By Michelle Ann Rizzio
Although society generally regards winter time as the most wonderful time of the year, for nearly 10 million Americans it’s the exact opposite. Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a type of recurrent depressive disorder where episodes of depression occur during the same season each year. Sometimes folks will call it the “winter blues”. Those suffering from SAD experience feelings of sadness, weight gain, changes in appetite for comfort foods, drops in energy, and oversleeping. As solstice on December 21 marks the official start of winter and the sun begins to set earlier in the day, SAD can strike.
Thankfully cannabis can help with the symptoms of SAD and aid in making the winter moods lift. Incorporating cannabis into your morning self-care ritual can encourage energy and motivation. By opting for sativa dominant strains you can take steps to add a little more wonder into your day. Another way to cope with seasonal moods is meditation. Adding sativa dominant strains like Blue Dream or Sour Diesel into your meditation session is a perfect way to create a balance between full body relaxation and a nice mental stimulation. The euphoria it creates is a perfect way to release anxiety during a meditation session. These are perfect things to share during our in store events as the days get darker and colder.
Creating ritual around your cannabis use by burning incense like myrrh, frankincense, amber and cinnamon are perfect seasonal warm resins and herbs that can encourage the feeling of comfort and safety for those finding themselves a little more blue during the winter months.
Beyond SAD, the colder temperatures can also trigger physical issues such as joint conditions and nerve issues. Warm CBD baths using a CBD bath bomb and treating yourself to a CBD joint is a fantastic way to beat physical ailments that the winter may bring to the surface. Yoga afterwards assists in releasing pain and inflammation as well.
Finally, a lovely way to raise your spirits is a warm drink! I personally love apple cider and would love to share this recipe on how to make a THC infused apple cider. I like to use cannabutter but have had success using tinctures and hash based oils too.
¼ cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons of canna fat (butter or oil)
6 cups apple cider (or juice)
6 tablespoons of lemon juice
6 whole cinnamon sticks
Nutmeg to taste
Simmer brown sugar and cannabutter in a large pot over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and butter melts. Keep it at a slow simmer, not a boil.
Add apple cider, lemon juice, and cinnamon sticks; bring to a boil and turn off the heat. Let it sit for a few minutes.
This recipe serves 6 cups, garnish with a cinnamon stick and nutmeg to taste!
Stay warm this winter, and make sure to share these self-care tips with your 420 friendly family and friends.
