crack was the name that Snoop Dogg gave to the strain Green Cush. It is a sativa hybrid that will give you a shot of energy and a calmness for dealing with all of the crowds surrounding Thanksgiving. I will warn you about this strain being known to cause an increase in anxiety. For those that enjoy sativas, I will not fight you for this one. But for people like us who have panic attacks, this is an arch nemesis.
This strain’s genetics are a cross between Skunk #1 x and an unknown indica. It’s a 65/35 sativa dominant. And trust me, it’s very sativa. The top terpenes in this strain are myrcene, caryophyllene, and pinene. Pinene is the big anxiety terpene. The other two are used with pain which is usually seen in indica-dominant strains. Don’t get too brave with this one if you have anxiety.
The taste is one that is a mixture of fruity, pine and sweet. And if I’m honest, I would tell you that the taste is actually pretty good compared to heavy indicas that taste hazy. Medical benefits include depression, ADHD, migraines, fatigue, bipolar, chronic pain, appetite, and stress.
The opinion about the effects of this strain are mine only. However, it might work differently for you. The beauty of cannabis is that there is no “one size fits all.” What works for me might not work for you and vice versa. Thanks for reading! Keep blazin’!
Affirmation: I love that I love weed as much as I love weed.
“Some of my finest hours have been spent on my back veranda, hemp and observing as far as my eye can see.”
-Thomas Jefferson
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negativity energy, go away. Today, I want to review the strain Banana Cream Pie. Yep, doesn’t it sound like a strain that would go well during the Thanksgiving holiday? Sit tight, while I describe this nice add to the holidays.
Banana Cream Cake a.k.a Banana Cake is a sativa-dominant hybrid. This strain is made by crossing Wedding Cake x Monkey Banana. This has become one to add to my list of likes. With it being a sativa-dominant strain, I was a little skeptical about whether I would like it. But this little girl is a nice strain.
This strain hit me directly in the eyes like a prized fighter. But it’s not too anxiety provoking. I would be cautious with novice users. Because it will sneak up on you with it’s powerful kick. Patients choose this strain to help with symptoms of chronic depression, anxiety, and pain. I know. There is enough indica in it to tame that anxiety associated with sativas.
This strain was on Leafly’s top 12 strains of 2022 harvest. And what a sweet beauty she is. The sweetness of vanilla combined with chestnuts give this strain a sweet and hardy flavoring. Dominant terpenes are Limonene, trans-Caryophyllene and Linalool. Those with anxiety issues can enjoy but need to be careful and not overdo it.
Thanks for reading! Keep smilin’ and blazin.’
Affirmation: I am grateful for how cannabis expands my creative ability.
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Today, I want to tell you about a strain called Soul Assassin. As domestic violence awareness month winds down and seeing the damage that abuse can do to someone, I thought that the cannabis strain for today was absolutely perfect. Because of being trapped mentally or physically from seeking freedom, often times for years, it feels like the perpetrator has literally assassinated your soul.
Soul Assassin is a heavy indica-dominant hybrid. Domestic violence is something heavy that is like a wrecking ball in the victim’s life. But this strain is heavy in regard to healing. It’s just what the doctor order for the overstimulation of PTSD. The genetics of this strain is a cross between OG Kush x Sour Diesel. Most like myself, who have been in the cannabis community for many years, know that these are a couple strains that many would consider staples. OG Kush is a cross between Hindu Kush x Lemon Thai x Chemdawg. Sour Diesel is a cross between Northern Lights x Chemdawg.
The medical benefits associated with this strain include relief from insomnia, anxiety, mood disorders, stress, chronic pain, depression, and inflammation. The top terpenes are B-myrcene, terpinolene, B-Pinene. I got a lot of relief with this strain. I would also encourage you to plan on not going anywhere. As “couchlock” can be a reality. Thanks for reading! Keep blazin.’
Affirmation: I smoke my weed and mind my business.
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negativity energy, go away. Today, I want to review the strain known as “Purp Fiction.” This purple strain stays in-line with the purple awareness color.
Purp Fiction is an equal hybrid cross between Melonade X Kong’s Kush. Melonade is a cross between Watermelon Zkittlez x Lemon Tree. Kong’s Kush is a cross between Banana Punch x Wonder Pie. On inhale this strain tastes like wine with a berry and nutty combination.
The major terpenes are B-Caryophyllene, b-Myrcene, Limonene, Humulene and Linalool. And the medical benefits provide relief from stress, anxiety, headaches, insomnia, and pain. I would save this one for when you don’t need to worry about the next couple of hours. This is a strain that helps me out just enough to manage some of my chronic pain for a nice nighttime rest. Keep blazin’ and stay safe.
Affirmation: My cannabis use supports my well-being and helps me connect with my inner peace.
“I think America’s view on weed is ridiculous. If everyone smoked weed, the world would be a better place.”
