This Puzzled Life is a mental health and recovery blog exploring addiction, trauma healing, LGBTQ experiences, humor, and the strange moments that shape us.
“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.’
“Terpenes can enhance the effects of cannabinoids when combined or take with them.”
-Montana Department of Revenue
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy, go away. Today, I want to talk to you about terpenes. I am going to do my best to break it down in the easiest way possible.
In plants, terpenes are a natural defense against herbivores and pests. They also play a part in the attraction of beneficial organisms ensuring plant survival and reproduction. Some terpenes protect the plants from environmental stressors like heat and UV radiation. They also function as signaling defense mechanisms (www.nature.com, 2025).
Terpenes are organic compounds responsible for the aromas and flavors of cannabis strains and other plants. And cannabis has over 150 identified terpenes in the plant. However, many exist in such low concentrations that there may not significantly contribute.
Beyond aromatic qualities terpenes are also studied for therapeutic benefits like pain relief, anti-inflammatory, and anti-anxiety effects, among others. The factors that influence terpene profiles are genetics, growing conditions and the plant’s developmental stage. Here are a few terpenes and explanations.
§ Myrcene: known for earthy flavors and associated with pain relief and relaxation. This is one of the main terpenes that I look for in my medicine. It is a big one that helps with chronic pain.
§ Caryophyllene: has the “pepper like” flavor that also helps with pain relief.
§ Limonene: responsible for the citrusy aroma. And helps with mood elevation.
§ Pinene: correct! This one is responsible for the pine scent which can also help to elevate mood. I will tell you that most of the negative anxiety experiences that I have with cannabis is due to this “panic attack provoker.” And that is why I tend to enjoy hybrids.
§ Linalool: responsible for flora aromas and relaxation. Helps with the ability to combat stress and ease body aches, reduce muscle spasms, relieve pain, and anxiety.
§ Humulene: is used for inflammation and weight control. And helps to tame those terrible munchies.
§ Terpinolene: has been shown to help inhibit tumor growth and have positive effects on cardiovascular disease (www.cannaflower.com, 2021).
Terpenes and other medical benefits:
§ Aromatherapy and Flavoring: Terpenes are used in essential oil, perfumes, and food.
§ Potential Therapeutic Effects: Research indicates potential health benefits include:
o Anti-inflammatory: Helps with chronic inflammation
o Analgesic: pain relief
o Anti-anxiety and antidepressant:they promote calming effects and improve mood. Linalool is found in lavender.
o Antioxidant: Protects cells against damage
o Antimicrobial and antifungal combat bacterial and fungal infections
o Sleep improvements: Terpenes like myrcene have sedating effect and promote relaxation.
o Neuroprotective effects:Potentially help protect neurons from damage and degradation.
o Cancer research: Early studies suggest potential anticancer properties (www.medicalnewstoday.com, 2025).
All these points describe how the terpenes in cannabis and other plants can be so helpful to us and to our ecosystem. I invite you to know the terpenes that work best for you even if you are not personally use cannabis. They are an essential part in healing and management of various debilitating conditions. Thanks for reading! And Know Your Terpenes!
Affirmation: I will allow myself to accept my pain today and embrace the things that relieve it.
“When the world feels wobbly, I let the sage smoke rise. The blunt burn slow. And the ancestors remind me that clarity don’t come from chaos. It comes from choosing yourself on purpose.”
-This Puzzled Life
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Let the smoke rise like it’s filing a complaint with HR on my behalf. Lord, every time I look at the folks allegedly “in charge,” my spirit does that little Windows‑98 error noise. You know the one bloop. It’s the sound of a system that is absolutely not okay.
So gather ‘round. I have rolled up. Prayed up. Saged the corners. Bribed my ancestors with a honey bun. And I am finally ready to discuss the one topic that keeps my spirit doing the Electric Slide in confusion. Things I trust more than whatever leadership situation we’re all pretending ain’t on fire. And listen. If you hear a lighter flick in the background, mind your business. That’s just me preparing my emotional support indica before I say something that gets me banned from the family group chat again.
I did what any responsible Southern stoner‑sage‑wielding citizen would do. I bribed them with a honey bun all while saying, “Y’all help me make a list of things I trust more than this whole leadership situation.” And the list came out longer than a CVS receipt.
1. A Pre‑Rolled Joint From a Gas Station in Rural Mississippi
At least that joint is honest about what it is. It’s questionable. Crunchy. And probably packed by somebody named Scooter who listens to Creed unironically. Leadership? They’ll smile in your face while handing you a bag of oregano and calling it “premium.”
2. My Lighter With Only One Flick Left
You know that lighter. The one that’s been through the wash twice. Has teeth marks on the cap. And only works if you whisper sweet nothings to it. Yep, I trust that lighter more than any decision made in a conference room with fluorescent lighting and no snacks.
3. A Stranger’s Edible Math
“Yeah girl, it’s only 10mg.” Lies. It’s 400mg and a prayer. But even then? I trust that mystery brownie more than I trust any group of people who say “We’ve got everything under control.” While the metaphorical kitchen is actively on fire.
4. My Cat’s Judgment
My cat once tried to fight a ceiling fan. My cat also once tried to eat a ghost. My cat has never paid a bill. Filed a form. Or successfully minded her business. And yet? I trust her decision‑making more than I trust any committee that uses the phrase “thoughts and prayers” as a policy plan.
5. A Seed I Found in the Bottom of a Random Bag
Will it grow? Will it be mids? Will it turn into a sentient plant that judges me for eating Hot Cheetos at 2 a.m.? Who knows! But at least that seed has potential. Leadership? They still trying to figure out how to plug in the charger.
6. The Edible I Swore I’d Never Eat Again
You know the one. The one that had you talking to your ancestors, your ex, and a lamp you thought was Beyoncé. And yet I still trust that edible more than I trust any “official plan” that starts with “We’re looking into it.”
7. A Blunt Rolled by Somebody Who Says “I Don’t Really Smoke Like That”
It’s gonna canoe. It’s gonna fall apart. It’s gonna look like a sad, lopsided burrito. But at least it’s not pretending to be competent.
8. The Weather App in Mississippi
It’ll tell you it’s sunny while a tornado is literally knocking on your door like, “Y’all got a minute?” And STILL. I trust that app more than I trust any leadership that can’t decide if they’re helping, hurting, or just vibing in chaos.
At the end of the day, cannabis has never lied to me. It has never overpromised. It has never told me to “stay calm” while doing the exact opposite behind my back. Cannabis shows up. Does what it says it’s gonna do. And lets me process the world with a little more clarity, humor, and mercy. If leadership wants that kind of trust? They better start acting more like a well‑cured eighth. And less like a broken vape pen at a music festival.
And that’s where we’re at people. The honesty of a strain label that actually matches the effects. And the reliability of a lighter that doesn’t ghost you on the first flick. I’ll be over here placing my trust in my cat’s chaotic spiritual discernment. And that one edible that had me speaking fluent ancestor for six hours straight. At least they don’t pretend to have a plan.And that’son Mary, Joseph, and the Holy Trinity of THC. Blunt lit. Sage still smoking. Thanks for reading! Keep blazin’ and resisting.
Affirmation: “I trust my intuition, my boundaries, and my peace. I move through this world grounded, protected, and lit from within like good herb on a good day.”
“Healing on a budget isn’t a struggle. It’s a skill set. And baby, I’m out here coupon clipping my way to peace.”
-This Puzzled Life
Welcome to Part 2 of the Frugal Stoner’s Guide. It’s where we stretch cannabis like it’s Sunday dinner and make every milligram count. Because let’s be honest. The only thing worse than symptoms is symptoms and being broke. Grab your snacks, your sense of humor, and whatever dignity you have left after your last edible incident. We’re diving in.
7. Download Weedmaps
This app shows you what’s available in your area. It’s basically the GPS of cannabis minus the judgment.
8. Check Dispensary Websites for Sales
Refresh those menus like you’re stalking Black Friday deals. 30–50% off is common, and your wallet will thank you.
9. Stock Up During Cannabis Holidays
420, 7/11, and 11/30 are the holy trinity of cannabis sales. Save your points. Save your money. Save your sanity.
10. Attend Cannabis Events
Companies hand out free goodies depending on state laws. They give out things such as rolling trays, shirts, lighters, stickers. Plus, you get to talk to reps and other patients who will gladly tell you what worked for them and what sent them to the shadow realm.
11. Learn Which Products Work for Your Condition
Edibles are great for stomach issues or smoke‑free situations. But dosing? Oh, honey. Dosing is a journey. Do NOT take the whole edible at once. I did that once. Forty‑five minutes later, I was locked into the couch for 16 hours and spiritually misplaced my own butt. Start small. Wait an hour. Never say, “This is weak.” That phrase has ruined many lives.
12. Concentrates for Breakthrough Symptoms
Concentrates are discreet, fast‑acting, and don’t cling to your clothes like flower. If someone claims they can smell it, they’re lying or dramatic. Unless you blow vapor directly into someone’s face, they won’t smell a thing.
