chronic pain

darnold1975

What Are Cannabinoids?

“I’m high on life. Oh, wait, sorry, that’s just marijuana.”

-Unknown

Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Today, I want to talk to you about cannabinoids. And with terpenes this medicine is saving lives.

What are cannabinoids? They are a group of chemical compounds found primarily in the Cannabis sativa plant. And the plant contains about 540 chemical substances. They interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates various functions that include mood, appetite, pain, and sleep. And there are also different types of cannabinoids (https://www.nccih.nih.gov, 2025).

Types of Cannabinoids

·        Phytocannabinoids: Naturally found in the cannabis plant such as THC and CBD

·        Endocannabinoids: Cannabino9ids produced by the human body, as anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).

·        Synthetic cannabinoids: Man-made cannabinoids designed to mimic the effects of phytocannabinoids such as “K2” and “Spice” (https://nida.nih.gov, 2025).

What are specific phytocannabinoids and their functions?

·        Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): psychoactive compound that produces euphoric “high:. It also helps with nausea, pain, and appetite stimulation.

·        Cannabidiol (CBD): Non-psychoactive compound known for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties.

·        Cannabigerol (CBG): Known as the “mother of all cannabinoids” because others are synthesized from its acidic form CBGA. It is non-psychoactive and is being researched for potential neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects.

·        Cannabinol (CBN):  A minor cannabinoid that forms as THC ages and degrades. It is mildly intoxicating but primarily known for its sedative properties and p[potential use as a sleep aid. I can tell you that I search for strains high in CBN for severe insomnia. The strain that almost instantly puts me to sleep is Purple Cheisel. 

·        Cannabichromene (CBC): A non-psychoactive cannabinoid that’s being studied for its potential effects on pain and inflammation. This one will definitely help with chronic pain.

·        Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THCA): The non-psychoactive precursor to THC, found in raw cannabis. When heated it converts to THC. It has potential anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.

·        Cannabidolic Acid (CBDA): The raw, unheated precursor to CBD, found in fresh cannabis. When heated it converts to CBD. It may have stronger anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea effects than CBD in its raw form.

·        Delta-8 THC: A psychoactive compound similar to THC, though its effects are less potent. It occurs in small quantities in the cannabis plant but can be synthetically produced from CBD (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, 2023). I don’t personally have a problem with the idea of delta-8 and delta-9 products. What I do have a problem with is the fact that they are not regulated and are sold in gas stations to people making them sick. Those products are not safe at all. Because we don’t know what all is in them.

The topic of cannabinoids has a lot of information available. And I won’t bore you with all the very distinct information. As I have said about terpenes, get to know your cannabinoids. It’s imperative when seeking to fine tune your cannabis regimen. Thanks for reading! And keep blazin.’

Affirmation: My mind, body and spirit are my top priority. Cannabis aids with each.

 ***Don’t forget to watch the video!***

#Thispuzzledlife

darnold1975

Budtender Moment: AK-47 Strain Review

“Some strains roar. Some strains whisper. AK‑47 just taps you on the shoulder and says, ‘Relax, sweetheart.’”

– This Puzzled Life

Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Tap the ash twice for the ancestors who absolutely did not expect you to be out here reading a strain review with this much chaotic Southern  energy. But here we are, thriving anyway. Today’s Budtender Moment is dedicated to a strain with a name so unnecessarily dramatic it sounds like it should come with a seatbelt and a liability waiver. And yet it’s one of the gentlest, most “baby, breathe” strains on the shelf. Welcome to AK‑47. The flower that sounds like a felony but feels like a weighted blanket.

AK‑47. A strain named like it wants to fight me in the parking lot of a Waffle House at 3 a.m. But it actually hits like a soft‑spoken librarian who just wants you to hydrate and stop overthinking your entire existence. If trauma had a dimmer switch, this strain would be the one gently turning it down while whispering, “Hush now, baby, we’re not doing all that today.” It walked in like a cousin who wasn’t invited to the cookout but somehow brought the best potato salad. You know the one that is  loud, chaotic, but beloved.

This strain is the botanical equivalent of a blended family that somehow gets along at Thanksgiving. It was created in the early 1990s by Serious Seeds, a Dutch seed company known for being meticulous, scientific, and just a little bit dramatic in the best way. The breeders wanted something uplifting, balanced, and reliable. And a strain that could hit the sweet spot between clarity and calm. So, they pulled genetics from all over the world like they were assembling the Avengers.

The breeders said the name came from its “one‑hit knockout” reputation. And not because it’s harsh or overwhelming, but because it delivers fast, noticeable effects with surprising smoothness. Like a gentle slap from someone who loves you. It’s one of the earliest successful multi‑continental hybrids. It helped define the modern hybrid era in the 90s. It became a competition darling, winning over a dozen awards. And its genetics influenced countless strains that came after it. AK‑47 is basically the Beyoncé of early hybrid breeding. It’s influential, consistent, and still relevant decades later. It tastes like a plant that’s been through things but came out wiser.

