TJ, Author at Sunset Lake CBD

If you’ve spent any time digging into the wide world of cannabis and hemp, you may have come across smokable flower labeled either Indica or Sativa. They aren’t the same, and by old rules of thumb, each should elicit different effects. So which one is right for you— Indica vs. Sativa?

In this post, we’ll be looking at,

How Indicas make you feel vs. how Sativas make you feel
How Indica plants are structured vs how Sativa plants are structured
When should you use Indica strains vs. when you should use Sativa strains

Continue reading “Indica vs. Sativa: Are They Really That Different?”

In the few years since CBD has become mainstream, you may have heard or read some anecdotes about CBD’s ability to cure just about any ailment, including anxiety. Surely a silver bullet for one of the most common, yet complex mental disorders is too good to be true right? There is plenty of anecdotal evidence that suggests CBD may be helpful for mental health, but can CBD help with anxiety?

In this piece, we’re going to,

Unpack what anxiety is
Learn more about what CBD is and how to use it
And, look at what recent research says about CBD’s ability to help with anxiety

Continue reading “Can CBD Help With Anxiety?”

Key Takeaways

CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids will stay in your body for multiple days after use. They can remain for multiple weeks depending on a few factors unique to each person.
How you consume CBD will affect how long it hangs around in your body.
You can flush cannabinoids from your system faster than normal, but these methods may backfire.

Continue reading “How Long Does CBD Stay In Your System?”

It’s a common question we get from potential customers and lookie-loos alike: Can you smoke hemp? The short answer is yes. Just like traditional THC cannabis that you may be familiar with, hemp, and specifically slow-cured hemp buds, are perfect for smoking.

In this post, we’ll talk about,

The benefits of smoking hemp
How hemp is different than marijuana
What parts of the hemp plant you can smoke
And more…

Continue reading “Can You Smoke Hemp?”

CBN is one of the newest cannabinoids on the block and it isn’t going anywhere. While some consider CBN to be a minor cannabinoid behind THC and CBD, retailers are marketing it as a superior sleep aid. While science has yet to confirm whether or not CBN promotes a more restful night’s sleep, it’s still worth getting to know the cannabinoid.

In this post, we’re going to cover,

What CBN is
Where it comes from
And address the internet’s most common questions about the new “sleep cannabinoid”

What is CBN?

CBN is short for Canna-Bi-Nol and is one of the more than 100 cannabinoids produced by the hemp plant. Some researchers consider it to be mildly psychoactive because it is usually found in aged THC-dominant cannabis (something we’ll get into a bit later)

Is CBN Different Than CBD?

CBN and CBD are different cannabinoids with their own distinct molecular structures and benefits. We know that CBN interacts directly with your endocannabinoid system’s CB1 and CB2 receptors. CBD does not.

You can take CBD and CBN at the same time. Doing so may even yield additional desired effects. Research suggests that consuming both at the same time can be an effective pain management method.

What is CBN Good For?

We still aren’t sure what CBN can do because while there have been studies, most have not been carried out with human subjects. We can only hypothesize about what CBN might be good for based on animal studies.

Anti-Inflammation

One study on rats published in 2016 suggested CBN may reduce inflammation caused by arthritis. Further research is needed in both animals and humans before we fully understand this link¹.

Pain Relief

Another 2019 study found that a combination of both CBD and CBN was able to relieve chronic pain in rats. Further, this study found that a combination of CBN and CBD was more effective than either cannabinoid taken alone².

Another study conducted in Japan in the 1980s concluded that both CBN and THC have pain-relief properties³.

Sleep

A recent human-centered study published in 2021 by the Australian Sleep Disorders Research Institute found that a combination of THC, CBN, and CBD taken regularly under the tongue significantly improved insomnia symptoms and self-reported sleep quality in people compared to the placebo group⁴.

Read: Can CBN help you get a better night’s sleep?

Appetite Stimulant

In a rodent study, CBN increased the volume of food that rats ate, suggesting that it may be an effective appetite stimulant and an alternative for those looking to gain their appetite back without the high associated with THC (another well-known appetite stimulant.)

