Holiday season is fast approaching which can be a whole whirlwind of emotions for many of us. Whether you’re dreading or excited for it, we’ve got the perfect strains to get you through the end of the year festivities.

For Appetite: GG4

When you indulge in GG4, be prepared for some serious munchies. As the effects of this potent hybrid take hold, a sense of euphoria and relaxation washes over you, setting the stage for a culinary adventure. The strain’s ability to stimulate the appetite is hard to beat, making it a favorite among those seeking to enhance their dining experiences or combat appetite loss. Whether you’re craving savory delights or indulging in sweet treats, GG4 will leave you with a hunger that demands to be satisfied.

For Dealing with Family: Bio Jesus

Sick of the probing questions, weird relatives or tiring conversation topics? This indica-dominant hybrid offers a deeply relaxing and sedating experience that is perfect for tuning it all out. The effects of Bio Jesus are known to be powerful, providing a sense of tranquility and blissful euphoria. The aroma is rich and earthy, with hints of pine and diesel, creating an intriguing sensory experience which is sure to provide relaxation. Let Bio Jesus transport you to a state of serenity and tranquility like no other.

For Chatting with Family: Pineapple Express

If family is your jam and you want to chat it up, or if you’re going for “the walk” with your cousins, Pineapple Express can be a great addition to the holiday festivities. This sativa-dominant hybrid offers a delightful combination of effects that are perfect for daytime enjoyment. With its uplifting and energizing properties, Pineapple Express delivers a burst of giggly euphoria, making it an ideal choice for social gatherings.

For Cooking: Blue Dream

Doing all the cooking this year? Don’t fret! This sativa-dominant strain delivers a gentle cerebral high that uplifts and inspires creativity while keeping you focused. Meanwhile, its soothing body relaxation helps melt away stress and tension. The enticing aroma of sweet berries, complemented by hints of earthiness and citrus, adds to the overall appeal. Whether you’re seeking to focus or simply looking to enhance your mood, Blue Dream is a versatile choice for those who want to enjoy the process.

For Being Alone: White Widow

We get it, sometimes spending the holidays alone at home is either welcome or necessary. Whatever the case is, White Widow has your back this season. This balanced hybrid blends uplifting cerebral effects with soothing physical relaxation. As the effects settle in, the wave will go from an invigorating, uplifting buzz to couch melting bliss. Many cherish White Widow for its potential to alleviate stress and anxiety while promoting relaxation and mental clarity making it perfect for settling in with take-out and a movie, your favorite show, video games, or a good book.

These descriptions are based on customer and budtender reviews and are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Everybody and every body is different—what may work for some may not work for everyone.

The time for fun in the sun is here! Stay cool and relaxed with these three refreshing, mood-boosting, hangover-free mocktails using Wyld CBD Sparkling Water.

Sparkling Basil Lemon Mocktail

The entourage effect is the exciting theory that the variation of hundreds of different compounds and phytochemicals present in cannabis are responsible for the variety of effects we feel when consuming the plant in its many forms. Some research shows that unique balances between cannabinoids and terpenes can help us with a wide variety of problems—both mental and physical.

THC and CBD

The cannabinoids THC and CBD are the two most common, and most researched, compounds in cannabis. They can be consumed in many different ways, either together or separately, for a wide array of uses. However, emerging research suggests that combining the two is more beneficial than using one or the other alone. Studies have shown that combining THC and CBD helped patients mitigate cancer-related pain. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study, researchers found that patients who used both cannabinoids together reported greater relief from symptoms than those who used just one or none.

These amazing results aren’t isolated to physical health alone—in fact, there are studies that suggest similar findings within the brain and cognition. A specific study delves into how THC, CBD and other compounds have been found to help with diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, and Parkinson’s along with illnesses like schizophrenia.

These two compounds aren’t the only ones who have shown promising results—other cannabinoids have been found to produce their own benefits and effects on the body. Some research shows how CBN, CBC, CBG and many more can affect things such as sleep, energy, appetite, mood, inflammation and more.

Terpenes

As legalization of cannabis sweeps across the nation, research on terpenes—the largest phytochemicals found in the plant—is slowly taking off. For decades, growers have had a suspicion that terpenes affect more than just taste and smell. Many consumers agree. Now studies are finally catching up and it’s no longer purely anecdotal. In 2011, a review of studies published in the British Journal of Pharmacology found that combining cannabinoids and terpenes may be beneficial for pain, anxiety, inflammation, epilepsy, cancer, and more.  Some have found that a blend of terpenes and cannabinoids is especially useful in combating mood disorders such as depression and bipolar among others.

