Which strain(s) do I want to use?

Determining which strain(s) give you the most benefit and desired effect can only be done through experimentation on your part, but here are a few guidelines from scientific research to help you along.

Hemp Flower: The Benefits

CBD products are everywhere today and the majority are not “full spectrum”(which means they include compounds from the whole hemp plant), and not just isolated CBD.  Research leads towards evidence that using “whole plant” hemp flower boosts the overall effect and improves beneficial aspects as compared to products that only contain CBD or certain other components. The CBD flower contains everything in the plant, not just compounds separated out by most of the oil producing companies. There are companies producing “full spectrum” oils that claim to have the same benefits as “whole plant” CBD flowers have. Determining which extraction methods and added components are the best for your specific needs or what residuals may remain is something best left to the experts and opinions differ widely. Mother Nature gives us raw CBD hemp flowers, which have been used for medical purposes for thousands of years.

Terpenes and Terpenoids

Terpenes are different components contained in the growing CBD hemp plant and play a role in the “entourage effect.  During the drying and curing process, terpenes are transformed into terpenoids, which changes the way the molecules transform and taste.  Studies show terpenes help THC and CBD pass through the bloodstream and help lower the blood-to-brain barrier. Here’s a list of the major players to help you make your decision.

Myrcene

Aroma: Musky or earthy

Effects: Body high, relaxation and sedation or “couch lock” effect

Medical Benefits: Anti-anxiety and antidepressant

Limonene:

Aroma: citrus, lemon, grapefruit, orange

Effects: Stress relief and elevated mood

Medical Benefits: Anti-anxiety and antidepressant

Pinene:

Aroma: Pine or evergreen

Effects: Alertness, euphoria and creativity

Medical Benefits: Antioxidant and insomnia

Humulene:

Aroma: Earthy or hoppy

Effects: Alertness, anti-inflammatory

Medical Benefits: Appetite suppression

Terpinolene:

Aroma: Woodsy and smoky

Effects: Calming, appetite suppression

Medical Benefits: Sedative, antioxidant, antibacterial

Linalool:

Aroma: Sweet, floral

Effects: Calming, relaxation, sedative

Medical Benefits: Insomnia, anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, immune system boost

Caryophyellene:

Aroma: Spicy, peppery, cinnamon, cloves

Effects: calming

Medical Benefits: Anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory

Flavonoids

Flavonoids are the color- giving nutrients in all-living things and with over 6,000 types is one of the largest nutrient families known to science.  They give hemp it’s purple or bright green colors and are also known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.

The Certificate of Authenticity (COA’s) shows these results in most cases, but testing for terpenes is not required in Oregon.