{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/skywalker-og/","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2901-markdown","title":"Staff Picks: 6 Cannabis Strains to Make You More Social ","slug":"staff-picks-6-cannabis-strains-to-make-you-more-social","content":"For many of us, being social doesn’t come easily. It’s one thing to occasionally avoid interactions with others. However, an intense, persistent fear of being judged by others is known as [social anxiety disorder](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/social-anxiety-disorder-more-than-just-shyness/index.shtml). \n\nIn the United States, [15 million adults suffer from this type of anxiety](https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics). And yet less than 37% of those suffering seek out treatment. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_us/?utm_medium=copy_link/)\n\nAlthough social anxiety is treatable, many doctors rely on [medications like Zoloft and Prozac to treat their patients](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/176891.php). That said, it can take up to three months on these drugs before seeing any improvement. And these medications can come with scary side effects like:\n\n* Insomnia\n* Lethargy\n* Diarrhea\n* Dizziness\n* Tremors\n\n### The Science Behind Why Marijuana Can Ease Anxiety\n\nMeanwhile, in a survey of data from Strainprint, an app for cannabis consumers to track strains, doses and symptoms, there was [a perceived 58% reduction in anxiety and stress following cannabis use](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165032718303100?via%3Dihub). For these consumers, even two puffs of cannabis were sufficient in reducing ratings of depression and anxiety. \n\nWe asked HelloMD physician Dr. Richard Kim how cannabis works to reduce social anxiety.\n\n“Cannabis promotes sociability by making us feel happy and relaxed. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) promotes happiness primarily by binding to the CB1 receptor in the brain, which responds by releasing the neurotransmitter dopamine. The increased dopamine signals the pleasure center of the brain: the mesolimbic pathway.”\n\nDr. Kim also noted that cannabidiol (CBD) can also help with anxiety, saying “CBD (cannabidiol) can increase serotonin signaling at the 5-HT1A receptor—the same neurotransmitter and receptor that SSRIs like Prozac influence.”\n\nDr. Kim cautions, however, that too much THC can actually have the opposite effect. “Too much THC can increase anxiety, because THC binds the CB1 receptor in three areas of the brain which affect anxiety: the amygdala, prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus—each with their own dose-response relationship to THC.”\n\nWhen it comes to cannabis, everyone responds differently. While some people can consume cannabis without anxiety, some people can unintentionally experience marijuana-induced anxiety. It really comes down to a bit of trial and error to see what cannabis strain works for you.\n\nThat said, we asked some HelloMD staff members, which marijuana strains help them feel more at ease in social settings. \n \n### 1. ACDC \n\n**Chris B., partner development associate**, prefers the light effects of ACDC: “My favorite strain to alleviate social anxiety is ACDC, a classic high-CBD strain, because it has a nice calming effect. ACDC offers full-body relaxation without getting too heady or increasing paranoia, which can worsen your anxiety. I find ACDC to be a good strain for light effects, so I can use it without overconsuming. Then I don’t worry about being too elevated in public. \n\n“When I’m at a large gathering, I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the quantity of people, especially if I’m in a crowd of new people that I’m not quite as comfortable with. Any time that feeling kicks in, ACDC can bring me back to that relaxed feeling without the cloudiness that accompanies certain high-THC strains. I’m still very clear-minded, and I can socialize easily.”\n\n### 2. Jack Herer \n\n** Melissa N., office manager**, tells us why Jack Herer is her go-to marijuana strain when she’s feeling anxious at a party: “To reduce social anxiety, I enjoy sativa-dominant Jack Herer. Sativa strains are generally uplifting, but some of them are heavy-headed. Jack Herer is more of a clear-headed high. It makes me feel less paranoid, and that makes it easier for me to be social. \n\n“It’s a great strain for any time you’re feeling anxious. I like it if I’m going to a party or even in the morning. If I’m too tired, it's a good option to wake up and get the day started, because it provides good energy. \n\n“I’d recommend Jack Herer especially for people who are new to cannabis, because it’s an uplifting sativa. It doesn’t have that sluggish feeling like some strains do. For me, there’s less paranoia, so it’s great for newbies. But advanced consumers love it, too.”