Valentine’s Day

Whether your single or celebrating someone special, Valentine’s Day can evoke various emotions and even physical complications.  Why not find the perfect medical marijuana strain that may not only relieve the burdens, but enhance the day.  Some suffer through psychological burdens, others with sexual dysfunction and there’s also those who may just feel lethargic or uninspired.  Singles and couples alike can celebrate love with cannabis, because ultimately the phytocannabinoids work with the receptors of each person’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), giving the plant the power to uplift, excite and revitalize.

 

The ECS receptors regulate brain activity by moderating things that may need an adjustment, whether it be cardiovascular, neurological or something within the immune system.  “To stimulate these receptors, our bodies produce molecules called endocannabinoids, which have a structural similarity to molecules in the cannabis plant. The first endocannabinoid that was discovered was named anandamide after the Sanskrit word ananda for bliss.”

Some patients prefer to have a wake and bake!  This can be especially helpful for those who feel uninspired or depressed.  Cannabis patients have been fans of Pineapple Express ever since the homonymous movie was popularized in 2008.  Those who wish to begin the day with a stimulating sativa strain may want to give this a try.  Patients who have reviewed it say that it makes them feel revived, uplifted, joyful, creative, social and inspired, and what better way to start the day, than with a strain like this that may relieve stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue and tension?  In fact, Debra C. gave it five stars on 3-16-22, stating, “Instant get up ‘n go! A lil goes a long way. Excellent for daytime use: relaxing, focusing, creative inducing.”

Lovers may want to start the morning with a little wakey between the sheets, in which case, one of the many hybrid marijuana strains that start with a tingly sensation that leads to arousal could be on the breakfast tray.  Lovers can share a Bubbleberry pre-roll; a sativa-forward strain that notably arouses it’s consumers.  “My favorite Sativa Shorty! Hits the spot. No crashing when you come down. Really gets my day jumpstarted. LOVE THESE,” Corinne W. (verified purchase, 8-11-220.  Some patients prefer live resin carts over dried flower.  Another sativa strain that could be used to start Valentine’s Day is Blue Dream.  “Justahuman” reviewed it on 7-20-23: “Very strong. Quick to hit. Lots (of) tingling sensation. Wife loves it.”

Nonetheless, there are those who are triggered with unpleasant memories on this day, where emotions may become easily elevated.  Heralded as a celebration of love and connection, this day can evoke a vast array of feelings, ranging from joy to sorrow. It’s important to put mental health first.

What triggers Valentine’s Day depression?

• Isolation
• Self-assessments and judgement
• Unrealistic expectations
• Financial burden
• PTSD

“Although PTSD resulting from any type of trauma can be activated at any time, symptoms of PTSD may be more likely to be activated around Valentine’s Day if the trauma that caused the PTSD was of an interpersonal nature. Interpersonal traumas, like sexual assault, physical assault, kidnapping and intimate partner violence/domestic violence may be more likely to have cues that map onto themes, objects, activities and situations associated with Valentine’s Day.” Tinctures and other forms of medical marijuana consumption can be part of a daily routing that may help PTSD patients.  Golden Pineapple has been noted to help people with stress, anxiety, depression, PMS, PTSD, Nausea, Migraines, Fatigue and other burdens.

In a review of medical marijuana published in 2018, it was noted that the use of phytocannabinoids, like THC and CBD are being studied for how they may positively affect, “psychiatric and mood disorders, such as schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, addiction, post-concussion syndrome, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).” The review proclaimed that, “(r)esearch into ECS’s role in the stress response has revealed a significant influence on the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, the control of reproduction by modifying…fertility, and sexual behavior.”  Thus, the review indicated that medical marijuana could prove to be both uplifting and arousing.

If you’re feeling down about Valentine’s Day, here are some strategies to help:

• Self-compassion
• Connect with loved ones, whether they’re friends or family members.
• Make it a day of self-care
• Volunteer
• Celebrate friendships
• Limit social media exposure
• See how cannabis might be helpful
• Attend a group yoga class

Medical marijuana is often taken to relieve social anxiety.  Tropical Trainwreck could be a great mid-day medication, as it reportedly works to relieve anxiety, depression and fatigue. Patients who’ve tried it said it made them feel revived, giddy, joyful and uplifted.  Whether you’re in a relationship or not, you may have single friends who would welcome the invitation to attend a group date night.  Alternatively, you could make the day special by showering your emotional support animal with love. Take a toke, feel the bliss and head out for a hike with your dog.