By: Alex M.
Feeling a bit stressed? Between jobs, families, bills, politics, obligations, and even the vague existential dread of daily life, it would be shocking if you weren’t! Luckily, National Stress Awareness Day, taking place on November 6th, 2024, is nearly here. It is a perfect opportunity to explore what is taking a toll on us the most, and what we can do to relieve the anxiety we experience. For many, cannabis products have been a saving grace!
Since its cultural birth, it has been associated with relaxation and has been used by countless individuals, not only to relieve stress, but to gain perspective on what is affecting us the most, and how we may change our approach. However, not everyone has the same experience, and it can be stressful in itself trying to find what works best.
Some may need something with higher CBD content, commonly used for anxiety and pain relief, but others may need stronger THC content to feel the full effects. Some may need edibles to get the experience they want, but some may not feel a thing, and need a pre-roll to get the job done! In honor of Stress Awareness Day, we hope to relieve some of that anxiety by making some suggestions to get us nice and relaxed this winter.
1. For First Timers, Skeptics, and CBD Enthusiasts; Treeworks 10:1 Gentle Drops Tincture
Tinctures are one of the most under-utilized mediums in the cannabis industry, and few brands prove their precision and effectiveness more than Treeworks. Though they have a sprawling variety of tinctures that may interest those with a bit more tolerance to THC, their gentle drops have proven to be the most popular product among those dipping their toes in the world of cannabis relaxation.
Many fear the full psychoactive effects of THC, maybe from a negative experience they had in the past, or a story they heard from someone they trust. It can be scary to make this leap and risk a negative experience from something they planned to help them de-stress. But with ten times more CBD than THC, this product can be perfect for experiencing a lighter version of the THC “high” that we associate with cannabis, simply rounded out by the more relaxing, body-oriented effects of CBD. Those looking to reduce inflammation may find some excellent work done by this ratio, and the tincture provides excellent precision in the dosing via measured dropper, allowing you to truly control your intake in a way that isn’t quite possible with other mediums.
For first-timers, or those nervous about the effects of any cannabis product, we suggest starting at the lowest possible dosage. If you want the quickest onset time possible, allow the liquid to dissolve on, or under, your tongue for sublingual absorption. Otherwise, it will become your typical liquid edible when swallowed, which can take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes to kick in. There’s nothing wrong with that either!
(If you are more comfortable with edibles but are still interested in a similar/higher ratio of CBD, you may find some serious joy in the COAST 20:1 Peach Gummies, or Wana 20:1 Blood Orange Gummies, both of which have twice as much CBD as this tincture!)
2. Cold Drink After Work? Try Cann Social Tonic 2:1 Lemon Lavender Seltzer
Among the many classic de-stressors of the 20th century, nothing is more iconic than relaxing with a cold drink after a long day at work. And for most of that time, this cold drink was assumed to be alcohol, be it beer, whiskey, or cocktail. But now, say hello to this cold drink in cannabis form; smooth, refreshing, and the perfect decompressor for a long day.
Cann is not the only brand making cannabis drinks, far from it, but they are very unique in how they approach both the dosing, and the drink itself. Most brands in this sector have dedicated their resources to creating seltzers, likely in opposition to the seltzer craze that recently exploded in the alcohol industry, but upon taking one sip, you’ll notice that Cann has elevated its seltzer to something that cannot be found anywhere else. The 2:1 Lemon Lavender Seltzer is completely and utterly unique, not only in flavor, but also consistently. Perhaps as much a juice as it is a seltzer, this product is deeply refreshing, and designed to create that relaxation we have been looking for. It’s 2:1 (CBD:THC) ratio allows many of the same effects we talked about above, but with a little more kick from that THC.
Anyone looking to dip their toes a little bit further into the cannabis world may find great opportunity in this product. It is the quintessential counterpart to the cold beer after work, and possibly a replacement if someone is looking to make changes to their consumption.
(For anyone looking for even more kick in their cannabis drink, the Cann Social Tonic Hi-Boy, available in Lemon Lavender, Blood Orange Cardamom, and Cranberry Sage, are all jumping off points with a full 5 mg of THC, and no CBD content.)
3. For the Vapors Out Back, the Good News Day Off Peach Disposable Pen
If you have been a CBD enthusiast for a while, you may have noticed that it is quite difficult to find a high CBD:THC ratio anywhere other than the edible/tincture section. It is relatively niche for a vape to be found with these characteristics, and downright rare for flower to have a CBD content higher than 3%. That is why the Day Off Peach Disposable Pen, with 31% CBD, is one of the most exciting items on our menu!
Though not quite a 1:1 ratio, this disposable pen brings so many of the qualities of our last two products, only in vape form, allowing the smokers of the cannabis world to experience the same relaxing qualities with a near immediate onset time, and a peachy flavor that sinks you into a tranquil day away from the intensity of everyday life. Anyone looking to get into cannabis vapes may find interest in this as a first try, but those more familiar with vapes may find some unique sensations as well! It can always be great to try new things, especially with cannabis, but as always, a low and slow approach is recommended. You can always move the train forward, but you can’t always back it up, so it may be safer to start with one small puff and go from there. As Lao Tzu once said, “he who knows that enough is enough, will always have enough. “
4. And for the Everyday Smoker, Harbor House’s Mellow Fellow 1g Pre-Roll
It is important to recognize that while CBD can be extremely beneficial for those looking to lower anxiety/stress, it is not the only road available in cannabis. For many, particularly more experienced consumers, the heavy hit of some classic flower can be quite decompressing in itself, especially when they are already familiar and open to the many sensations it may bring. For these consumers who don’t mind the heavier hit of a high THC product, Harbor House’s Mellow Fellow, a 1g hybrid pre-roll at a staggering 29% THC, may be the perfect item to really take the edge off.
While the brand consistently comes with products around this potency, the Mellow Fellow is a strain specifically named for its blissful, tranquil, and body-oriented effects. It is a cross between Marshmellow OG and Cement Shoes, allowing its gas and diesel aromas to create a cult classic strain that is perfect for joint smokers looking to kick back and forget about their worries for a little while. With all of that said, make no mistake. This is a potent product, and not necessarily recommended for those sensitive to smoke-based highs, or those who are just getting started in their cannabis journey. But for those with some real smoking experience who might not be getting what they want from those CBD-heavy products, you may find some real solace and peace in one of Harbor House’s most interesting strains.
Honorable Mentions
Though these products are a great jumping off point, they are only the tip of the iceberg. There are so many products on our menu that could help relieve stress, and you’ll never know what works best for you until you jump in yourself! Do some research on your own, look at some reviews, hear others’ experiences, and play around until you find the perfect product for your relaxation. Some other products on our menu worth looking at for your peace of mind include: