Cannabis and Sex: All The Sultry Fu**ing Details
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, we thought it was high time to address one of our favorite topics: sex while high.
Cannabis and sex go together like peanut butter and jelly and leather and lace.
It’s the perfect way to elevate your sensory experience and go deep with your partner—after all, the brain is the largest erotic organ of them all!
So we decided to gather the questions we’re frequently asked about cannabis and sex, like…how does smoking weed impact you sexually? And…does weed make sex better or worse?
By the end of this piece, you’ll be well-versed in the cannabis-sex connection and ready to get high on the power of love.
How does cannabis influence sexual pleasure?
Let’s start with the big question: is weed good for sex?
While the marijuana-sex connection has been buzzed about for years until recently, the link between THC and sex has been mostly personal. People love smoking weed and having sex, and it’s hard to argue with personal experience!
However, thanks to the increasing number of states legalizing cannabis, the connections between pot and sex are gaining scientific backing.
A study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine concluded that “Many participants…found that cannabis helped them relax, heightened their sensitivity to touch, and increased intensity of feelings, thus enhancing their sexual experience.” This study, and other scientific research, indicate that cannabis sex can indeed be more pleasurable for people of all genders.
But how does this connection work? What does weed do to you sexually? And why is having sex while high on weed so much dang fun? The answer may lie in your body’s endocannabinoid system.
What role do endocannabinoids play in sex?
It’s no secret that weed functions by interacting with your body’s endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors throughout the brain and body that helps you maintain regular operation and is involved in a variety of the essential functions of your central nervous system.
The research shows that endocannabinoids play an essential role in your body’s sexual responses, explaining marijuana’s effects on sex. So how does weed affect you sexually? By interacting with endocannabinoid receptors within the areas of your brain that control sexual function.
Using cannabis for sex helps stimulate those receptors within the brain like naturally produced endocannabinoids would.
THC sex can feel more powerful simply because the cannabinoids interact with the neurotransmitters and hormonal messaging systems linked to the body’s sexual response.
Does weed lower your sex drive?
While the research shows that the cannabis-sex connection is positive, there’s a persistent rumor that overindulging can cause you to be less interested in sex. So what’s the truth? Does weed make you less sexually active?
To answer the question “does weed lower sex drive?” we need to look at another study from the Journal of Sexual Medicine that looked at sexual frequency among people who consumed cannabis and those who abstained.
The study found that there was, in fact, a connection between marijuana and sex drive, but it was positive. People who self-reported as consuming cannabis actually had more sex.
Let’s take a closer look at why that might be by examining the various ways men and women respond to pot sexual experiences.
How does Cannabis affect women during sex?
Recent research has made the connection between marijuana and female sexuality clear. Yet another study in the JSM showed that women who used cannabis more frequently also reported lower rates of sexual dysfunction and higher rankings for arousal and orgasms.
While the “why” of this relationship isn’t yet clear, the researchers theorized that using cannabis could help women experience less anxiety during sex.
“It is possible that a reduction in anxiety associated with a sexual encounter could improve experiences and lead to improved satisfaction, orgasm, and desire.”
They also theorized that the increase in pleasure could be due to the endocannabinoid system kicking into high gear or reduced anxiety about time passing.
TLDR: does smoking affect women’s sex drive? If so, it’s for the better!
How does Cannabis affect men during sex?
We’ve got the ladies covered, but does weed affect male sex drive?
According to the sexual frequency study we cited earlier, yes, and for the better! Men who reported using cannabis regularly also said that they were having more sex than their non-weed-using counterparts in the study.
As with the ladies, this connection is probably due to various factors, including the good ol’ endocannabinoid system and a reduction in anxiety that makes men less likely to experience sexual dysfunction. One study found that men who consumed cannabis were less likely to have trouble maintaining an erection.
Cannabis also seems to make sex more enjoyable for men and their female counterparts. As one respondent to an informal Psychology Today survey said, “Marijuana engulfs me in sex foam. I’m just pure sex on that stuff. It’s great. I could never feel that way sober or drunk.”
What type of weed should you take before sex?
If you’re already a cannabis lover, the odds are that all this evidence has got you ready to text a “u up?” to that special someone. But before you do, let’s talk about how to select your weed for sex. What’s the best marijuana for sex? Are there particular strains that work best?
In terms of genre, finding the best pot for sex is usually a question of choosing your favorite edibles for sex. The connection between edibles and sex makes sense—there’s nothing more V-day appropriate than sharing something sweet with your sweety.
But what are the best edibles for sex? Our pick has got to be the classic cannabis-infused chocolate bar. Not only is it seasonally appropriate, but chocolate is also an aphrodisiac, taking the best weed for sex to the next level.
What are the best cannabis strains for sex?
We’ve got the delivery down, but what are the best strains for sex? Here are five of our favorite go tos when we’re getting romantic:
Light of Jah
High in calming limonene, this is one of the best strains for sex when you’re in the mood for a relaxing, euphoric chance to unwind with your beloved, feeling super connected and close.
Sour Diesel
Heavy in sensitivity boosting caryophyllene, this sativa-dominant hybrid is one of our favorite strains for sex because it stimulates the appetite, helping you feel exploratory and adventurous.
Keef Kola
While the debate of indica vs. sativa for sex rages on, one study showed that Kush strains were particularly effective at reducing anxiety and producing an enjoyable sexual experience.
White Dawg
The best weed strain for sex if you ever suffer from pain or anxiety, this mild hybrid will leave you feeling relaxed and at ease in your body and help get you out of your head.
Pineapple Express
High in energy-boosting humulene, this classic hybrid is one of the best marijuana strains for sex when you’re looking to get creative between the sheets.
Should you use lube during sex on cannabis?
Like any other sexual encounter, sex after smoking pot is a matter of personal preference. Using or not using lube is up to you and your partner, and there’s no scientific evidence that cannabis will impact you or your partner’s ability to lubricate naturally. However, some people report cases of “cotton vagina,” so check in with your partner and make sure to have lube on hand just in case!
We’ll leave you with a final bonus tip.
If you’re a cannabis and lube enthusiast, you should probably know there’s weed-infused lube on the market. A very romantic gift for your stoned sweetie! But whatever cannabis product you choose to indulge in this valentine’s day, we hope it’s a great one.
Here’s to true love, great sex, and high-quality Colorado cannabis.
Our Ten Favorite Songs About Weed
Cannabis is the preferred subject of many talented songwriters, with musical references to weed ranging from the obvious to the obscure. Here are ten of our favorites.
Cannabis’ ability to expand the creativity of many artists has made it the perfect topic for a diverse array of popular songs. From The Beatles and Bob Marley to Sublime and Cypress Hill, musicians have championed the power of cannabis for a long time.
Musicians love weed. We know it’s shocking, but it’s true (clearly, we’re kidding).
Ever since the likes of Cab Calloway, Louis Armstrong, and other jazz legends first uttered the word “reefer” in musical cadence way back in the early 1900s, getting high has been the subject of countless songs for a genre-spanning collection of musicians.
And with good reason!
Weed and music go hand-in-hand, connected by a psycho-acoustic marriage that heightens perception and expands horizons.
Existing in a Lennon/McCartney dynamic, the presence of the other enhances each one. As such, there are a lot of weed songs on the airwaves.
Now, it’s essential to distinguish between songs with a pot theme and songs to listen to when high.
Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd, for example, is top-tier stoner music. So light up, don a pair of high-quality headphones and sink into your favorite recliner type of music.
But beyond abstract metaphors, there’s no literal mention of marijuana anywhere on that album. So this list will not include that highly appreciated genre of songs.
Instead, here’s a list of our top 10 favorite canna-centric songs, packed full of weed rhymes and stoner references.
10. “Because I Got High” – Afroman
“Because I Got High” seems to rank high for everyone, but for us, it falls at the bottom of our list. This weed anthem by hip hop artist Afroman starts as a fun, jangly tune about the comical misadventures of a stoner. Still, it quickly devolves with the narrator lamenting that he “lost his wife and kids” and is “sleepin’ on the sidewalk,” all because he got high. Yet, despite that somewhat stigmatized tone, it’s a laid-back track that hits smoothly every time, with a constant hook that’s catchy like a cold. Back To List
9. “You Don’t Know How It Feels” – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
While not explicitly about smoking weed, “You Don’t Know How It Feels” features a lyric in the chorus that alone embodies the spirit of cannabis consumption. The line, “let’s get to the point/let’s roll another joint,” has been screamed in bars, cars, and concert halls by everyone, with even a passing fancy for pot. The tune’s comforting and ever-present harmonica breeze only bolsters the mellow vibe. Back To List
8. “Hash Pipe” – Weezer
What’s he saying in the opening verse? It doesn’t matter—he’s got his hash pipe. This Weezer song from the 2000’s “green” album attacks the senses with buzzsaw guitars and guttural grunts from Rivers Cuomo, in a hail of tongue-in-cheek rebellion that only a true stoner understands. “Hash Pipe” rides the wave of a killer pop hook and fun-to-decipher lyrics, all while educating the listener about hashish, a potent form of marijuana. Back To List
7. “Burn One Down” – Ben Harper
Maybe it’s the acoustic guitar or the mere presence of bongos, but “Burn One Down” is the audio equivalent of lighting up a campfire fatty. Somewhat obscure outside a particular circle of listeners, Ben Harper’s 1995 tune is a throwback to the pro-marijuana melodies of ganja forefathers like Bob Marley. The song implores naysayers to “try it first,” reassuring them that they’ll “see it’s a blessing and not a curse.” Back To List
6. “Sweet Leaf” – Black Sabbath
When the flower children of the late 1960s wanted to rebel against the hippie aesthetic without ditching their stash, many looked to Black Sabbath. Led by legendary madman Ozzy Osborne, Black Sabbath stood out from their contemporaries with tracks like 1971’s “Sweet Leaf.” It is a pot song with attitude, trudging forth like an old diesel engine. Ozzy displays a deep affinity for pot, guaranteeing by the end that “soon the world will love you, sweet leaf.” Back To List
5. “Got To Get You Into My Life” – The Beatles
In retrospect, a song about weed, “Got To Get You Into My Life” from the Beatles 1966 classic Revolver, gleams like a pop song about a groovy chick. But 30 years after its release, Paul McCartney clarified that the piece is only masquerading as a love song and is “actually an ode to pot.” Hearing the lyrics today and knowing what we know about John, Paul, George, and Ringo, it should have been obvious. Back To List
4. “Smoke Two Joints” – Sublime
These legends of Long Beach are no strangers to the stoner delights of regular marijuana consumption, as Sublime simply wafts the sweet smell of sensimilla. But nothing in the band’s catalog matches the pure recreational spirit of “Smoke Two Joints,” a cover of early ’80s reggae band, The Toyes. Singer Bradley Nowell makes the song his own, and when he croons, “I smoke two joints before I smoke two joints, and then I smoke two more,” you believe him. Back To List
3. “Kaya” – Bob Marley and the Wailers
A pure, joyful expression of weed love amidst the deeply political period of his career, “Kaya” is the title track to Bob Marley’s 1978 album of the same name. All about needing to get stoned because the weather is rainy and gross, “Kaya” floats along with sentimental praise, bouncing with a reggae beat while Marley “touches the sky” and clears away the rain clouds by sheer force of will—and weed. Back To List
2. “Roll Me Up And Smoke Me When I Die” – Willie Nelson
Released on April 20 (naturally) in 2012, “Roll Me Up And Smoke Me When I Die” twangs as a country-gospel thesis on the merits of marijuana. The world-famous pothead, who once claimed to have smoked a joint on the roof of the White House, proudly tells all of us precisely what we can do with him when his time runs out. The tune is plucky and festive, serving as a rebellious celebration of the cannabis lifestyle. Back to List
1. “Hits From The Bong” – Cypress Hill
Before the laid-back groove sets the relaxed tone, the first sound you hear in this track is the telltale percolation of a bong hit. “Hits From The Bong” describes—in great detail—the practice and pleasure of smoking from a bong, praising the method over blunts and cones, and even warning against spilling the stinky water. From the moment of the song’s release, Cypress Hill became the forerunners of early 1990s stoner consciousness—while the pot-smoking public was treated to a soundtrack for getting high, complete with a deep bassline. Back To List
Honorable Mentions:
“Mary Jane” – Rick James
“Purple Haze” – Jimi Hendrix
“Legalize It” – Peter Tosh
“Reefer Man” – Cab Calloway
“Gin and Juice” – Snoop Dog
“Rainy Day Women #12 & 35” – Bob Dylan
“Habits (Stay High)” – Tove Lo
“Pass The Kouchie” – The Mighty Diamonds
“Weed Party” – Band of Horses
“The Next Episode” – Dr. Dre
“Ganja Farmer” – J Boog
“Pass The Dutch” – Missy Elliott
“Let’s Go Get Stoned” – Ray Charles
“Stay Fly” – Three 6 Mafia
What are your favorite canna-centric songs?
We want to know.
Swing by and tell your favorite Lightshade budtender. But, before you do, click here to access a Spotify playlist featuring the songs on our list.
What Are The Highest THC Strains?
Cannabis strains with elevated levels of THC equal more pronounced effects, from energy and creativity to relaxation and calmness. Here are some of the highest THC strains you can find today.
While high levels of THC could lead to more profound psychoactive effects, there’s more to it than that. THC, a cannabinoid, works together with other cannabinoids such as CBD, as well as terpenes to induce the desired effects of marijuana. These components all come together in a process known as the Entourage Effect.
The 1970s were a looooong time ago.
We left a lot of things behind in that decade, including cannabis strains with paltry THC levels.
Back then, most strains barely cracked 1% THC—these days, it’s routine to see strains hovering around 30 times that amount.
What happened?
Well, for starters, cannabis legalization spread rapidly. And as legalization propagates, the experimentation that goes into creating new, more potent strains comes out of the shadows and into the mainstream.
One such experimentation, known as strain selection, is most responsible for the increase in potency.
In this cultivation practice, strains with high levels of cannabinoids are favored by growers. These strains are developed and then crossbred with other potent strains, resulting in a class of super-hybrid strains with staggering THC levels.
As for the type of high you get from elevated THC strains, that depends on whether you’re dancing with indica, sativa, or hybrid buds.
In this blog, we’ll unroll some of Lightshade’s highest THC strains. Then, we’ll take you behind the scenes to talk about the mechanics of “getting high”—touching on terpenes, cannabinoids, and the synergistic Entourage Effect.
The Highest THC Strains At Lightshade
Cultivation efforts made in the name of maximum THC have led to some truly mind-blowing and body-comforting strains of cannabis.
Sprouted from the minds of master weed-growers, modern buds are imbued with an abundance of aromas and flavors, with carefully encouraged collections of terpenes and trichomes.
It’s a recipe resulting in a lush bouquet of exquisite effects.
Depending on the strain, high THC buds help you achieve everything from peak energy and euphoria to complete physical serenity and laser-sharp focus.
Weed connoisseurs who count potency as a bud’s highest selling point should consider tapping into these strains at Lightshade.
Mother’s Milk
Hybrid
THC: 24 – 29%
Derived from a cross between a male strain Appalachia and a Nepali OG female, Mother’s Milk nourishes with relaxation, elevated mood, and general physical discomfort relief.
While plenty potent, Mother’s Milk delivers its benefits with a soft touch, achieving a delicate balance thanks to its hybrid status.
This unique characteristic makes it a newbie’s dream bud. The top terpenes in Mother’s Milk, myrcene and limonene, waft forth aromas like mango and citrus slices.
Bubba Fett
Indica
THC: 26.20%
A new crossbreed of ’98 Bubba Kush and Stardawg, Bubba Fett gently entices consumers who are on the hunt for a bounty of calmness and deep contemplation.
A dense bud structure is immediately visually striking, hiding a wealth of tasty trichomes inside. Long-lasting and relaxing, Bubba Fett eases tension and helps the consumer blast off into better sleep.
Terpenes are expressed as clove stems in caryophyllene and citrus in limonene.
Dalae OG
Hybrid
THC: 20 – 26%
Another restful bud that’s often used as a night strain, Dalae OG, is an indica-dominant hybrid that layers the consumer with a warm blanket of cozy sedation.
Tickling the senses with that trademark OG Kush flavor and aroma, this bud balances the scales for anyone in search of the absolute pinnacle of relaxation.
Much like Mother’s Milk, Dalae OG’s comfort is colored by myrcene and limonene terpenes.
Light of Jah
Hybrid
THC: 24 – 26%
Let Jah in with Light of Jah, a sativa-dominant hybrid that brightens the day by singing sweet songs of positive energy.
A cross of Jack Herer and Disputed Northern California, Light of Jah packs a punch, with robust effects that dance through creativity and euphoria.
This astounding strain also relieves physical discomfort. Its top terpenes include the citrusy limonene, as well as the lilac-tinged terpinolene.
Primus OG
Indica
THC: 21-27%
Primus OG is a complex hybrid that brings together the best qualities of three-parent strains.
303 OG gives it a sour yet fruity flavor, while Trainwreck arrives right on time with long-lasting euphoria, and Arcata pivots the high into a creative kick.
It’s the ultimate perfect storm of lush aroma, dynamic flavor, and long-lasting effects.
Highly sought after by consumers in recreational and medicinal circles, Primus OG relaxes the mind and body, managing day-to-day stress, physical discomfort, and bouts of gloom.
Top terpenes include mango-scented myrcene and clove-esque caryophyllene.
Pineapple Express
Sativa
THC: 16.3 – 23.5%
Naysayers might think it sold out after going Hollywood, but Pineapple Express is still a favorite among dedicated sativa consumers.
Initially bred by G13 Labs, Pineapple Express crosses the Trainwreck and Hawaii strains for a sativa-dominant bud that stimulates a cerebral head high for a creative, energetic spark.
Purple and bright reddish-orange hairs offer a striking visual appearance, while the strain delivers on its name with frosted pineapple that’s mixed with slightly sweet and sour flavors.
Top terpenes include caryophyllene with its clove stems and seeds, along with the hop-forward humulene.
More Than THC: The Science of ‘Getting High’
Compounds like THC aren’t solo artists but rather work in concert with other components and processes of cannabis.
THC is just one of possibly hundreds of compounds in cannabis known as cannabinoids.
Also including CBD and CBG, cannabinoids as a whole inspire the broad spectrum of effects jostled loose when we smoke or ingest marijuana.
But cannabinoids don’t only cooperate with other cannabinoids—they also work with terpenes to get you nicely toasted.
What Are Terpenes?
A collection of aromatic molecules found in the same glands that produce cannabinoids, terpenes are responsible for the singular aroma of each cannabis cultivar.
Citrus, pine, skunk, and everything in between, the utterly sublime scents we associate with weed, are all thanks to terpenes.
There are well over 200 terpene varieties found in a cannabis plant at various levels, and each strain claims its distinctive flavor from its unique terpene profile.
As for the process of how cannabinoids and terpenes blend, it comes down to something known as the Entourage Effect.
What Is The Entourage Effect?
To find out how terpenes interact with cannabinoids like THC and CBD, let’s do some science.
THC and CBD are practically identical on a molecular level, both possessing 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms.
When you intake THC, in any of your preferred methods, it binds with your brain’s cannabinoid receptors within your body’s Endocannabinoid System—where your body naturally processes cannabis.
When terpenes get together with cannabinoids in the Endocannabinoid System, it initiates the Entourage Effect, a theory describing how cannabinoids like THC and CBD connect with terpenes to kickstart a colorful array of benefits in the mind and body.
The idea goes that in the Entourage Effect, cannabinoids and terpenes gather and join forces to create a defensive barrier against stressors inside the body, soothing your inner workings and helping you maintain general relaxation, improve your mood, elevate your appetite, support proper immune function, achieve restful sleep, spark your creativity, and more.
Shine On At Lightshade
Peak THC levels alone aren’t enough to set your high in motion, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to start your session with dank buds.
Lightshade’s expert budtenders guide you through the forest of juicy nugs, helping you find the ideal high-THC strain without getting lost in the haze.
Weed Personified: The Best Cannabis Strains for How Others See You
If you were a cannabis strain, what strain would you be?
There’s nothing like spending holidays with the family. Nobody knows you quite as well – but that also means your family is uniquely qualified to push your buttons.
And we bet you know a few tricks to get under their skin too.
So, to help you relieve some of the pre-holiday scaries, we’ve put together a list of the best cannabis strains for our favorite family roles.
Whether you’re the cool, 420-friendly aunt distributing medicated brownies, or the bad boy cousin sneaking a quick vape sesh in the backyard before dinner, we’ve got you covered.