Neuroprotectant

CBN may also be a powerful neuroprotectant, meaning that it may help protect your nervous system from damage, especially in people who develop a health condition with neurological effects.

In a 2005 study, researchers found that CBN helped delay the onset of ALS in rats⁵.

Antibacterial

CBN has also been tested against certain strains of MRSA— a type of staph bacteria that’s become much more resistant to antibiotics in recent years⁶.

Where Does CBN Come From?

CBN comes from a process called oxidation. When we expose its predecessor molecule, THC, to oxygen, UV light, or heat for prolonged periods of time, it breaks down into cannabinol. This means that CBN content isn’t determined by genetic factors, but instead by THC content, time, and the environment.

Frequently Asked Questions About CBN

Is CBN Psychoactive?

Many believe CBN is mildly psychoactive because THC is its predecessor cannabinoid and it interacts with your CB receptors in much the same way THC does. Note that psychoactive doesn’t necessarily mean intoxicating.

Is CBN Legal?

CBN is not listed as a Schedule I substance. Because CBN is derived from oxidized THC, some believe that CBN could be illegal under the Federal Analogue Act.

That said, CBN can also be derived from federally legal hemp plants defined as “cannabis that contains less than 0.3% delta-9 THC,” albeit in smaller quantities. As long as the CBN is derived from hemp, it’s believed to be legal.

Where Can You Find CBN?

As a byproduct of THC, CBN isn’t the most plentiful cannabinoid, and oxidizing THC-dominant cannabis isn’t exactly the most efficient way to harvest CBN. Because of the advances in cannabis science, some companies are starting to release CBN isolate and broad-spectrum CBN + CBD blended products, like CBN edibles and CBN oil.

Edibles?

CBN edibles are gummies, beverages, or foods that have been infused with cannabinol. Broad- and full-spectrum CBN edibles will contain additional cannabinoids like CBD and THC.

Some manufacturers may choose to make their CBN edibles with CBN isolate, in which case they should only contain CBN and no other cannabinoids. CBN edibles, like any other cannabinoid-infused edible, should take anywhere between 30-120 minutes to take effect.

Sublinguals?

CBN oil is similar to CBD oil. Most of the time, CBN oil will be made by mixing CBN isolate with a carrier oil such as hemp oil or coconut MCT oil.

You can add your CBN oil to your favorite foods or drinks, or apply the oil directly under your tongue for rapid absorption. CBN oil taken under your tongue should take less time to take effect than CBN edibles— anywhere between 15-60 minutes.

Topicals?

CBN topicals are lotions, rubs, roll-ons, or salves infused with CBN. You’ll normally see CBN topicals also infused with CBD due to both cannabinoids’ anti-inflammatory properties. CBN topicals should offer localized relief for aches and pains that keep you up at night.

Does CBN Have Any Side Effects?

As of this writing, there are no known side effects of CBN, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist— it just means we need more time to understand the cannabinoid.

Pregnant people, children, and those sensitive to THC should avoid CBN until we’re more certain of its safety.

Will CBN Interact with my other Medications?

While we do know that CBD interacts with certain medications, especially those that come with “grapefruit warnings,” we don’t know if CBN acts the same way.

To be on the safe side, take caution and speak to your pharmacist before trying CBN.

Does CBN make you hungry?

Unlike CBD which can have appetite-suppressing effects, CBN appears to stimulate appetite (at least in rodents)⁷. While CBN may not give you the munchies, it may be a great therapeutic option for people struggling with their appetites because of illness or cancer treatments.

