This Puzzled Life is a mental health and recovery blog exploring addiction, trauma healing, LGBTQ experiences, humor, and the strange moments that shape us.
“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. 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.
“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 biggest killer on the planet is stress, and I still think the best medicine is and always been cannabis.”
-Willie Nelson
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Today’s strain review will be on the strain Purple Rain. This is another “purple” strain as we continue to bring awareness and prevention for those who are touched, in some way, by suicide. Purple strains are usually dark and indica, which is right up my alley. As with most strains, there is typically more than one terpene profile depending on the genetics. This was the one that I tried.
Purple Rain is an indica-dominant strain and a cross between Chemdawg x Purple Candy Kush x OG Kush. Just looking at the “plant family” genetics, I know that both OG Kush and Chemdawg are strong and dank fuel taste between the two. And Purple Candy, I assume is a sativa because of the Candy.
This strain I wasn’t sure would be what I needed. On inhale it definitely tastes like a typical purple strain with that “hazy” taste. And for me it acted like a hybrid “creeper” strain. But then that Purple Rain began falling down on me and by the end I was so faded.
Patients report relief from symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress. And I agree. Terpenes in this strain are Limonene, Caryophyllene and Linalool. Probably on of the reasons that the effects came on slower, even at 26% THC. Myrcene is the terpene that can give you that hard “couch lock.” But I have to admit that this is still a nice strain.
“Smoke the marijuana and get high. Stay above the wicked and fly.”
-Snoop Dogg
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Nothing says August heat in the south like a description of the devil. Like whenever you leave your house in the morning, you step outside, and it feels like the devil just farted in your face. So, for this strain review we will be looking at one called Devil’s Den.
Devil’s Den is an indica-dominant hybrid that is a cross of Devil Driver x Apple Mints. The grand genetics in Devil Driver are Melonade x Sundae Driver sativa-dominant strain. Apple Mints is an indica-dominant hybrid strain that is a cross of Apple Fritter x Kush Mints. This strain acts more sativa than indica. And is a great strain to have on a lunch break that won’t cause “couch lock” like heavier indicas.
This is not a bad strain by any means. I’m just a very heavy indica user. When the southern heat and humidity get you down, grab some of this flower and take time out to remember the beauty of the season. And knowing that there are fewer hot days remaining than when we first began.
Terpene profile on this flower is Linalool and Limonene. It works great for aches and mild pain, depression and stress. Again, not too heavy. And if you like hybrids it’s almost a true 50/50. However, there is the lean towards the sativa side where I would place it more 70/30a dominant. Thanks for reading! Keep smiling. Keep laughing. And keep blazin’!
Affirmation: I smoke my weed and mind my business.
“Don’t judge someone until you have shared a joint with them.”
-Unknown
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy, go away. Today, I want to talk to you about a product that I like to call “the total package.” It is a concentrate known as Watermelon Woo! And it is truly ‘watermelon’ every step of the way.
This beautiful strain is considered an indica. Watermelon Woo is found to be closely associated with the strain Watermelon. And it has also been linked to OG Kush. But the exact genetics are currently unknown. The combination of the terpenes makes it taste exactly like a watermelon Jolly Rancher. The Watermelon auto resulted from crossing Tropicana Cookies X Lemon OG. Top terpenes are Linalool, Pinene and Myrcene. Those first two seem to have links to increase anxiety. And I am sensitive to those.
Medical benefits include relief from stress, anxiety, insomnia, pain relief and mood improvement. Even eaten as a concentrate, the benefits are there. And if you are sensitive to tastes, like I am, the taste is very tolerable.
Affirmation: My joints never run. My bong is always clean. My bowls are overflowing with fresh greens.
“A marijuana high can enhance core human mental abilities.”
-Sebastian Marincolo, Author
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Today, I’m going to review one of mt favorite indica strains, Strawberry Cheesecake. Holy Cow! Have I got another summer beauty to unveil to you. Take her strength for granted and you will find yourself growing into the fabric of the seat where you now rest your butt.
Strawberry Cheesecake is a strain that I thought would be too light for me, as I typically need very stinky, dark, smelly, diesel, fuel, and gassy as possible. It takes a really heavy indica to slow my mind down. Definitely fruity on the intake. But it then takes a sharp turn into some stanky “cheese” flavorings. And she can really flap her wings.
Strawberry Cheesecake has a family tree of Chronic x White Widow x Cheese. The main terpenes are d-Limonene, beta-Myrcene, beta-Caryophyllene. Remember these two words: fruity and earthy. And there is another stinker flavor than earthy. And it’s probably that Cheese. However, it does have that sour taste and smell. But that oh so comforting, “cannabis hug” just draws you nearer to her fruity goodness.
It is a heavy indica that works greatly on chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation, and insomnia. I would rate this a 4 out of 5 as one of my favorite indica strains. Try it for yourself and tell me what you think. I’m always open to feedback. Thanks for reading! Now I’m going to a dispensary!