\n\n### 3. Skywalker OG \n\n**Ryan G., customer service manager**, says Skywalker OG is his pick for when he has to do any public speaking: “I really like Skywalker OG to help me with social anxiety. I tend to overthink a lot, so having a strain that provides full-body effects really helps me.  \n\n“I can get really anxious when I'm speaking in front of large crowds or even just a small group of people. I feel I'm very socially awkward and that makes me very self-conscious, so having an indica-dominant strain like Skywalker OG helps quiet those thoughts, and it puts me at ease.\n\n“Cannabis affects everybody differently, so it’s a good idea to start low and slow, and increase consumption as needed. But I’d suggest Skywalker OG, because it's not a super heavy indica that will make me feel lazy. This strain gives me energy, but at the same time reduces my self-consciousness, which helps alleviate my anxiety.”\n\n### 4. Wedding Cake \n\n** Bart S., customer service specialist**, says Wedding Cake tastes great and helps him start conversations without feeling self-conscious: \n\n“Recently, I've been enjoying Wedding Cake, an indica-dominant strain also known as Pink Cookies. I think it's a very good strain for social situations because it makes me feel happy and relaxed. It's also energizing so it doesn't make me anxious, but it gives me the motivation to strike up a conversation. \n\n“Sometimes I feel anxious before social situations like a big party or an event with large amounts of people. Wedding Cake helps to relieve that anxiety so once I arrive I can be relaxed, talking and happy. \n\n“I would recommend Wedding Cake because it’s a great tasting strain, but it also helps me break the ice at a party or social gathering. It helps me start talking and go with the flow so I’m no longer worried about the situation that I’m in.”\n\n### 5. 24 Karat Gold \n\n** Kevin P., customer service specialist**, says 24 Karat Gold helps him be present in conversations with others:  “My favorite strain to reduce social anxiety is called 24 Karat Gold, otherwise known as Kosher Tangie. It’s a cross between indica strain Kosher Kush  and sativa strain Tangie. \n\n“Since 24 Karat Gold is a hybrid, it doesn't get me too in my head or too sleepy. Although technically a 60/40 indica-dominant hybrid, it calms me down physically, so I don't talk as much with my hands. I'm also not as nervous, and it frees my mind up for really interesting conversation.\n\n“It gives a really classic high feeling, where I feel like I could just sit around and talk to people for a really long time—that's a big part of being social for me. I find it's appropriate to consume anytime I'll be around other people. \n\n“With so many different strains of marijuana out there, I like the ones that alleviate my social anxiety, but also taste great. The nice thing about 24 Karat Gold is it has really sweet citrus notes from Tangie and a little bit of pineyness from the Kosher Kush, so it always tastes really fresh. It feels like it cleanses my insides, and that psyches me up to get socializing.”\n\n### 6. Sunset Sherbet \n\n**Nik S., customer service specialist**, goes for indica-dominant Sunset Sherbet for the taste and physical effects: “To reduce my social anxiety, I like to go with Sunset Sherbet. Not only for the taste and effect, but because of the genetics: Sunset Sherbet is an indica-dominant strain descended from GSC.\n\n“If I’m in crowded areas or any place I'm not familiar with, but I still want to remain social and have a good time, Sunset Sherbet works for me. With Sunset Sherbet, I notice the physical stress being relieved, and as a result it makes the social anxiety vanish. That iffy feeling and any feelings of anxiousness disappear. Not only do I get the physical relaxation, but mentally I feel more like myself. I get much more uplifted, and I start to notice that it’s easier to open up around people.”\n\nPhoto credit: [Jens Johnsson](https://unsplash.com/@jens_johnsson)\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-what-you-need-to-know-about-marijuana/) index of articles. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/e3e96a4de954d7d5e9ab5d8802a71fdd/14b42/ac4cc074f35b62d66dcc16a25f474879.jpg","srcSet":"/static/e3e96a4de954d7d5e9ab5d8802a71fdd/f836f/ac4cc074f35b62d66dcc16a25f474879.jpg 200w,\n/static/e3e96a4de954d7d5e9ab5d8802a71fdd/2244e/ac4cc074f35b62d66dcc16a25f474879.jpg 400w,\n/static/e3e96a4de954d7d5e9ab5d8802a71fdd/14b42/ac4cc074f35b62d66dcc16a25f474879.jpg 800w,\n/static/e3e96a4de954d7d5e9ab5d8802a71fdd/47498/ac4cc074f35b62d66dcc16a25f474879.jpg 1200w,\n/static/e3e96a4de954d7d5e9ab5d8802a71fdd/0e329/ac4cc074f35b62d66dcc16a25f474879.jpg 1600w,\n/static/e3e96a4de954d7d5e9ab5d8802a71fdd/b85df/ac4cc074f35b62d66dcc16a25f474879.jpg 3500w","srcWebp":"/static/e3e96a4de954d7d5e9ab5d8802a71fdd/58556/ac4cc074f35b62d66dcc16a25f474879.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/e3e96a4de954d7d5e9ab5d8802a71fdd/61e93/ac4cc074f35b62d66dcc16a25f474879.webp 200w,\n/static/e3e96a4de954d7d5e9ab5d8802a71fdd/1f5c5/ac4cc074f35b62d66dcc16a25f474879.webp 400w,\n/static/e3e96a4de954d7d5e9ab5d8802a71fdd/58556/ac4cc074f35b62d66dcc16a25f474879.webp 800w,\n/static/e3e96a4de954d7d5e9ab5d8802a71fdd/99238/ac4cc074f35b62d66dcc16a25f474879.webp 1200w,\n/static/e3e96a4de954d7d5e9ab5d8802a71fdd/7c22d/ac4cc074f35b62d66dcc16a25f474879.webp 1600w,\n/static/e3e96a4de954d7d5e9ab5d8802a71fdd/b6f33/ac4cc074f35b62d66dcc16a25f474879.webp 3500w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2134-markdown","title":"Top 6 Marijuana Strains for Back Pain","slug":"top-6-marijuana-strains-for-back-pain","content":"Back pain is one of the most common types of pain experienced by just about everyone. It’s [estimated that 80% of people in the U.S. will experience some kind of back pain](http://www.thegoodbody.com/back-pain-statistics/) over the course of their lifetime. Lower back pain is the most common with 31 million Americans experiencing it at any given time.  \n\nAnd so it comes as no surprise that many Americans want to know what’s best for back pain. In many cases, doctors prescribe prescription opioid painkillers, which are intended for short-term use. These opioids can help with back pain, but they come with a litany of side effects such as constipation and nausea. As well, they are highly addictive. Meanwhile, over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) can also bring on a host of issues such as stomach ulcers, liver or kidney problems and high blood pressure.\n\n### Three Major Kinds of Back Pain\n\nBack pain normally falls within three major categories: axial, referred and radicular pain. \n\n* **Axial pain**, which is also called mechanical pain, can vary greatly based on the case; it can be dull or sharp and can exist constantly or come and go. The most common source of axial back pain is muscle strain, which occurs when muscles are torn or stretched to an extreme. \n\n* **Referred pain** is often a dull and achy pain that tends to move around the back and body. Referred pain, which can vary in intensity, occurs away from the direct source of the pain. For example, referred pain can occur in the hips and thighs when there’s a problem like degenerative disc disease in the lower back. \n\n* You may know radicular pain by another name: **sciatica**. It’s a deep and intense pain that follows nerve pathways into your extremities, and it can lead to numbness and weakness. Radicular pain is often caused by inflammation, compression or an injury, usually to the root of the spinal nerve. \n\n### Studies Show Marijuana Can Help With Back Pain\n\nWondering what can help with back pain? Following are two studies that point to marijuana as being helpful with reducing chronic pain, which can of course include back pain.\n\nA study published in the _Canadian Medical Association Journal_ found that [cannabis could help reduce chronic pain in men and women](http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/news/20100830/marijuana-relieves-chronic-pain-research-show). The subjects were administered three different marijuana potencies at different times during the study. The strengths were rotated with a placebo, and none of the subjects knew what they were taking at any given point during the study. Pain was measured by patients on a 10-point pain scale.\n\nThere was an average of a one-point reduction in pain by patients who took the highest potency of cannabis. Though these results are modest, they were still considered successful because most strains of marijuana are much more potent in their percentage of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). \n\nAnother study in December 2014 by the [College of Family Physicians of Canada recommended that patients with chronic pain smoke cannabis](https://www.medicaljane.com/2014/12/31/physicians-organization-in-canada-releases-guidelines-for-prescribing-medical-cannabis-for-pain/). It stated that patients with severe neuropathic pain conditions could find relief in cannabis if they hadn’t had adequate responses to other medications. \n\nThe paper also stated that the recommended maximum dose of cannabis that a patient should consume in one day is one inhalation, four times a day, which is roughly 400 mg a day of 9% THC cannabis. Though the guidelines are fairly vague, it does back up anecdotal evidence that higher-THC consumption is best for chronic pain.  \n\n### Best Marijuana Strains for Back Pain\n\nEach cannabis strain works differently for everyone, but often THC-heavy strains are best to combat pain. Don’t discount cannabidiol (CBD) though, as it’s extremely helpful at reducing inflammation, which could also help decrease your back pain. \n\nIt’s also important to be aware that higher-percentage THC strains have more psychoactive effects. Some people find it useful to take a strain lower in THC during the day and then something higher in THC in the evening, right before bedtime. The key is finding which marijuana strains, consumption method and dosage work best in easing your back pain.\n\nHere are some of our top picks of marijuana strains that have been shown to be effective at relieving back pain.\n\n* **[Headband](https://hellomd.com/strains/headband)** is a hybrid of OG Kush and Sour Diesel. This particular marijuana strain contains 20–27% THC and less than 1% CBD. Headband is particularly helpful at easing muscle strains and relieving general pain. It’s also known for its long-lasting effects, though keep in mind that it’s a very potent strain. \n\n* **Candyland** is a sativa-dominant hybrid of Granddaddy Purple and Bay Platinum Cookies. Candyland is effective at reducing pain, including back pain, and muscle tension with uplifting and stimulating side effects. Candyland is also known to relieve stress and fatigue. Also a potent strain, it has high levels of THC, at roughly 24%, and it has about 1% of both CBD and CBN. \n\n* **[OG Kush](https://hellomd.com/strains/og-kush)** is indica-dominant and is known for its high levels of THC. OG Kush is helpful at relieving back pain and muscle spasms. It has about 23% THC and only about 1% CBD. OG Kush is also one of the more psychoactive strains of cannabis on the market. \n\n* **[Bubba Kush](https://hellomd.com/strains/bubba-kush)** is an indica with 14–22% THC and 0.06–0.1% CBD. Bubba Kush is believed to be a hybrid of Northern Lights and OG Kush through an accidental pollination. Bubba Kush is helpful at easing muscle tension, including the kind associated with back pain, and decreasing stress. \n\n* **Skywalker OG** is an indica-dominant hybrid of Skywalker and OG Kush. Skywalker OG is known for its effectiveness at reducing pain symptoms and decreasing physical limitations caused by pain. \n\n* **[ACDC](https://hellomd.com/strains/acdc)** is a sativa-dominant hybrid that’s has a CBD:THC ratio of 20:1. This cannabis strain has about 16–24% CBD and just 0.4–1.2% THC. ACDC is particularly helpful in reducing back pain with no psychoactive side effects. \n\nIf you’re still not sure which marijuana strain could help you with your back pain, head over to our [Answers page](https://www.hellomd.com/answers). There you can read answers on cannabis for back pain, and you can also connect with a doctor and our well-informed community who will respond to your questions.  \n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.7094017094017093,"src":"/static/2204349e7fca4610adc333074f21c04c/14b42/e5b034c9d9e2d352d83fccc32d41cc45.jpg","srcSet":"/static/2204349e7fca4610adc333074f21c04c/f836f/e5b034c9d9e2d352d83fccc32d41cc45.jpg 200w,\n/static/2204349e7fca4610adc333074f21c04c/2244e/e5b034c9d9e2d352d83fccc32d41cc45.jpg 400w,\n/static/2204349e7fca4610adc333074f21c04c/14b42/e5b034c9d9e2d352d83fccc32d41cc45.jpg 800w,\n/static/2204349e7fca4610adc333074f21c04c/182e4/e5b034c9d9e2d352d83fccc32d41cc45.jpg 838w","srcWebp":"/static/2204349e7fca4610adc333074f21c04c/58556/e5b034c9d9e2d352d83fccc32d41cc45.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/2204349e7fca4610adc333074f21c04c/61e93/e5b034c9d9e2d352d83fccc32d41cc45.webp 200w,\n/static/2204349e7fca4610adc333074f21c04c/1f5c5/e5b034c9d9e2d352d83fccc32d41cc45.webp 400w,\n/static/2204349e7fca4610adc333074f21c04c/58556/e5b034c9d9e2d352d83fccc32d41cc45.webp 800w,\n/static/2204349e7fca4610adc333074f21c04c/cbc07/e5b034c9d9e2d352d83fccc32d41cc45.webp 838w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":0,"numPages":1,"currentPage":1,"id":5750,"name":"Skywalker Og","slug":"skywalker-og","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}