Sources

Zurier RB, Burstein SH. Cannabinoids, inflammation, and fibrosis. FASEB J. 2016;30(11):3682–9.
Wong H, Cairns BE. Cannabidiol, cannabinol and their combinations act as peripheral analgesics in a rat model of myofascial pain. Arch Oral Biol. 2019;104:33–9.
Yamamoto, I., Watanabe, K., Kuzuoka, K., Narimatsu, S., & Yoshimura, H. (1987). The pharmacological activity of cannabinol and its major metabolite 11-hydroxycannabinol. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin. 35(5), 2144–2147.
Walsh, J.H., et al., Treating insomnia symptoms with medicinal cannabis: a randomized, crossover trial of the efficacy of a cannabinoid medicine compared with placebo. Sleep, 2021. 44(11)
Weydt, Patrick et al. “Cannabinol delays symptom onset in SOD1 (G93A) transgenic mice without affecting survival.” Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other motor neuron disorders : official publication of the World Federation of Neurology, Research Group on Motor Neuron Diseases vol. 6,3 (2005): 182-4. doi:10.1080/14660820510030149
Appendino, Giovanni et al. “Antibacterial cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa: a structure-activity study.” Journal of natural products vol. 71,8 (2008): 1427-30. doi:10.1021/np8002673
Farrimond, Jonathan A et al. “Cannabinol and cannabidiol exert opposing effects on rat feeding patterns.” Psychopharmacology vol. 223,1 (2012): 117-29. doi:10.1007/s00213-012-2697-x

Did you know that 7 out of 10 Americans report not getting eight hours of sleep every night? If you’re one of these millions of Americans you know that not being able to get a good night’s rest can quickly become a nightmare. Sleep deprivation can lead to serious short-term and long-term health effects like high blood pressure, depression, and an increased risk of a heart attack.

If you’re one of the millions of Americans who suffer from irregular sleep, you may have heard of a new cannabinoid, CBN, which some believe has sleep-promoting properties.

In this piece, we’ll take a look at,

What CBN is
How it affects your body
And, whether taking CBN for sleep might help you

Continue reading “CBN For Sleep: Can This New Cannabinoid Help You Feel More Rested?”

CBN Gummies are becoming a popular before-bed supplement. They’re advertised to help with your sleep quality and night pains. Are those claims all cannabis-industry hype? Or, is there a good reason that CBD brands are adding CBN-infused gummies to their product lineup?

In this post, we’ll try to cover everything you need to know about CBN Gummies.

Continue reading “What Are CBN Gummies and What Do They Do? [A Comprehensive Guide]”

CBD oil and hemp oil are not substitutes for each other. Nor are they priced that way. CBD oil is generally more expensive than hemp oil and for good reason.

Because hemp oil and CBD oil are closely related, there may be some confusion around their respective names.

By the end of this piece you’ll hopefully know:

How to discern the difference between CBD oil vs. hemp oil
How to dose and safely use each
How taking CBD oil vs taking hemp oil might make you feel

What’s the Difference Between CBD and Hemp?

The difference between CBD and hemp is that CBD is one of over hundred a naturally-occurring compounds that hemp plants produce.

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a molecule produced on the flowering buds of hemp plants. Once ingested, CBD interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system.

What is CBD Oil?

CBD oil is made by extracting the resin from mature CBD-rich hemp flowers. That CBD extract is then mixed and diluted with a carrier oil like MCT coconut, olive, and hemp oil.

What is Hemp Oil?

Hemp oil, sometimes called hempseed oil, contains little to no CBD content. Hemp oil is made by cold-pressing hemp seeds into a culinary oil that’s rich in omega acids, beneficial fats, and vitamins B and D.

1. How Does CBD Oil Work vs. Hemp Oil?

One of the biggest differences between CBD oil vs. hemp oil is in how each interacts with your body.

CBD oil contains cannabinoids that interact with your endocannabinoid system. Hemp oil, on the other hand, shouldn’t contain any cannabinoids.

How Does CBD Oil Work?

The science is still out on how CBD interacts with your endocannabinoid system. We do know that, unlike THC, CBD does not bind with your CB1 receptors.

Some theories put forward about how CBD works with your endocannabinoid system include:

Inhibiting the uptake of inflammatory molecules
Activating adenosine receptors that help regulate pain
Increasing the activity in your serotonin receptors which moderate:
- Sleep
- Anxiety
- Perception
- Nausea
- And Sociability

How Does Hemp Oil Work?