What strains of weed are there?
Let’s cover the wide world of weed strains to get started. There are a lot, so clearly, we’re not going to cover all – or even most of them.
In fact, according to some estimates, there are over 700 known weed strains commercially available in the US today. That’s a whole lot of ganja!
For cannabis newbies, this can lead to many questions about the differences between smoking indica, sativa, or hybrid. For example, what kind of high is indica? Which strain makes you sleepy, indica or sativa?
So, before we get to the meat of our selected subject, let’s take a closer look.
Do different strains of weed have different effects?
The way cultivators breed different weed strains creates unique effects particular to the strain. Effects can range from indica dominant strains that produce a sedating body high to sativa-dominant strains that can help you tackle your holiday shopping list, to hybrid strains that fall somewhere in the middle.
The best weed strain for you depends on a host of factors, including your tolerance and personality. You’ll probably find a way to fit both indica and sativa into your rotation, to experience both effects.
To quote the late, great Juice WRLD, “I found your vibe, and I found my high.” So let’s dig into the best marijuana strains for creativity, relaxation, and more, depending on your family role.
The Best Weed Strain for Your Family Personality Type
The Chilled Out Earth Mama
If there’s a loaf of bread rising in your kitchen right now, or you’re knee-deep in a macrame plant holder project, we bet your family sees you as the chilled-out earth mama type.
Whether you’re the mom to kids named after natural features or folk singers, or you radiate loving maternal energy, Blueberry Headband is for you. It is tension relieving and relaxing, and it pairs perfectly with a Buddha Bowl and the new Lorde LP on vinyl.
The Stressed Out Gen X Dad
Frankly, you don’t know how it happened. One day you were chilling out, blasting Nirvana, and the next thing you know, you were forty, surrounded by screaming kids, scheming relatives, and, to be fair, an awe-inspiring record collection.
Take the edge off with a soothing dose of Bubba Fett, which creates a calming, deeply contemplative effect powerful enough that you won’t scream out loud when someone insists on playing All I Want for Christmas is You for the millionth time. Breathe the Bubba in deep. You’ve got DEVO’s Merry Something all cued up.
The Zen Sister
You drink matcha instead of espresso.
You tell your family you’re on a wellness journey.
You own many pairs of recycled water bottle exercise pants.
You have a favorite YouTube yoga teacher.
And you own a phone with three meditation apps installed!
You’re the zen sister – which means you’re a perfect fit for the Stardawg strain. This indica-dominant hybrid is ideal for leading family stretches, convincing everyone to eat their vegetables, and making it through the holidays with your chill intact.
The Bold Brother
You’re the baby of the family and not afraid to take chances.
Or you’re the oldest, whose every move was applauded by mom and dad.
Either way, you’re the risk-taker of the family, the big dreamer who’s always hopping from one venture to the next.
WOOFing on a Norwegian reindeer farm? Skateboarding in Paris? Wherever you’ve been the past few years, we know your family’s happy to have you home.
Celebrate the return of the prodigal son with the joyful, uplifting White 99 strain, a perfect match for your fearless spirit.
The CrossFit Aunt
You’ve been trying to get the family to participate in Thanksgiving turkey trots, and Festival of Lights fun runs for at least a decade. A morning jog is your favorite medicine. And yeah, maybe you’re still a little pissed that nobody else wanted to make the holiday dinners fully paleo.
You’re the hardworking, butt-kicking CrossFit Aunt, and you need a strain that matches your energy level.
The euphoria-inducing, creatively stimulating Sour Joker strain fits the bill, the perfect head-clearing day strain for your stamina and drive. And cottonmouth isn’t a problem when you tote around that giant all-day water bottle!
The Creative Cousin
You work as an art teacher, graphic designer, writer, or some other creative role in your full-time job.
On the weekends, you paint in your studio, jam out with your band, and go to museums, posting all your adventures on Instagram.
We bet your younger cousins think you’re the ultimate cool grownup – and to be honest, so do we!
Honor your creative self with a toke or two of the Lavender Jones strain, a sativa-dominant hybrid with enlivening, creativity-boosting qualities that make it the ultimate day strain.
An ideal accompaniment to artistically wrapping a mountain of gifts or winning the annual cookie icing contest.
The Fun Uncle
You’re the king of pillow forts and piggyback rides, always ready with a bad joke or a harmless prank.
More than anyone else in the family, you’ve kept your childlike inner joy alive, and they appreciate it, even if you’re less willing than your siblings to talk about real estate and political news with your dad.
Connect with your fun-loving self with the Pineapple Express strain, which creates a creative, happy, and stimulating sense of euphoria guaranteed to bust the grown-up conversation blahs.
Organizing an impromptu post toke caroling party is, of course, optional.
The Cool Aunt
If you can’t think of who the cool aunt is in your family, it’s probably you.
Maybe you’re a blood relative.
Maybe you’re a beloved friend of one of the older members, who swans in every other holiday season with a bag full of gifts from your business travels like some bougie Santa Clause.
You’re sophisticated, fearless, and everyone is just a little bit jealous of your jet-setting lifestyle.
You need a strain that matches your energy like Durban Poison, which is mood-elevating, energizing, and as positive as you. It pairs well with a glass of chilled chardonnay.