Affirmation: I am grateful for how cannabis expands my creative ability.
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Okie dokie! As we begin to prepare for the holiday 420 among we marijuana smokers, I thought I would tell you about some of the many, many products that you can use to enjoy the holiday in “HIGH” fashion. This, again, is not a comprehensive list. There are just way too many items to try out. However, this list will definitely get you started on your “to-do list.”
Okay! Let’s begin with the product that most people associate with smoking marijuana, it’s the flower. The term “weed” comes from the plant itself. Because it is “literally” a weed. The difference is known as a strain. And within these strains are the genetics which is the framework that determines the levels of Cannabidiol (CBD) the non-psychoactive substance and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) the psychoactive substance that gets you high. And are the “sticky icky” substances that look like fine white hairs. I think it’s imperative to tell you that the plant actually produces THCa. But went heated the THCa is converted to THC. The amount of THC in the marijuana of the 1970’s was around 1%-3%. In comparison to today the THC levels, in the flower, range between about 14%-30% on average. That has been my experience. And I have bought and smoked a lot of cannabis in the last 10 years. These levels were probably inconceivable back then. The weed these days needs those levels to help with medical conditions. The higher levels of THC provide relief in particular to chronic pain and insomnia. Not that CBD doesn’t work on its own at some level. The e THC does, in fact, provide so much more relief. There are strains that are genetically developed and cultivated for a higher level of CBD 1;1 ratio. And a lot of the high CBD strains typically have much lower levels of THC. For those who don’t enjoy the feeling of the high, these strains are for you. I will even mix one of these strains in my pipe before I smoke a bowl giving me some additional relief.
Terpenes are the substances in the plant that do not get you high. These are in every plant. However, they do provide a relaxing effect and relieve pain. While also comprising over 30,000 compounds. Terpenes are NOT cannabinoids. But they have the same effect on your endocannabinoid system. They are also partially responsible for the individual tastes of each plant. They also determine, in conjunction, with the plant’s genetics what types of effects that you can likely experience. If you think you can benefit, learn the terpenes and genetics of the strains that you use. I personally have created a spreadsheet of the strains I try. And include a rating system along with the genetics so that I can narrow down which ones work best for me. This will help you navigate the medical part of your cannabis use.
There are 3 different types of cannabis. They are indica, sativa, and hybrids. The indicas will give you a very intense “body high” known as “couch lock.” And this is when you get so high that you might stare in place for several minutes to hours at a time. Usually, meaning that you can’t get off the couch. You want the cheetos but, at the moment, you can’t figure out how to get to them. No worries. It will only last for about 30-45 minutes, depending on how high you are, to drop from the clouds. Then you just re-up and go again. I use strains that are very indica dominant in nature. I am still able to get up and do the things I need to do. But some people cannot. This will also help you determine what you like and don’t like. The medicine of the plant will begin to work continuously. The “high” of the THC will slowly diminish.
Sativas are most closely associated with a very “cerebral” type of high. These are very good if you need an antidepressant. It’s the type of strain where you can still get up and do housework or go back to work. Caution with these as they can increase anxiety. And from personal experience, I have panic attacks just fine without them. I am very sensitive to sativas.
Hybrids are just that: They are a combination of the two types of strains varying in percentages of each. I have found that hybrids are much more readily available than pure indicas. While you can find them, you don’t see them as much. So, in that case, I use an indica-dominant hybrid strain. Each strain has its own goofy name. Don’t let that fool you. It’s still good medicine.
Some people who smoke recreationally are more concerned with the level of THC in a particular strain. And if all you want to do is get “high”, go for it. Medically and psychiatrically, I just need my medicine to work. I have used some 30% THC levels only to be disappointed that my needs were not met. And I have used some at around 15% that have worked just fine. There isn’t a set standard for medical patients. You just have to continue through trial and error to find what you like. I typically have around 10-15 different strains at any given time. So, when I wake up in the morning, I can determine at that time what I will use during the day. And the region of the country that you’re in will differ in strains everywhere you go. I encourage you to try, as many as you can, even on vacation.
Take your time with this process. Don’t’ go too big, too quickly, or you will have a bad experience and put a sour taste in your memory. You won’t die from an overdose. Because that’s not even possible but you’ll wish you did. You would then be cheating yourself out of this beautiful plant experience. Also, if you reach levels of intoxication, be responsible and don’t drive. You will still get a DUI.
If you have a recreational marijuana program in your state go to the dispensaries and talk with a local budtender now. The closer you get to 420 the more the products will disappear or be picked over. Always have a copy of High Times Magazine nearby to keep up with the latest trends in cannabis culture. Smoke a bowl for me! Thanks for reading!
“The illegality of cannabis is outrageous, an impediment of full utilization of a drug which helps produce the serenity and insight, sensitivity, and fellowship so desperately needed in this increasingly mad and dangerous world.”
This Puzzled Life 