Hemp oil is much more straightforward than CBD oil. Because hemp oil is a cold-pressed culinary oil, we can definitively say that the main benefits of hemp oil come from its high polyunsaturated fatty acids content. Specifically three:

Linoleic acid
Alpha-linolenic acid
Gamma-linolenic acid

These fatty acids can be beneficial to users in a number of ways, including:

Improving and rejuvenating your skin
Lowering your blood pressure
Promoting heart health
Reducing inflammation
Supporting a healthy pregnancy

2. How Do You Use CBD Oil vs. Hemp Oil?

Because CBD oil and hemp oil’s active ingredients are different, you wouldn’t necessarily want to use them in the same way.

How Do You Use CBD Oil?

You can take CBD oil in a few different ways. First, you’ll want to figure out what dosage of CBD is right for you. We here at Sunset Lake CBD always recommend starting with a 25mg dose of CBD. Start low and work your way up if needed.

When you know how much CBD oil you want to take, you have a few options:

Sublingual ingestion

Place your dose of CBD oil under your tongue, hold it there for 20 seconds, and swallow. The CBD in the oil will enter your bloodstream via the thin membrane under your tongue.

With food or in a beverage

You can also add CBD oil to your favorite foods and drinks. This will prolong the onset effects to about an hour due to digestion, but they should also last a bit longer than if you were to take CBD oil sublingually.

Topically

You can also use CBD oil topically, placing a few drops of it on your skin and rubbing it in as needed. Using your CBD oil as a topical will localize all effects to the affected area.

How Do You Use Hemp Oil?

Dieticians seem to agree that three tablespoons of hemp oil daily is enough to get all of the beneficial fatty acids your body needs. How you work your hemp oil into your diet is up to you.

Because hemp oil is classified as a culinary oil, you can ingest it just like you would any other oil, be it olive or MCT coconut. That means you can also use it to make salad dressings and as a beverage additive. You can also use hemp oil topically and in your hair.

3. What Will CBD Oil Make Me Feel Like vs. Hemp Oil

Ideally, using hemp won’t make you feel anything. If CBD oil doesn’t make you feel anything, your dosage may be too low.

What Will CBD Oil Make Me Feel Like Physically?

Someone who ingests CBD oil may feel several things like,

Sleepy or more awake (this is product-dependent. Sunset Lake’s CBD Coffee definitely won’t put you to sleep!)
Relaxed
Less stiff

Mentally?

CBD may also promote mental well-being. Whether or not these benefits come from CBD use or from the physical effects listed above is unknown. Many have said that using CBD makes them feel:

Less socially anxious
Able to focus
More alert
At ease

What Will Hemp Oil Make Me Feel Like?

Consuming hemp oil won’t change your immediate physical or mental state.

The Takeaway: CBD Oil vs. Hemp Oil

Both CBD oil and hemp oil are derived from the same plant. CBD is extracted from the resinous flowers and leaves of CBD-rich hemp plants, while hemp oil is pressed from raw hemp seeds.

While both have their own unique uses and benefits, CBD oil and hemp oil are not substitutes for each other.

With that in mind, know that CBD products are generally more expensive than hemp oil and you shouldn’t pay CBD prices for hemp oil products. Do your research, look at the certificates of analysis, and be sure you’re buying the right product for you.

If you’re someone who has trouble getting eight hours of sleep every night, don’t worry, you’re not alone. In a recent survey, 70% of Americans reported not being able to get the recommended amount of sleep at night. If you’re one of these millions of Americans who have sleep-related issues, there’s a good chance you’ve tried just about everything under the sun (and stars) to reclaim some of your sleep. You may have even heard that CBD for sleep might be a credible option.

You may have some questions like,

What is CBD?
How do you use CBD for sleep? Is it effective?
Are there side effects?
And most importantly, does CBD for sleep work?

