Essential Strains for Feeling Balanced, Part 3

[00:00:00] Ellen Scanlon: This podcast discusses cannabis and is intended for audiences 21 and over.

[00:00:12] Ellen Scanlon: Good weed has come a long way and you don’t have to fit a certain stereotype to enjoy it anymore. There are so many discreet and convenient ways to incorporate cannabis into your life. 1906 is a cannabis brand that’s all about microdosing, which makes it easier than ever to get comfortable with weed.

[00:00:34] Ellen Scanlon: 1906 offers different effects through their drops, which are actually tiny, easy to take pills. Recently, I tried their Bliss drops on a plane ride from New York back to California. Instead of feeling stressed out after a long day of traveling, I felt like a more relaxed, happy, and creative version of myself.

[00:00:57] Ellen Scanlon: The best part is that 1906 ships to all 50 states. I’m so happy to offer our listeners 15 percent off with the promo code DOTHEPOT. If you’re new to microdosing or just curious, I recommend starting with their Discovery Pack, which includes all their effects like sleep, love, and chill, which honestly feels a lot like a Xanax to me.

[00:01:25] Ellen Scanlon: Try them all. Women love 1906. I love 1906 and I’m pretty sure you will too. Visit 1906. shop today and use promo code DOTHEPOD for 15 percent off your order. I’ll add all the details to the show notes. Thank you for supporting the brands that support our show.

[00:01:57] Kelly Green: Good weed can help you connect with your partner. Good weed can make your Sunday sexy. Good weed can make dinner that was marginal taste a hell of a lot better. Good weed is weed that makes you feel great.

[00:02:20] Ellen Scanlon: Welcome to how to do the pot, a podcast demystifying cannabis for women. I’m Ellen Scanlon.

[00:02:29] Ellen Scanlon: You just heard from Kelly Kaiser, a California based interior designer turned luxury cannabis accessories designer and founder of Kelly Green. Welcome to our series, What is Good Weed? In these episodes, we’ll dig into what is good weed for how you want to feel and which strains will help you feel that way, whether it’s more relaxed, more balanced, or more energized.

[00:02:57] Ellen Scanlon: Like our name says, we are a how to show, and the most important question to ask yourself before we start this series is, how do I want to feel after I consume? And we’re going to teach you how to get there. I’ll also recommend cannabis strains for specific activities, because if you’re going to an experimental art exhibit, you may want to feel differently than if you’re going to an afternoon tea with your grandma.

[00:03:26] Ellen Scanlon: You’ll learn about two essential strains in each episode and I’ll share the most important things to know about each strain before you try it. I believe that a big part of what makes good weed is when it perfectly matches your needs. I hope these tips, some from cannabis experts, some from our listeners, help you feel more confident when you’re ready to try for yourself.

[00:03:58] Ellen Scanlon: In our last What is Good Weed episode, we covered relaxing strains, and today we’re focusing on balanced strains. So what are balanced strains? Typically, balanced strains in dispensaries will be referred to as hybrids, which is really what all weed is now. If you’re interested in learning why I feel this way, you can check out episode 77, which is called Indica Sativa Hybrid.

[00:04:35] Ellen Scanlon: I have some news. How to Do the Pots newsletter has moved to Substack. If you’re not familiar, Substack is a user friendly online platform designed to support writers. If you’re one of our more than 10, 000 newsletter subscribers, don’t worry, your free access will continue. And now you have an option to support our work by upgrading to a paid subscription.

[00:05:02] Ellen Scanlon: I hope that How to Do the Pot is a valuable resource for you. Whether you listen loyally every week, share our newsletters with your friends and family or follow us on socials. Each of the newsletters highlights a featured podcast episode and I’m excited to introduce a new section called Women We Love.

