Long ago, when we were just wee lads as a species and not yet occupying our current location on the food chain, we developed a wonderful tool to help keep us alive. Stress. It’s part of the fight or flight response system that triggers us to be hyper aware. Our heartbeat quickens. Adrenaline and cortisol are released into the bloodstream. And unpleasant jolts of anxious energy course through our nervous system. In the old days, it kept us alert so we wouldn’t get eaten by things that were mean and furry. These days we don’t have to worry about that. But our fight or flight response system is still with us and still firing away. Only now it’s triggered by our modern lifestyle. How will I get all this work done? Am I going to be on time? What am I making for dinner?

Aren’t humans interesting? What used to keep us from becoming dinner, now gives us anxiety when we think about making dinner. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults. That’s close to 20% of the population. A study by MarketScan estimated the average total medical cost for an individual diagnosed with any anxiety disorder was $6,475 a year.

Cannabis is particularly effective as a treatment for stress and anxiety. The secret is Limonene. It’s one of the terpenes found in cannabis. Terpenes are aromatic compounds that researchers have found help shape a particular strain’s aroma, flavor and effects. Limonene is produced by plants to help protect them from harmful microbes and its antibacterial and antioxidant effects are well documented. Scientists are now studying its effects on anxiety and other mental health disorders. Studies have shown significant results in anxiety reduction when tested on lab mice. And in one small study, 12 hospitalized patients with depression were administered limonene and 9 of those patients experienced a reduction in the need for antidepressant medication, registered normalized stress hormone levels and improved immune function.

Banana OG is an Indica-dominant cross of OG Kush and Banana. It has a bit of a reputation as a creeper so dose slowly. Its high limonene levels make it not only great for treating anxiety but it’s also very affective for relieving muscle pain. pain.

If you’re interested in learning more about strains and products that are high in Limonene or other terpenes that can help you manage your stress and anxiety then give us a call. We’re here to do everything we can to help you use the science of happiness to live a better life every day.