-Kirsten Dunst
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Today, I’m going to review strains that go along with Domestic Violence Awareness. Don’t get offended by the names of the products. This strain is called Mike Tyson Knockout 2.0. And boy does it have power in its makeup.
The name itself is one that fits this strain perfectly. It is also known as “Mike Tyson” and “Mike Tyson OG.” The exact lineage is unknown. However, I can tell you that this strain is dank and powerful. If I were to describe the odor of this strain. It is STANKY! It’s got aromas of diesel, pungent and skunky.
The dominant terpene is myrcene which arrests pain at its origin. And the side effects are sleepy, happy and hungry. This is a strain for experienced consumers. This strain won’t “couch lock” you. It will bury you under the couch. And does wonders for chronic pain and insomnia. This strain will hit you with a 1-2 punch. Make sure you have nothing that needs to be done for a couple of hours after toking. Thanks for reading! Keep Smiling. Keep Laughing. And keep blazing!
Affirmation: I am sativa happy and indica relaxed.
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Okie dokie! Today, I’m going to review strains that go along with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Locally a strain called Pink Peanut.
This strain has a long linage of Runtz. We know that it’s probably going to have a sweet candy taste initially. But then that little speck of gas trails behind come in and give it a sour ending. The genetics are Pink Runtz x Peanut Butter Runtz. Just those names says sweet sativa. Pink Runtz has origins of Gelato x Zkittlez or Pink Panties and Rainbow Sherbert. Peanut Butter Runtz aka Butter Runtz has origins as an indica-dominant hybrid by crossing Runtz x Peanut Butter Breath.
I know that is a long of linage information for the strain. I wanted to give you some things to investigate further about this strain. It is a great hybrid with linage strains that were award winners. So, champions are not anything knew to this flower. It’s totally a strain that you can “Wake n’ Bake” and continue to be productive. The indica is nice and not too heavy. This strain would be good for anyone on the cannabis continuum. For a hybrid, the total package is how you explain this strain. Good taste. Good medicine. And Good Blazin’!
Affirmation: Being a stoner has taught me that I can problem solve, build new things, and give old things new life.
“It is dangerous, misleading, and illegal” and a “massive fraud on consumers that puts their safety directly at risk.”
–American Kratom Association
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Today, I want to talk to you about the deadly synthetic opioid products known as 7-OH (gas station heroin). You might think that these products are safe. But there is only one descriptive term for them…..DANGEROUS.
Let me break down the problems associated with these products. The product is so dangerous that the FDA is specifically targeting the 7-OH products a concentrated byproduct of the kratom plant. They are not focused on the natural kratom leaf products. These products have a high potential for abuse because they bind to opioid receptors. They are not FDA-approved 7-OH opioid products. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H. is quoted saying, “7-OH is an opioid that can be more potent than morphine” (https://www.fda.gov, 2025).
What is 7-OH? –hydroymitragynine is a powerful opioid-like compound found in the leaves of the kratom plant. While this compound is naturally in trace amounts because manufacturers have begun to concentrate or synthesize it into highly potent and addictive products. They are sold at gas stations, vape shops and smoke shops. At this time, anyone of any age can purchase these products. And they are appealing to kids and teens because they are also made into edibles.
“It’s a recipe for a public health disaster.”
-Jim O’Neill, U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services
· Significantly stronger than morphine:Some synthetic products are reportedly 13 to 40 times more potent than morphine.
· Intense opioid effects: these include pain relief, euphoria, and sedation.
· High risk of dependence and addiction:Regular use can quickly lead to physical and psychological dependence with severe withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped.
· Serious adverse effects: There have been a notable rise in emergency room visits with symptoms that include nausea, agitation, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, seizures and respiratory depression that can be fatal.
Difference between natural and concentrated 7-OH
· Natural kratom: in the natural form as a plant leaf, kratom contains only a small amount of 7-OH (less than 2%). It is often used for its mild stimulant or opioid-like effects, but the risk profile is significantly different from highly concentrated products.
· Concentrated/Synthetic 7-OH: lab created product where the 7-OH has been concentrated to a higher potency reaching 98%. These unregulated products are sold in forms like gummies, drinks, and tablets ((https://www.dshs.texas.gov, 2025).
I cannot express enough the dangerousness of these products. I, for one, fell in love with heroin and pills many years ago. And what a difficult process it has been to break free from those substances. Because “One is too many. And a thousand is never enough.” That’s how addiction works. Parents if you think that this is all a bunch of hoopla for nothing, you are dead wrong. This product scares me like most can’t. We have enough of an “opiate crisis” without introducing more into the family line. Educate yourself and your children. It just might save lives. Thanks for reading!
Affirmation: I have the ability to make a different choice.
“Weed is from the earth. God put this here for me and you. Take advantage, man, take advantage.”
-Smokey (Chris Tucker), Friday
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. With part of the awareness colors for suicide awareness being purple, you know I had to represent with a purple strain. Sit back for a few minutes and allow me to educate you on this little beauty.