Top terpenes in this strain are Myrcene, Limonene, Caryophyllene, and Ocimene. Patients report relief from stress, anxiety, mild depression, focus & mental clarity, muscle tension, mild chronic pain, headaches, and social anxiety.

And that is AK‑47. The strain that sounds like a felony but behaves like a weighted blanket with a college degree. If you need me, I’ll be over here floating three inches above the couch cushions, contemplating absolutely nothing of importance while pretending I’m productive because my eyes are open. May your bowl be full, your peace be protected, and your group chats stay quiet. And remember: If anyone asks why you’re this calm, just tell them you’re practicing “radical Southern stillness.” Now go forth and inhale responsibly, you magnificent chaotic angel.

Please keep in mind that each grow will be different and the flower’s effects will differ depending on which region of the country that the plant is grown. Thanks for reading! Keep blazin.’

Affirmation: “I honor my mind, even on the days it feels like it’s doing donuts in a parking lot. I am still here, still steady, and still worthy of calm.”

***Don’t forget to watch the video!***

#Thispuzzledlife

darnold1975

Budtender Moment: Zero Gravity Strain Review

“Zero Gravity is that sacred moment when your spirit unhooks from the chaos and remembers how light it was meant to feel.”

-This Puzzled Life

Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy, go away. Today we’re talking about a strain that doesn’t just relax you. It elevates you. Zero Gravity is the cannabis equivalent of unhooking your bra, kicking off your shoes, and floating three inches above your own problems. It’s the strain you reach for when the world has been loud, messy, and entirely too people-forward. Zero Gravity doesn’t argue with you. It doesn’t negotiate. It simply says, “Baby, let’s rise.”

T.H. Seeds developed Zero Gravity, and its lineage traces back to the late 1990s. The mother strain, Gravity, began appearing in Amsterdam around 1999, distributed in small batches by legendary breeders Neville and Shanti Baba from Mr. Nice Seeds. Gravity was originally created for Sensi Seeds and traveled globally before returning to Amsterdam, where T.H. Seeds crossed it with a landrace Afghan indica to produce Zero Gravity.

To achieve that, they reached back into the old-school vault and pulled out two legends Hash Plant x Northern Lights #5. Hash plant is a cross between Afghani Landrace x Northern Lights #1. Northern Lights #5 is a cross between Afghani landrace x Hawaiian (Sativa). While the exact release date of Zero Gravity isn’t pinned to a single year, its roots stretch back to the early 2000s. Its genetic journey beginning in the late ’90s. Making it a strain with deep, globe-trotting heritage and a reputation for cosmic calm.

When these two came together, Zero Gravity was born. It’s a strain that quickly gained traction in medical markets for its ability to quiet the mind without knocking you out. Patients loved it. Budtenders recommended it. And soon enough, recreational consumers discovered it and said, “Oh, this is the one for when I want to float, not fold.” Over time, Zero Gravity became a cult favorite. The strain for people who want to feel weightless without losing themselves.

Top terpenes for this strain are Myrcene, Caryophyllene, and Limonene. Patients report relief from stress, anxiety, chronic pain, muscle tension, insomnia, and mood elevation. It’s the strain for when your brain needs a timeout and your body needs a hug. It’s the strain that reminds you that you don’t have to carry everything. You can float. You can rest. You can unplug from the noise and drift somewhere softer. It’s not just a high. It’s a reprieve. A moment of weightlessness in a world that loves to pull you down.

Zero Gravity isn’t just a strain. It’s a permission slip. A cosmic hall pass. A reminder that you don’t have to stay tethered to every worry, every expectation, every loud voice trying to rent space in your head. It doesn’t demand productivity. It doesn’t ask for performance. It simply offers peace. The kind that wraps around your body like a warm quilt and whispers, “You’re safe now.”Whether you’re healing, hiding, or just trying to make it through the day without cussing someone out at Dollar General, Zero Gravity is here to lift you. Not to escape. But to remember what it feels like to float.

Please keep in mind that each grow will be different and the flower’s effects will differ depending on which region of the country that the plant is grown. Thanks for reading! Keep blazin.’

Affirmation: I release the weight I was never meant to carry, and I rise soft, steady, and unbothered.

***Don’t forget to watch the video!***

#Thispuzzledlife

darnold1975

Budtender Moment: Skywalker OG Vape Cart Review

“People say stoners forget things. I say we remember what matters.”

-Unknown

Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy, go away. Today, I want to tell you about another strain that was one of the first strains that I tried. This packs a punch to the dome and its name is Skywalker OG.