The Grumpy Grandpa
Let’s face it; we’ve all ended up like the grumpy grandpa at one point or another. Sometimes the holidays just seem like they’re crashing in on you, with all the plans, family drama, and endless events to attend.
Sometimes grandpa just needs a rest!
The long-lasting Primus OG strain is the perfect cannabis strain when you need to unwind after a hectic day. Its relaxing, sedating effects pair perfectly with a glass of warm eggnog (bourbon optional!) and a classic holiday movie on TV.
Kick back and relax, grandpa. You’ve earned it!
Find a strain that perfectly encapsulates your personality. Click here to place an online order for in-store pickup from Lightshade.
Old Weed! What’s it Good For? (Absolutely a Few Things!)
Do you have a jar of old weed stashed in a forgotten corner? Don’t toss it yet; your old weed might be helpful.
Old, stale weed is sad. Stashed in a forgotten cabinet or left lingering in a backpack, your top-shelf flower is now nothing more than a dehydrated disgrace.
But don’t despair!
It turns out that you can put your (now) lousy weed to good use. Our expert budtenders know a thing or two about how you can make the most of your old weed. So, keep reading.
Does Weed Go Bad?
Let’s start with the basics. Does weed expire?
The answer to the question, “can weed go bad?” depends on your definition of bad. In general, old weed won’t get you sick the way other “expired” things might, like a moldy cheese rind or a questionable packet of discounted ground beef (yikes).
However, if you live in a particularly damp or humid area (not likely in Colorado), mold loves weed almost as much as we do, so you might want to give your ancient nugs a close inspection before grabbing that torch.
Still, there remains the question, can weed expire?
In short, the answer is no.
If your dusty stash is fuzzy with mold, toss it. But otherwise, you should be good to go, no matter how ancient it may appear.
Does Weed Lose Potency Over Time?
Old cannabis probably won’t hurt you, but will it still get you high? Of course, it will. But it won’t send you into the stratosphere the way it would have when your stash was fluffy and fresh.
It’s hard to say precisely how much potency weed loses over time, but some research suggests that cannabis loses about a quarter of its THC potency every two years.
Does Weed Get Stale?
Now that you’ve determined your stash is less than eight years old and probably still has some THC to offer let’s talk quality.
Can weed go stale? It definitely can.
And while stale weed won’t impact your health, it will taste different (gross) and won’t be as enjoyable to consume.
Here’s how to check if your stash is beyond its prime. Give it the sniff test. If your rediscovered stash smells dry and dusty, you’ve got stale weed on your hands.
And how long does the smell of fresh weed last?
The timeline is accelerated compared to THC, declining after about six months if stored properly (emphasis on “stored properly”).
How Long is Weed Good For?
When you combine the considerations of potency, smell, and quality, how long does weed stay fresh?
Like most cannabis-related things, the answer is hazy. Depending on your desired experience, most experts say you have about a year from purchase before your weed’s quality diminishes significantly. But, of course, fresh is always best.
Does Old Weed Get You High?
We’ve determined cannabis can age, become stale, and grow mold if the conditions are right. But does old weed get you high? Yes, old weed can still produce psychoactivity.
Your aging cannabis still contains THC, the cannabinoid responsible for much of cannabis characteristic effects, but it won’t pack the same punch. Old weed is weak weed.
What Happens if You Smoke Old Weed?
It might not be the tastiest or the most effective, but is it wrong to smoke old weed?
Smoking old weed isn’t bad for you at all, and as we’ve already established, it will probably still get you high. However, it also tastes genuinely awful!
Depending on the age of the weed, it can develop strange off-flavors that make smoking less than ideal.
So if you’re in a pinch or just curious, it won’t hurt you, but it also won’t be a lot of fun.
Instead, transform your old weed with our budtenders’ suggestions.
What Can I Use Old Weed For?
Buying fresh is always better than suffering through an ancient bowl. But you can put that old weed to good use with these creative ideas:
Edibles
Making edibles from old weed is a genius-level move because you can extract the THC from your cannabis without suffering through the stale weed taste.
To make edibles from old weed, quickly bake your stash in the oven for decarboxylation before infusing in butter or coconut oil. Then, use your fat in the baked good of your choice, or slather a little weed butter on a toaster waffle–whatever works!
Concentrate
Dry sifting and infusing oils are the most common ways to create cannabis concentrates, but you can try other methods, too.
You can buy a bubble bag extraction kit to make bubble hash with your aging cannabis, use dry ice to make dry ice hash, or create a tincture by infusing plain alcohol like Everclear or vodka with your old weed.
Vaporize
Last but not least, your go-to vaporizer may work better with old weed because it’s dryer. It will allow you to get dense clouds of vapor without choking on harsh old weed smoke.
However, our warning about taste still applies! Old weed doesn’t taste any better in vaped form than smoked, so you might be better off with another method if you have a sensitive palette.
Dry Sift
You can extract high terpene and cannabinoid concentrations from your aging bud’s trichomes (the crystalline structures coating flower that gives it much of its characteristic effects) through dry sifting.
Here’s the easiest way to get the job done.
Run your aging weed through a grinder and collect the powder (called kief) accumulated at the bottom of the grinder, also called a “keif catcher.” Sprinkle your sifted kief atop a fresh bowl to give it an extra potency boost.