[00:05:23] Ellen Scanlon: It’s a celebration of inspiring women who also like weed. If you’re curious about what’s happening behind the scenes on the show, I’ll be sharing more of my favorite finds along with the products, podcasts, books, and memes that spark my creativity. If you choose to become a paid subscriber, you are directly contributing to our mission of helping women feel confident about cannabis for health, wellbeing, and for fun.

[00:05:52] Ellen Scanlon: I hope you’ll go to our website, dothepot. com, or directly to Substack to subscribe. I’ll add all the details to the show notes. Thank you. I really appreciate your support for the show.

[00:06:12] Ellen Scanlon: When I talk to women about their best weed experiences, it doesn’t just generally involves balance strains. They offer a positive and uplifted feel without making you feel overly energized or too relaxed. They’re a great middle ground that can just help you improve your current mood without altering it too much.

[00:06:35] Ellen Scanlon: We reached out to How2DoThePots Instagram community and asked why you love balance weed strains. We got some really great answers. Thank you. Here are a few.

[00:06:47] Anonymous 1: I love using balance trains because that’s exactly how they make me feel. Um, I’m not like melted into the couch or super sleepy or my mind isn’t going a million miles a minute.

[00:06:56] Anonymous 1: Um, the balance trains just put me in a really nice headspace. I feel really relaxed but, you know, ready to do something. So I love, you know, taking my dog for a walk and listening to a podcast or not listening to anything and just enjoying the weather. Um, running errands, just kind of doing little self care things, I guess.

[00:07:12] Anonymous 1: And um, just really enjoying the day to myself. It just kind of elevates my pleasant, daily experiences which is what I really love about um, Bealance Trains.

[00:07:22] Anonymous 2: I really enjoy microdosing a balanced, one to one product. But on days when I, um, take a little bit more than a microdose. I find that I get a lot of creativity, so I really like to do some drawing and painting, listen to music, that sort of thing.

[00:07:40] Anonymous 2: Um, when I take the more micro doses, it’s definitely more like I’m functional. I have major anxiety issues, so having a little bit of that is lifesaver.

[00:07:52] Consuming balanced strains with cannabis really makes my world go round. We own a janitorial company. So everything ranging from before work, you know, before eating a little bit of food, getting in the garden, listening to music, cooking, it truly just elevates my experience in life and gives me a balanced, happy energy.

[00:08:11] Anonymous 4: I love doing yoga, um, or cooking or watching something with my partner. I feel like I can, like, kind of lift my depression or mood without edging into anxiety when I use balance strains. And I can kind of, like, slow time to be more present without getting, like, full body tired. Um, so, I love that.

[00:08:39] Ellen Scanlon: Now, let’s get to my balance strain recommendations.

[00:08:44] Ellen Scanlon: I’ll give you three hints to try to guess the name of the first essential strain. It’s a favorite of baseball players, but not of dentists. It’s hard and also soft. And it’s It may live in your stomach for seven years if you swallow it. Maybe. It’s bubblegum. In our Essential Strains series, we called bubblegum America’s next favorite strain.

[00:09:14] Ellen Scanlon: And that’s because bubblegum, Bubblegum is likely to make you feel happy. And couldn’t we all use a little more happiness? It produces a moderate high, with energizing effects for your mind, as well as a mild body high. When you consume bubblegum, you’ll probably notice yourself feeling more present than usual.

[00:09:33] Ellen Scanlon: The strain helps to lift your mood and also keeps you grounded, so you’re unlikely to spiral into the future and worry about all its unknowns.

[00:09:50] Ellen Scanlon: Let’s get to know this strain. What is bubblegum’s history? There are a lot of theories about how bubblegum came to be, but I think my favorite origin story of this strain’s name comes from a review found on Leafly. It’s so good, I’m gonna read it for you. Okay. Bubblegum was named not for its flavor, but because the breeder used to stick nugs under the bar like chewing gum to tip his bartender.