13. Distillate vs. Rosin
Distillate: fast, strong, short‑lived
Rosin/resin: full plant, longer‑lasting, more therapeutic
Symptoms don’t wait for convenient moments. That’s why I always keep a device with me.
14. Shake: The Budget Hero
Shake is the clearance rack of cannabis. It’s not pretty, but still powerful. Smoke it, cook with it, infuse it. It’s the best bang for your buck.
At the end of the day, medical cannabis shouldn’t feel like a luxury purchase you have to whisper about at the register. It should feel accessible, doable, and like the relief your body has been begging for. And not a financial jump scare. Stretch your dollars like leftover cornbread. And ignore anyone who reacts to your medication like you just announced you’re joining a biker gang. This plant is helping people reclaim their lives, their peace, and their sanity every single day. And if someone doesn’t like it? Tell them to take it up with your symptom relief, because that’s the only thing making decisions around here. Budget smart. Medicate boldly. Live unbothered. Thanks for reading! Keep blazin.’
Affirmation:I honor my body, my limits, and my bank account. I deserve relief that fits my life, my budget, and my joy.”
“If you can’t remember my name, just call me ‘indica,’ I’ll still put you down.”
-Unknown
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Today, I want to tell you about another strain that when you talk about cannabis this strain will likely be discussed. And it’s the classic and very wonderful OG Kush strain.
OG Kush is an 80/20 indica-dominant hybrid strain. It’s a cross between Chemdawg x Lemon Thai x Hindu Kush. Chemdawg is believed to be from Thai and Nepalese landrace strains. However, the exact lineage is unknown. And it’s also said to originate from bag seed found at a Grateful Dead concert in the 90s. Lemon Thai is a cross between a classic Thai landrace strain. And it’s crossed by Dutch Flowers x Hawaiian sativa. Hindu Kush is a landrace strain from the Hindu mountain range. This strains origins start in Florida. The “OG” is sometimes called “Original Gangster, “ “Ocean Grown” or “Original Grower.” And it’s known to be a foundational strain. Matt “Bubba” Berger cultivated the strain from an accidental cross involving Lemon Thai x Chemdawg. Berger then brought the genetics to Los Angeles in 1996. Josh Del Rosso refined its cultivation and distribution thereby solidifying its legendary status.
Top terpenes in this strain are Myrcene, Limonene, Caryophyllene, Linalool, and Pinene. Patients report relief from stress, anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia, depression, and appetite loss. This strain is perfect for breakthrough pain. This strain is perfect for breakthrough pain. “Couchlock” is readily available even without being asked. So not one to use during the day unless you have time for the effects to wear off before doing an activity. Oh, and keep the Cheetos available for mass consumption. 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: The plant guides me toward clarity, not escape.
“Healing shouldn’t require a credit check. Sometimes the best medicine is the one you can actually afford. And the peace of mind that comes with it.”
-This Puzzled Life
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Let’s go ahead and address the elephant in the dispensary. Medical cannabis is healing, holy, and helpful. But the prices? The prices are giving “Are you sure you don’t want to just suffer instead?” energy. I walked in once, saw the total, and my debit card tried to crawl out of my wallet like, “Absolutely not, ma’am. I was not built for this.”
But here’s the truth. Nobody should choose between relief and rent. Nobody should be out here raw‑dogging life because the dispensary menu looks like a luxury steakhouse. So today, we’re talking about how to medicate on a budget without selling plasma, pawning your air fryer, or pretending you suddenly love CBD-only gummies. Grab your spreadsheet, your sense of humor, and whatever dignity you have left after your last edible incident. Because we’re going in.
For those of us who need this medication, sometimes the prices can be overwhelming. But no one should miss out on the opportunity to heal with natural medications because of money. And getting into the cannabis lifestyle can be overwhelming on this life adventure. I have been a cannabis patient for many years. And here are some of the things that have proven to be advantageous while feeling my way through the industry.
1. If People Judge You, Let Them Judge From Over There
If you have conservative friends or family who condemn you for using this medication, go ahead and create some distance. Their comments are rooted in outdated propaganda and vibes from the “Reefer Madness” era. You don’t need that energy. You need relief.
2. Find a Budtender and Let Them Teach You
When you’re new, find a budtender who knows their stuff. Most of them genuinely understand the products and can help you figure out what works for your symptoms. Think of them as your cannabis tour guide minus the khaki shorts and megaphone.
3. Try Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid. Then Pay Attention
Everyone’s body responds differently. Try all three categories and notice which one helps you the most. This isn’t a personality quiz. This is survival.