How to Store Weed for Future Consumption
No matter how creative you get with old weed, smart cannabis storage is essential for preventing future waste. But, can you freeze marijuana for longer shelf life? Not if you want to preserve its quality. Your freezer could cause a decline in the quality of your cannabis.
So it’s room temperature or bust, but how long can you store marijuana? And what’s the best weed container?
The best way to store cannabis is inside a glass jar, like the jars with dehumidifying packets you might see in your local dispensary. Under the proper conditions, these jars will keep your cannabis tasty and fresh!
Still, the best solution to old weed is, you guessed it, new weed.
Refresh your stash this week with Lightshade.
What Happens to Your Body When You Consume Cannabis?
Have you ever wondered what your body does after you consume cannabis? It’s fascinating. Here’s what you need to know.
Whether you’re intimately familiar with cannabis or you’re just beginning your journey with this historically misunderstood plant, the interaction between weed and the human body might still be a mystery to you.
It’s understandable. After all, America’s War on Drugs made cannabis a hazy proposition for most folks, and it seriously limited researchers’ ability (and willingness) to study its effects.
Fortunately, there’s enough information out there to at least give us a cursory idea of what happens to our bodies after consuming cannabis. So, let’s take a closer look – starting with some basics.
Why does pot make your eyes red?
Let’s start with one of marijuana’s most visible effects–the classic red-hued eyes.
Why does weed make your eyes red? Contrary to popular belief, eye redness isn’t from smoke. Instead, the interactions between cannabis’ active ingredients, including THC, and your endocannabinoid system (ECS), which has receptors throughout the body, including your eyes, causes “weed eyes.”
THC widens blood vessels, increasing blood flow throughout the body. So, that’s what causes your classic bloodshot eyes.
And if you’re wondering if edibles produce the same effect, the answer is yes.
But what about the other cannabinoids? Does CBD make your eyes red too? Nope! CBD-only products, or even some with a lower THC content, won’t interact with the endocannabinoid system in the same way.
What does weed do to your body?
Let’s take a closer look at the rest of your endocannabinoid system. How does marijuana affect your body overall? Well, as it turns out, there’s a lot that happens when you consume cannabis! Here’s a shortlist of what cannabis does to our bodies:
- Promotes proper immune function
- Supports cartilage and joint function
- It might help relieve occasional constipation
- Promotes restful sleep
- Soothes or calms the skin
- Keeps a typical, healthy attitude during PMS
Because the endocannabinoid system exists throughout the body, the effects of marijuana’s active compounds can vary considerably based on your physiology, tolerance, and what symptoms of pain or dysfunction you experience in ordinary life. So what does weed do to your body in general? It depends!
How does weed impact your mind?
We’ve covered the body, but what does weed do mentally? The effects of weed on the brain are as variable as the effects of cannabis on the body.
So, what does weed do to your brain? Again it depends, but here are some mental health conditions people support with cannabis:
- Increases mental acuity
- Promotes general productivity
- Improves absent-mindedness
- Supports normal mental function
- Promotes emotional well-being
- It can assist in elevating your mood
- Helps alleviate occasional blue feelings everyone gets from time to time
- For a relaxed feeling
- Helps improve your mood
Due to negative stereotypes, people often fear side effects, like feeling out of control mentally or intense paranoia. But, in reality, many people have found that cannabis helps them mentally, providing stability and support.
What are the effects of weed on pain?
People often choose to consume cannabis to treat general pain. Even people who ask, “is weed dangerous,” are now looking at the plant as a pain management alternative.
Because, unlike conventional painkillers, cannabis isn’t physically addictive, so it’s a safer choice than habit-forming prescriptions, and it’s stronger than over-the-counter ibuprofen.
Here are a few common ways people implement cannabis for pain relief:
- Workout recovery
- Occasional headache relief
- Generally soothes
- Reduced soreness from daily activities
- Diminished menstrual pain
So how does this work? Well, again, it comes back to your endocannabinoid system. THC binds with your CB1 and CB2 receptors, the ECS’ primary system for receiving messages. The cannabinoid tells the receptors to reduce pain perception for temporary relief.
What are the effects of weed on anxiety?
Thanks to early 20th-century anti-cannabis propaganda, many people think cannabis causes paranoia. On the contrary, countless people consume cannabis to help them cope with anxious, stressed, or paranoid feelings. Here’s a list of other maladies folks treat with cannabis:
- Relief of occasional anxiety
- Stress and frustration relief
- Providing clarity
- Mood stabilization
If cannabis leaves you feeling anxious or paranoid, it’s a sign you’re consuming too much THC. So, ask your budtender to recommend a less intense strain (or a strain balanced with CBD), and try, try again.
How can weed impact weight loss?
Does smoking weed help you lose weight? Officially, the jury’s out. However, anecdotally, evidence suggests that cannabis might support healthy weight management by bolstering our body’s natural digestive mechanisms like:
- Blood sugar
- Digestion
- Gut discomfort
- Reduced intestinal flora
- Restored intestinal flora
Most people reading this blog are familiar with the classic munchies-prone stoner stereotype. So learning that cannabis might support healthy weight management probably comes as a shock. But for many people, cannabis can help support a more beneficial, more sustainable approach to weight management.