[00:10:20] Ellen Scanlon: Is the story an urban legend? I don’t know, but it’s a great image. We do know that the strain originated in Indiana, has some roots in New England, and then found its way to the Netherlands. The bubblegum we consumed today has won multiple awards and is definitely a cult favorite. So what does bubblegum taste and smell like?

[00:10:43] Ellen Scanlon: Not to disappoint the Leafly review I just read, but this strain does smell like bubblegum. It has a sweet and strong floral scent and it tastes like candy with a hint of berries. Why do women love bubblegum? Because bubblegum lets you settle into your body without sacrificing a boost of energy. It really lets you sink into yourself while still having a little pep in your step.

[00:11:09] Ellen Scanlon: Think about when you were a kid and you could buy a gumball for, Maybe 25 cents. You’d watch it spin round in the gumball machine, and when it finally comes down to you, you’re given this burst of flavor. Skip down the street blowing bubbles, enjoying this new sensation. Listening to the birds chirp and smacking your gum, feeling totally relaxed.

[00:11:32] Ellen Scanlon: This is how the bubblegum strain helps you feel, but with a 21 and over kind of kick. When is the right time to consume bubblegum? Imagine if you blew your gumball into a huge bubble that was so big you could just climb right into it and float around in this hazy pink sphere. You’re safe, but you’re still aware of the outside world.

[00:11:58] Ellen Scanlon: It’s almost like everything has been softened, maybe muted, but at the same time you have a slightly new perspective on the outside world. Because bubblegum can offer these kinds of sensations, it’s a great strain for microdosing or taking just a little bit But maybe on a more regular basis, it’s a great strain to bring your palette and paint brushes or maybe that old modeling clay that you’ve been holding onto.

[00:12:25] Ellen Scanlon: Bubble gum is a great addition to a day spent creating and relaxing. It’ll loosen your inhibitions without making you forget the details.

[00:12:42] Ellen Scanlon: Weed drinks are popping up everywhere, and if you’re looking to drink less alcohol, I really recommend trying one. Cans, drinkable, delicious cannabis beverages come in lots of flavors, and with THC levels that range from 1mg to 10mg, so you can choose how you want to feel. Use promo code, do the pot for 20 percent off when you visit drink can.

[00:13:07] Ellen Scanlon: com. That’s drink. C a N N try a can today and have a great time without the hangover. Thank you for supporting the brands that support our show.

[00:13:26] Ellen Scanlon: The name of the next strain stems from the theater and comic books. She’s a favorite DC comic villain, and she is in love with the Joker. It is Harlequin. In our Essential Strains series, we call Harlequin the number one 2 to 1 strain. Harlequin most consistently has a ratio of 2 to 1 with more CBD.

[00:13:53] Ellen Scanlon: Sometimes you’ll find it as a 1 to 1, so with an even mix of THC and CBD. Please don’t forget that cannabis is a plant, and when it’s grown in different climates and under different conditions, the outcome will be different, so make sure to check the label when you buy the strain so you can see exactly how much CBD and THC is in it.

[00:14:15] Ellen Scanlon: Harlequin is often described as closest to the weed from the 1970s because of its mild and pleasantly intoxicating effects. And who wouldn’t want to be transported back to the 70s if only for a little burst? Harlequin will likely calm stress and give you some feelings of euphoria. It’s not too strong and offers just the right amount of relaxation.

[00:14:46] Ellen Scanlon: What is Harlequin’s history? Harlequin was first spread as a cross between an indica strain from Nepal and two lanrace strains, one from Thailand and another from Switzerland. The strain was originally cultivated to make hash or concentrates, but rather than a strain that was high in THC, the breeder ended up creating a strain that became famous for its elevated CBD content.

[00:15:13] Ellen Scanlon: What does harlequin taste and smell like? When you first smell this strain, you’ll most likely get strong wood and soil scents with a little sweet, creamy vanilla that is almost chalky. Harlequin tastes spicy with an earthy musk and a sweet mango flavor. My tip for any strain is always to smell it if you can.