4. Make a Spreadsheet Like the Organized Stoner You’re Becoming
Yes, a spreadsheet. Yes, it will save your sanity. Include things like strain name, type (indica, sativa, hybrid), product type (flower, edible, vape, concentrate), lineage, terpenes, effects, brand, dispensary, and your personal notes. After a while, you’ll start seeing patterns. If you like two strains with the same terpenes, chances are you’ll like others with those same terpenes. This is how you stop guessing and start shopping smart.
5. Write Down What You Actually Think
Don’t be shy. Write your honest opinions. Did it help? Did it flop? Did it make you clean your entire house at 2 a.m. or contemplate the meaning of life? Write it down.
6. Start With Prerolls and Rotate Them Like a Pro
Prerolls are budget‑friendly and great for beginners. I keep a rotation because your body adjusts to new strains every 3–4 days. Rotating helps with symptoms and keeps your tolerance from climbing Mount Everest. This saves money and keeps your medication effective.
This type of medical treatment isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. But for many of us, this plant is saving our lives every single day. As you learn more and grow more comfortable, you can explore fancier tools and devices. All at your own pace and within your financial lane. Healing should feel accessible, empowering, and sustainable. And with the right strategies, it absolutely can be.
At the end of the day, medical cannabis shouldn’t feel like a financial hostage situation. It should feel accessible, empowering, and like the relief you’ve been searching for. And not a punishment for having symptoms on a Tuesday. So, take your time. Learn about your products. Stretch your dollars. And ignore anyone still reacting like the church ladies just spotted a bare ankle about “the Devil’s Lettuce.” This plant is saving lives, easing pain, calming storms, and giving people their quality of life back every single day. And if anyone has a problem with that? Tell them to take it up with your symptom relief, because that’s the only thing running this show. Budget smart. Medicate wisely. Live loudly. Stay tuned for the second part of this blog with more useful information. Thanks for reading! And feel free to ask me any questions.
Affirmation: I honor my body, my budget, and my boundaries. I deserve relief. I deserve clarity. And I can navigate this cannabis journey with confidence, wisdom, and a whole lot of humor.”
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Today, I want to tell you about a strain that is popular with so many users. It is the omnipotent Runtz strain.
Runtz is a balanced hybrid that is a cross between Zkittlez x Gelato. Zkittlez is a cross between Grape Ape x Grapefruit x Secret Unknown strain. Gelato is a cross between Sunset Sherbet x Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies. Runtz is known for its candy flavoring. And the sweetness flows through me with each inhale. This is a strain that wasn’t created until 2017 in the Bay Area of California by the “Runtz Crew.” These people include Ray Bama, Nick, and rapper Yung LB. The strain was named Leafly’s “Strain of the Year” in 2020.
Top terpenes in this strain are B-Caryophyllene, Limonene, and Linalool. Patients report relief from pain, inflammation, anxiety, depression, mood swings, insomnia, appetite loss, nausea, low motivation, and fatigue. 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: My body softens, my mind opens, and my spirit settles.
“I’m high on life. Oh, wait, sorry, that’s just marijuana.”
-Unknown
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. And since tomorrow is Child Abuse Awareness and the ribbon is blue, I want to talk to you about one of my favorite strains for PTSD called Blue Dream.
This strain I was introduced in the early days of figuring out the state’s cannabis program. While Blue Dream is a slightly sativa-dominant hybrid. If you’ve been a survivor with PTSD, you understand how very uncomfortable the visual and audio overstimulation can be. It slowly engulfs you until something is able to break the forward motion of those symptoms. This strain is one that does just that for me.
Let’s look at this strain’s lineage. Blue Dream is a 60/40 sativa-dominant cross between Blueberry x Haze. Blueberry is a cross between Purple Thai x Afghan. Haze are landrace strains, which are naturally grown in the wild with no genetic manipulation from Mexican, Colombian, Thai, and South Indian decent. Typically, the hazy strains can taste like a sweaty sock. One of the best things about this strain is that blueberry flavoring is strong enough to offset the hazy flavors. And it lasts from packed bowl to last toke. But despite the sativa side, that hazy indica comes through to help quell anxiety provoking effects.
The top terpenes in this strain are Myrcene, Pinene, and Caryophyllene. The medical benefits include chronic stress, chronic pain, depression, and sleep disorders. This strain is perfect for a one-gram attitude adjustment. Make this strain a staple in your cannabis medicine cabinet. Thanks for reading! And keep blazin.’
Affirmation: I treat myself like I’m my kindest, best bud.
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.
“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.
This Puzzled Life 