Still, some strains will have you clearing your pantry. But our budtenders are here to help you find the right products. We’ll get you there.
Knowledge is power.
Now you should have a basic understanding of cannabis’ effects on your body. And since knowledge truly is power, your next Colorado dispensary shopping trip will be somewhat different. You’ll have enough information to start an educated conversation with your budtender to find the best products for you.
It’s time to start your cannabis journey. Place an online order with Lightshade today.
How to Make a Cannabis Bowl from a Pumpkin
How to Make a Pumpkin Weed Bowl
Last but not least, the hero of spooky season; the great pumpkin weed bowl. We’ve all been left with a loose pumpkin or two on our hands after Halloween is over, and what better fate for these noble fruits than to be transformed into a delightful (and seasonally appropriate) pipe?
First, carve a shallow cavity at the top of the pumpkin, with a small hole at the bottom to allow air (but not flower) to pass through. Now punch two holes to serve as the stem and carb, making sure to get to the pumpkin’s hollow center. The last step? Don’t do drugs if you’re a character in a horror movie. The stoners always get knocked off first.
Step 1: Cut a lid on the top of your pumpkin like you’re carving a jack-o-lantern and carve a shallow hole.
Step 2: Remove the pumpkin’s guts.
Step 3: Punch a small hole in the pumpkin’s side to use as your bowl.
Step 4: Punch an additional hole in the pumpkin’s side from which you’ll inhale.
Step 5: Place the bowl/stem from another bong in the hole you punched and fill the bowl with freshly ground cannabis.
Step 6: Fill your pumpkin halfway with water.
Step 7: Light, inhale, relax, and repeat.
Need some weed to drop into your new fruit pipe? Hit our site to place an online order from one of our Colorado dispensaries today.
How to Make a Cannabis Bubbler Pipe from a Pineapple
How to Make a Homemade Bubbler Pipe Out of a Pineapple
Maybe there’s a reason SpongeBob was always so cheerful–his pineapple house also makes a fantastic homemade bong.
To recreate the magic of Bikini Bottom, cut off the top of your pineapple and hollow out the center. Next, cut a hole down the side at an angle, filling it with a spare downstem and bowl from another bong before filling the pineapple with water. Inhale, and reflect on how Squidward had it all wrong.
Step 1: Cut the top off your pineapple (but don’t discard it – you’ll need the top later).
Step 2: Hollow out the center of your pineapple.
Step 3: Cut a hole at an angle in the side of your pineapple (a little less than halfway between the pineapple’s top and bottom).
Step 4: Place a spare bowl/stem from another bong in the hole you poked in the pineapple’s side.
Step 5: Fill your pineapple with water.
Step 6: Poke a hole in the pineapple top from which you’ll inhale and place the top back on the pineapple.
Step 7: Load your bowl and smoke.
Need some weed to drop into your new fruit pipe? Hit our site to place an online order from one of our Colorado dispensaries today.
How to Make a Cannabis Pipe from a Banana
How to Make a Pipe Out of a Banana
We’re not trying to make a monkey out of you–bananas make excellent vehicles for smoking cannabis. And no, that’s not because of the weird urban legend that the peels get you high! You’ll need to stick to cannabis for that.
Our banana pipe, step by step, contains two paths; the easy way and the hard way.
The easy way is to simply poke a (clean!) pen through the center of the banana, starting at the end and continuing until you’ve formed a narrow passageway. Then, poke a second hole at the end of that passageway from above, and voila!
If you want to get fancy, you can cut the bottom of the banana off and hollow it out, perching it atop that secondary hole at the end of your passageway to form a more commodious bowl. This shit is, indeed, bananas.
The Easy Way
Step 1: Using a clean pen, poke a hole through the center of the banana to form a narrow passage starting from the top. This is where you’ll inhale.
Step 2: Create a second hole at the end of the first passageway to make your bowl.
The Hard Way
Step 1: Cut the bottom off the banana and use a pen to create a small hole in the cut-off portion – this will be your bowl.
Step 2: Poke a hole in the top of the banana where you cut off the portion you used for the bowl. Use that hole to create a narrow chamber that runs the length of the banana.
Step 3: Poke a hole that’s roughly the same size and shape as the piece you cut off to make your bowl, and join the bowl piece to the banana.
Need some weed to drop into your new fruit pipe? Hit our site to place an online order from one of our Colorado dispensaries today.
How to Make a Cannabis Pipe from a Pear
How to Make a Pear Pipe
A tasty Bosc is our pear of choice when discovering how to make a weed pipe from this inimitable fruit, both for its easily pierced flesh and the slightly floral taste it lends the smoke.
Simply punch a hole at the wide end of the pear to create your bowl. Then, carve out as much room as you need for what you want to smoke before channeling two smaller tunnels into the side of the chamber, where you’ll place your weed and inhale away.
Step 1: Punch a hole at the pear’s wind end to create a bowl.
Step 2: Create a second hole from which you’ll inhale at the top of the pear and dig deep enough to meet the first hole you created for the bowl.
Step 3: Create a third hole to the side of the bowl hole to create the carb (ensure all holes meet in the center for proper airflow).
Need some weed to drop into your new fruit pipe? Hit our site to place an online order from one of our Colorado dispensaries today.