Purple Cookies is a 50/50 hybrid. It’s a cross between Cookie F2 x Purple Caper. You initially get that “hazy” strain taste which is also very earthy. And I’ll be honest; I had to smoke almost an entire bowl before I felt anything. Part of that could be that I smoke very heavy indicas to manage my medical needs.
Patients report relief from stress, anxiety and depression. It’s also used to help with chronic pain, insomnia and muscle spasms. I can tell you that I have a lot of the same issues. This strain didn’t do much for me in regard to chronic pain or insomnia. And that’s probably due to the sativa half of the hybrid.
The main terpene is myrcene. And it’s a strain that would be perfect for inexperienced users. You won’t get “couch lock.” And it would be perfect to use it during a lunch break. Overall, it’s not strong, but I can’t say that it’s bad medicine. It could be perfect for your individual needs. Thanks for reading! And keep blazing!
Affirmation: I won’t share blunts with people who won’t share roaches with me.
“The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.”
-Douglas McArthur
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negativity energy, go away. Today, I want to discuss veteran suicide. I know that this topic has seemed to get old and fast. However, I believe that the more we talk about the harshness of life, the more the stigmas will begin to disappear.
In 2022, the most recent year for the current data, 6,407 veterans and 41,484 nonveteran adults died by suicide. The rate among veterans was 34.7 per 100,000 compared to 17.1 per 100,000 for nonveterans. Since 2005, veteran suicide has risen faster than any other group. And these rates are unacceptable.
The veterans who died by suicide in that year, 40% were under the care of the Veterans Health Administration. Among those patients, who were also diagnosed with a mental health disorder or substance abuse disorder, there were 56.4 per 100,000, which was twice the rate of those without a diagnosis. And among 1,548 veterans who died by suicide 64% were diagnosed with depression, 43% had an anxiety disorder, 40% had PTSD, and 32% had an alcohol use disorder. However, the highest suicide rates were associated with veterans who had sedative use disorder which include benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and opiates (www.rand.org, 2025). And the stigma about mental health in the military further increase this problem.
Aspects of Veteran Mental Health stigma:
· Fear of judgment and perception: Veterans worry about how seeking help will affect all areas of their lives and especially on career repercussions.
· Military culture: The “warrior ethos” which emphasizes self-reliance and stoicism create barriers to seeking help.
· Loss of security clearance: Some fear that seeking mental health treatment will lead to revocation of security clearances.
· Impact on treatment: stigmas can lead to untreated mental health conditions, substance abuse and increased risk of suicide.
· Self-stigma: Veterans may internalize negative societal views about mental health which can lead to shame, self-blame, and more reluctance to seek help (https://oxfordtreatment.com, 2025).
As an advocate for medical cannabis, I believe that our veterans should be given an ounce of cannabis the minute their feet hit US soil upon returning from active duty. As I personally deal with PTSD, there is not another medication on the planet that can bring me relief like cannabis can. And it’s such a safer alternative to alcohol, opiates, and benzodiazepine medications.
Currently, the Safe Healing Act, which was introduced on February 4, 2025, is designed to prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from denying a veteran benefit administered by the Secretary by reason of the veteran participating in a State-approved marijuana program and other purposes. But unfortunately, there is only a 3% chance of being enacted (www.govtrack.us, 2025). And I consider this utterly ridiculous. There is an unmistakable problem with veteran suicide. It appears Big Pharma is still in the way of progress. I wonder how many people who oppose this bill must suffer, daily, with the horrible effects of PTSD, anxiety, and chronic pain that “Big Pharma” can’t seem to help?
Our returning soldiers are faced with horrors that no one understands until they’ve been there. And though I have never served our country, I can tell you that the above-mentioned mental health disorders have also almost taken my life many times. The symptoms are horrific in nature. Put chronic pain in the mix and suicide often seems like the only answer to have a break, though it be permanent, for even a moment of peace.
Veterans, in my eyes, should be held to the utmost respect. They should be the highest paid employees before professional athletes. And we as a country should make sure that the best treatment is available to them for the rest of their lives. Some have paid the price of their lives on the battlefield. And a high percentage of others pay with their lives when they return home. But instead of treating them like the heroes like they are, they are often discarded by the government that they so proudly serve.
Is cannabis the only answer? Not at all. However, while they find the modality that works for them, I think that cannabis could lighten the load and make their futures seem a little brighter. Discarding them along with all the judgmental stigmas only adds to the problem. And until this is rectified, we will continue to lose those beautiful people who are willing, at any moment, to lay down their lives for our freedoms. Shame on the United States of America for treating them like that!
I know reading this is not easy. But we as a nation must stand up for these individuals who continue to pay the price every time, they open their eyes. Let’s get past the “reefer madness” ignorance and allow our veterans the opportunity to extend their lives at home. A special thanks and salute to one of my favorite veterans who I’ll call Joe. Thanks for reading! And God Bless America!
This Puzzled Life 