[00:15:37] Ellen Scanlon: The saying is that your nose knows, and if it smells good to you, it will probably connect well with your body. Why do women love Harlequin? Harlequin is high in CBD and low in THC, which often provides the magic formula for relief from chronic pain without a strong high. I, and many others, recommend Harlequin as a starter strain for those new to consuming cannabis.

[00:16:05] Ellen Scanlon: It’s likely to make you feel relaxed and warm in your body and will help you feel present and at ease. It kinda does it all because Harlequin will help you feel focused and uplifted and its high levels of CBD make it one of the most effective strains for treating pain and anxiety. You know when you’re a little sick or completely exhausted and you pull out your favorite pair of pajamas straight from the dryer and slip them on?

[00:16:33] Ellen Scanlon: That’s what Harlequin feels like. When is the right time to consume Harlequin? Harlequin is one of the best weed strains for chronic pain relief, or for something calm like taking a walk or meditating. If you wake up with a bad migraine or back pain and need a little help, but you have to deal with responsibilities that require you to be focused and functional, Harlequin is a really great resource.

[00:17:02] Ellen Scanlon: It’s ability to help you focus can also help if you’re looking for a reflective workout but find yourself in a loud gym or a packed class. This strain helps to mute the background noise and allows you to focus inward. And if you struggle with anxiety, what when consuming cannabis, this strain is unlikely to bring on anxiety or paranoia and can be a really great resource for calming stress and anxiety.

[00:17:38] Ellen Scanlon: Now that we’ve covered all the basics, what is the difference between harlequin and bubblegum? Bubblegum has a lot more THC than harlequin. This means that bubblegum is likely to make you feel more energized and intoxicated than harlequin. Harlequin’s high CBD, low THC ratio means that you’re probably only going to feel a little bit high if you feel it at all.

[00:18:04] Ellen Scanlon: In practice, maybe this means that bubblegum is kind of more of a weekend strain and Harlequin could be your everyday go to. And while this is typically how people respond to these strains, You have to remember, cannabis is a plant. Plants grown in different places will be different, just like with a fruit.

[00:18:22] Ellen Scanlon: A strawberry grown in Illinois and a strawberry grown in New Jersey are not exactly the same. It’s really important to remember that weed is just a plant and where and how it’s grown can affect it. And the same goes for you. Cannabis affects everyone. everyone differently, I really recommend starting slow until you know how you’re going to feel.

[00:18:44] Ellen Scanlon: You didn’t give up on love forever after a middle school heartbreak, right? So try a little, pay attention to how you feel, and have fun. I want to finish up this episode by bringing it back to the focus of this series. Thanks to Lani Delelo who answered our call on Instagram asking, What is good weed?

[00:19:05] Lani Delello: Goodweed, for me, is sun grown and carefully cured by small production farms that use regenerative, sustainable farming practices, and where their concern lies in purity and quality, not quantity so much. And I feel that all the positive effects derived from consuming what I call conscious cannabis are enhanced by just knowing I’m supporting really good, authentic people that truly care for the earth and respect this miraculous medicinal plant.

[00:19:34] Ellen Scanlon: What are your experiences like with balance strains? Do you prefer them? And which one is your favorite? Tell us at high at do the pot. com or DM us at do the pot. Stay tuned for our next episode in the what is good. We’d series where we’ll share the best strains. If you want to feel energized. And in case you want to dive into our Essential Strains series, we created a Spotify playlist with every episode.

[00:20:05] Ellen Scanlon: I’ll add a link to the show notes.

[00:20:10] Ellen Scanlon: For lots more information and past episodes, visit DoThePot. com, and that’s also where you can sign up for our newsletter. If you like How to Do the Pot, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. It really helps more people find the show. Thanks to writer Malia Groska and producers Mattie Fair and Nick Patry.

[00:20:31] Ellen Scanlon: I’m Ellen Scanlon, and stay tuned for more of How to Do the Pot.