Conclusion

The entourage effect is a groundbreaking theory backed by both anecdote and studies that may help millions find the relief they need. As more states legalize, the laws on cannabis research are relaxing. Only time—and many more interested scientists—will tell us just how powerful the harmony between cannabinoids and terpenes can be.

With a never-ending stream of new strains coming out every day, it can be overwhelming and even intimidating when trying to find exactly what you need. Luckily, there are some quick ways you can weed out the options.

Potency

First step will be deciding how much THC you want to begin with. The higher the THC, the stronger its effects. THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol is the major psychoactive component and one of the 113 cannabinoids recognized in cannabis.

Those looking for greater relief from symptoms or simply more psychoactive results will do well with higher percentages of THC. On the other hand, those who are looking to stay more alert or are more sensitive to the plant’s effects will benefit from the lower percentages on the spectrum. If you’re newer to cannabis, remember the golden rule: start low and go slow!

Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid

Anyone who’s visited a dispensary has heard it before, “indica or sativa?” It’s the age-old question, but how does one decide?

Typically, indicas offer consumers a body-high and may be sedating to the point of “couch lock.”  They are associated with sleep, stress relief and deep relaxation. Because they offer a stronger effect on the body, many people report greater results with pain, inflammation, and other physical ailments.

Alternatively, sativas tend to be more uplifting and energizing, and offer a more cerebral head-high compared to their counterpart. Many prefer sativa strains for creativity, productivity, socializing and thinking. They tend to keep people more alert, though those who are sensitive should be mindful. Some may experience anxiety or paranoia if the strain has a higher THC content.

Hybrids offer the best of both worlds! They are the result of crossing indica and sativa strains to produce a more balanced high. Hybrids are a little harder to categorize because their effects vary depending on what strains were crossed to produce them.  They will lean one way or the other depending on the parent strain.

While we can debate whether or not everything at this point is technically a hybrid after decades of crossing strains, deciding between the three is still a useful guideline to follow. Perhaps, the simplest way to make a quick decision in a pinch! One of the best and most accurate ways to determine how you’ll feel is by looking at the terpenes.

Terpenes

Terpenes and flavonoids are the aromatic compounds found in flowers, herbs, fruit, and you guessed it… cannabis. They are responsible for what you smell and what you taste as you’re consuming. Each individual plant will have its own unique combination of terpenes which will contribute to its scents and flavors—from pungent and earthy to sweet and floral. According to emerging science, terpenes not only affect your senses, they also affect how the strains will take effect.

While there are hundreds of recognized terpenes, there are some that are more prevalent than others. Luckily, they are also common in plants and fruits we all know so they are a little easier to memorize.

Myrcene

Found in: mangos, hops, lemongrass and thyme

Flavors: earthy, fruity, herbal

May help with: sedation, insomnia, muscle relaxation, and inflammation

Many report deep relaxation and sleepiness.

Caryophyllene

Found in: pepper, cloves, basil and oregano

Flavors: pepper, woody, spice

May help with: inflammation, nerve pain, pain, and muscle spasms

Limonene

Found in: Citrus rinds, juniper and peppermint

Flavors: citrus

May help with: anxiety, depression, stress relief, appetite reduction, and anti-fungal

Many report an uplifting and creative effect.

Linalool

Found in: lavender, laurel, birch, and rosewood

Flavors: floral, citrus, spice

May help with: sedation, combatting anxiety and depression, pain relief, and convulsions.

Many report calming effects.

Terpinoline

Found in: lilacs, tea tree, nutmeg, and apples

Flavor: Herbal, woody, pine

May help with: relaxation, anxiety, depression, antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant.

Many report a relaxing yet uplifting effect.

Pinene

Found in: pine needles.

Flavors: Sharp, sweet, and pine flavors.

May help with:  memory retention, alertness, and relief from asthma and inflammation.

Many report a more awake high. 

For more in-depth information on terpenes, check out this article from Leafly.

Takeaway

Everyone is Different

At the end of the day, everyone is unique in their own body chemistry, experience and tolerance. What works for some may not work for others. What wakes some up, may make others sleepy. It’s important to keep in mind that while many people experience similar effects by following these guidelines, there is a chance that your body may react differently.

Ready to Find the Right Strain for You?

Check out our online menus! The search function will allow you to search for specific terpenes and the filters will help narrow the options to indica, sativa, or hybrid. Find your perfect match today!