Skywalker OG is a potent indica-dominant hybrid strain. It is a cross between Skywalker x OG Kush. It’s a cross between Blueberry x Mazar-I-Sharif. OG Kush is a cross between Chemdawg x Lemon Thai x Hindu Kush. All of these strains are amazing while standing alone. This is definitely a strain that I see as one of my all-time top cannabis strains. This strain has won two High Times Cannabis Cup awards.

Top terpenes are Myrcene, Limonene, and Caryophyllene. Medical patients report relief from such conditions as chronic pain, insomnia and other sleep disorders, stress, anxiety, mood, and appetite stimulation. I also want to say that this strain is good for PTSD. This one will put you to sleep and helps a lot from chronic pain. If you need a strong strain to help suppress uncomfortable symptoms, this strain is for you. I smoke this as a vape cart. We know that the tastes are different based on it being a solvent  being use to make it. However, I can definitely taste the citrus and pine flavorings. But first make your nest and get comfortable. If you’re a novice smoker, please don’t get to bold. Because it will show you who the boss really is. Thanks for reading! Keep blazin.’

Affirmation: I excel at smoke tricks.

***Don’t forget to watch the video!***

#Thispuzzledlife

darnold1975

Budtender Moment: Afghan Kush Strain Review

“I don’t rise and shine. I wake and bake.”

-Unknown

Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Today, I want to tell you about another strain that is a grassroots strain for us. Its name is Afghan Kush.

Afghan Kush aka Afghan OG is a pure indica. And it’s origins are that it’s a landrace strain from the Hindu Kush mountain range in Afghanistan. And specifically, it’s the area near the Pakistan border, specifically thriving in the Amu Darya River Valley. It’s considered one of the original cannabis indica types. And it was introduced to Western breeders via the “Hippie Trail” in the 1960s and 70s. I did get a strong taste of pepper in my bud. But the flavor profile includes an herbal, pine, spicy, sweet, and woody notes. A definite must have in your stash.

Patients report relief from  chronic pain, depression, insomnia, loss of appetite, migraines, PMS, PTSD, and stress. And I can attest to each one of these. Afghan Kush is a very heavy and potent indica. And it’s so strong that you don’t just have “couchlock,” you become a space cadet. So, it’s not a strain that I would recommend for daytime use. Please keep in mind that each grow will be different and the flower’s effects will differ depending on which region of the country that the plant is grown. Thanks for reading! Keep blazin.’

Affirmation: With each inhale, I return to myself.

***Don’t forget to watch the video!***

#Thispuzzledlife

darnold1975

Budtender Moment: Orange Kush Strain Review

“Couples who blaze together, stay together.”

-Unknown

Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Today, I want to stay with the self harm awareness color by highlighting strain names and colors. The strain is called Orange Kush.

Orange Kush aka Orange OG was developed by Green Devil Genetics in the 1990’s by combining Orange Bud x OG Kush. You can definitely smell and taste the citrus with a mixture of that fuel paternal line. And don’t worry, the citrus tones down the somewhat overpowering diesel of the OG Kush. While it’s not what I would consider as a “heavy hitter,” it is still a very relaxing strain.

I am using the full spectrum dab syringe by Midsouth Extracts. The THC is at 59%, which is the typical range per state requirement. The top terpene profile is p-Myrcene, Limonene and Linalool. While this product is labeled as an indica, it’s more of a creeper hybrid. The effects come on somewhat slower and aren’t too heavy. This is a concentration that could be used with novice users. I have eaten this out of the syringe and dabbed this strain both ways give you a nice taste of this plant’s terpenes. However, don’t overdo it.

The strain is considered both an indica and a hybrid. The majority of Kush are indicas. The more citrus strains I have found to be more sativa. And this concentrate is definitely the best of both worlds. The sativa side is strong enough to still be functional. And the indica side is enough to muffle out any potential panic attacks. The medical effects pain relief, depression, sleep, relaxation. anxiety, ADHD, inflammation, loss of appetite, PMS, migraines and muscle spasms. And it is a strain that has been popular in Arizona and the Pacific Northwest. (allbud.com.) Definitely, a really good one for completing a task. It is sort of a little creeper initially so don’t go crazy until you know your tolerance. It’s about 70% Indica-30% Sativa in my opinion.

Wherever you’re celebrating Pride, stop into a legal dispensary and ask Orange Kush by name without worrying about it being too heavy. And definitely one to complete your awareness of self-harm. Thanks for reading! Keep blazin’.

Affirmation: No matter how I identify, I am beautiful.

***Don’t forget to watch the video!***

#Thispuzzledlife

Featured darnold1975

Budtender Moment: Leprechaun Larry Strain Review

“The plant teaches patience, presence, and perspective.”

-Unknown

Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Today, I want to tell you about a strain that is all about St. Patty’s Day. And it is called Leprechaun Larry.

Leprechaun Larry is sativa-dominant hybrid. It is a cross between Larry OG x Green Crack. Larry OG is a cross between OG Kush x SFV OG (San Fernando Valley OG). Green Crack is a cross between Skunk #1 x Afghani genetics. The taste profile consists of citrus peel, sweet herbs, and pine. This is a strain’s taste profile is one  that I have a difficult time of differentiating.

The top terpenes in this strain are Limonene, Terpinolene, and Pinene. Patients report experiencing better focus and creativity. And less stress, depression, mood swings, chronic fatigue, and ADD/ADHD. Make sure that you’re in a stable place with your anxiety before using this strain. Because it will definitely give you some pep in your step or a panic attack. Please keep in mind that each grow will be different and the flower effects, terpenes and genetics will differ depending on which region of the country that the plant is grown. Thanks for reading! Keep blazin.’

Affirmation: In this moment, I am safe, grounded, and enough.

***Don’t forget to watch the video!***

#Thispuzzledlife

darnold1975

Budtender Moment: Suncake Strain Review

“High isn’t a destination. It’s a perspective.”

-Unknown

Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Today, I want to tell you about a strain that is good for the time of year where we all begin enjoy the warm sun. This strain is called Suncake.

Suncake is a 60/40 indica-dominant hybrid. It is a cross between Sunset Sherbet x Wedding Cake. Sunset Sherbet is a cross between Girl Scout Cookies x Pink Panties. Wedding Cake is a cross between Triangle Kush x Animal Mints. It’s flavoring consists of a sweet, creamy, berry, vanilla cake, and tropical citrus. However, I just identified light citrus notes.

Top terpenes in this strain are Limonene, Caryophyllene, and Linalool. Patients report relief from conditions such as insomnia, chronic pain, appetite loss, nausea, chronic stress, depression, and mood swings. This strain I would call an easy and slightly indica dominant strain. Yes, you can use this during the day as long as you’re an experienced indica smoker. Novice smokers might enjoy this one better as night. Either way, it does not act real indica. The effects feel much more like a balanced hybrid with a nice elevation in mood.

Affirmation: I am a natural stoner.

***Don’t forget to watch the video!***

#Thispuzzledlife

darnold1975

Budtender Moment: Tangerine Dream Strain Review

“It’s not a drug, it’s a plant with attitude.”

-Unknown

Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. In keeping with the self-harm awareness color orange, I want to tell you about a strain called Tangerine Dream.

Tangerine Dream is a sativa-dominant hybrid that is a cross between G13 x Afghani x Neville’s A5 Haze. G13 exact parent strains are unknown. But we do know that it’s a 70/30 indica-dominant. Afghani is a landrace strain that is a pure indica. Haze is a blend of four landrace strain that are Mexican, Colombian, South Indian, and Thai stative strains.

Top terpenes in this strain are Myrcene, Caryophyllene, and Limonene. Patients report relief from arthritis, chronic pain, depression, fatigue, headaches, inflammation, insomnia, loss of appetite, migraines, and stress. The taste is definitely a sweet and fruity flavor. As with any sativa-dominant strain be aware that if you have a problem with anxiety, it can increase an already miserable anxiety situation. I have a lot of anxiety, and I always take it easy with these kinds of strains until I know how it will affect me. This strain isn’t as potent as Green Crack. Just don’t go crazy “hot boxing.” Thanks for reading! Keep blazin.’

Affirmation: I consume with intention and gratitude for the experience.

***Don’t forget to watch the video!***

#Thispuzzledlife

darnold1975

Budtender Moment: Platinum Kush Breath Strain Review

“Smoke signals from a modern mind.”

-Unknown

Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Today, I want to tell you about a strain called Platinum Kush Breath.

Platinum Kush Breath is a 70/30 indica-dominant hybrid strain. It is a cross between OG Kush x Afghani. OG Kush is a cross between Chemdawg x Lemon Thai x Hindu Kush. Afghani is a pure indica landrace strain found in the Hindu Kush mountains of Afghanistan. I wasn’t able to determine a definitive flavor. But it’s reported flavors of berry, fruity, peppery, spicy, and sweet.

Dominant terpenes are Caryophyllene, Limonene and Linalool. Patients report  relief from depression, headaches, migraines, chronic pain, inflammation, cramps, or muscle spasms. Even though this strain’s potency doesn’t hit hard to begin with, it acts very much like a creeper strain. The indica effects were slow but powerful once they settled in. I would say that this strain needs to be used in moderation. Because if your not careful “couch lock” might be upon you. Thanks for reading! Keep blazin.’

Affirmation: I am worthy of health and happiness, and I choose to relax my mind and body.

***Don’t forget to watch the video!***

#Thispuzzledlife