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As you’re singing “Auld Lang Syne” with your family and friends, will you be thinking about making a New Year’s resolution? Though we all know that many more resolutions are broken than kept, using cannabis to augment your goal-setting may help strengthen motivation when you feel your resolve weakening.
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Here are a few common New Year’s resolutions, with some tips on how cannabis may help you keep them. We'll also suggest which types of marijuana can help you keep and maintain your personal goals.
Cannabis Can Help You Lose Weight
Whether you need to shed a few extra holiday pounds or begin addressing more serious weight loss goals, several studies are showing that cannabis consumers are generally slimmer than their non-smoking counterparts, have a lower BMI and generally have lower cholesterol.
To help with your weight loss progress, consider consuming cannabis strains that contain the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), like Durban Poison. THCV has been shown to suppress appetite. And consumers report that Durban Poison imparts a clear-headed, focused and energizing high.
RELATED: CAN CANNABIS HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT?
Marijuana Can Provide the Motivation to Hit the Gym
Getting healthy is one of the most important resolutions people make. But maintaining those gym workouts can be a challenge, despite the many obvious benefits that come with regular exercise.
It may surprise you to learn that athletes are using cannabis to help move through pain and maintain focus. The plant can also help you get motivated if moving more is one of your goals for 2019.
Try taking the marijuana strain Green Crack prior to a workout to promote energy, focus and inspiration. Post-workout, use a CBD-based topical cream or spray to help soothe those aching muscles.
Cannabis Can Help Address Issues With Alcohol
Many people who’ve struggled with alcohol dependency have discovered that cannabis provides a solution as an alcohol replacement substance. Science confirms that moderate use of cannabis is far less harmful than habitual drinking.
Some people wishing to reduce their alcohol intake are using cannabis every time they feel the urge to drink. Because of the sedative effects of alcohol, suggested strains might include the high-THC cannabis strain Kryptonite or the CBD-dominant marijuana strain Harlequin, which is also effective for depression.
Enlist Marijuana to Help You Kick the Habit
Because of its anti-anxiety properties, CBD is an excellent addition to the toolkit for anyone wishing to quit smoking cigarettes.
To help reduce nicotine cravings, try sucking on CBD-infused candies, or use a CBD vape pen as a substitute for your smokes or your nicotine delivery system.
Turn to Cannabis if Your Resolution is to Learn a New Language or Skill
Most people who take cannabis therapeutically know that the stoner image is just that—a cartoon-like version of marijuana consumers that has little relationship to reality. In fact, a Harvard study has shown that cannabis can actually improve executive function. It’s worth considering adding cannabis to your daily routine if you’ve resolved to learn a new language or some other skill in 2019.
Cinex is a cannabis strain rich in THC that can help enhance your attention and focus. If you prefer a CBD-dominant marijuana strain, try the minimally psychoactive Harle-Tsu.
If 2019 Is Your Year to Get Organized, Let Cannabis Help
Cannabis consumers know that with the right marijuana strain, it’s possible to maintain and improve focus.
Can’t decide whether to keep those old roller skates or those elementary school drawings? Try some Sour Diesel to help you clean out the cobwebs in your home and your head.
Sour Diesel boasts a high THC content, so cannabis newbies should proceed with caution. But in the right amounts, this marijuana strain is great for focus and the motivation for accomplishing tasks that you’re not exactly looking forward to.
Let Marijuana Relax You Into the New Year
The jury is still out on exactly how cannabis helps people sleep. But one thing we know: THC puts some people to bed, but for others, its use can fuel a night of anxious tossing and turning. If you’re a person who’s comfortable taking THC, try Northern Lights or the classic, sedating Blue Dream to help with relaxation.
Different cannabis strains affect people in different ways, so it may take some experimenting to find the strain that relaxes and calms you. You may even be able to pinpoint the marijuana strain or product that helps you de-stress, the cannabis that helps you sleep and the type of cannabis that helps you perform calming exercises like yoga and meditation.
Photo credit: Thomas Evans
If you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our Cannabis 101 index of articles. HelloMD can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.