We’ll touch on those and more in the following piece. Continue reading “CBD For Sleep: Can Hemp Make You Feel More Rested?”

CBD flower has only been on the market for a few years and already there are countless strains out there. Some are staples after years of further breeding and perfecting, while others are rarer and have their own cult following.

Sunset Lake CBD’s lineup of CBD flower continues to grow year after year just like our commitment to growing the best CBD flower around. This year we’ve grown nine strains; you may recognize some of your old favorites, but we’re sure you’ll love the new additions too.

We’ve put together this list of strains— in no particular order as we love all of our children equally— to help you find the best CBD flower for you. So, without further adieu…

Which is the Best CBD Flower For You?

1. Lifter – All Day Use | Staple Strain

Total CBD – 21.43% | Total THC – 0.87% | Total Terpenes – 1.6%

Oregon CBD Genetics
High CBD content
Daytime & Nighttime Strain

Lifter CBD Flower Description

There’s a good reason Lifter is one of the most common CBD flowers around. Lifter produces outstanding yields. That and Lifter’s high CBD content makes it some of the best CBD flower around. With an aromatic profile similar to sweet blueberry pie and cheese, Lifter has a distinctly sweet, earthy taste when smoked.

Lifter CBD flower is one of the best choices for all-day smokers, too. Day or night, this bud will bring you calm and focus without the drag common with some heavier strains.

Sunset Lake offers Lifter CBD flower in premium hand-trimmed jars, packaged small buds, and prerolls.

Fun fact: Lifter’s name may actually be a reference to “Mortgage Lifter” heirloom tomatoes— a variety of massive beefsteak tomatoes that can bulk up to about four pounds each.

2. Hawaiian Haze – Morning Tokers | Beginners

Total CBD – 17.89% | Total THC – 0.72% | Total Terpenes – 2.0%

Oregon CBD Genetics
Great Morning Strain
Unmatched Smokability

Hawaiian Haze CBD Flower Description

Hawaiian Haze is a tropical strain that took 1st place in the 2020 High Times Hemp Cup. These energizing buds are a 10/10 for smokability, flavor, and a staff favorite at Sunset Lake CBD.

Hawaiian Haze is a predominately Sativa CBD strain that can put anyone in a better mood without totally zonking you out. This strain is also the best CBD flower for folks new to smokable CBD.

Sunset Lake carries Hawaiian Haze hemp flower in hand-trimmed jars, packaged small buds, and prerolls.

3. Sour Suver Haze – Sour Enthusiasts | Deep Relaxation

Terpene rich
Dense, dark-green nugs
Unmistakable flavor profile

Sour Suver Haze CBD Flower Description

A new strain for the sour enthusiasts out there. Sour Suver Haze was engineered by the one and only Oregon CBD Seeds. At 18.88% total CBD, these dense nugs— a cross between Suver 8 x Gorilla Glue #4— will win you over the second you open the jar. Our resident puffers say that Sour Suver Haze greets you with a spicy hello and leaves you with a tangy sour-lime finish.

Sour Suver Haze is a Sativa-dominant hybrid, but even so, this flower is good for daytime and nighttime use. Too many puffs of this flower and it’ll be bedtime no matter the time of day!

Sunset Lake carries Sour Suver Haze CBD flower in hand-trimmed jars, packaged small buds, and prerolls.

4. Suver Haze – Daily Use | Mood Boosting

Total CBD – 18.71% | Total THC – 0.74% | Total Terpenes – 1.5%

High CBD Staple Strain
Versatile Strain
Bold Aroma

Suver Haze CBD Flower Description

Everyone’s stash should have some Suver Haze. At 18.71% total CBD it’s easy to go a bit overboard with Suver Haze. As a Sativa-dominant strain, a little bit of Suver Haze is a good mood booster and can bring focus to a busy day. Too much Suver Haze and you might focus yourself right into a midday nap.

Suver Haze’s aroma is in a class of its own, too— a mix between spicy black pepper and green apple.

Sunset Lake carries Suver Haze hemp flower in hand-trimmed jars, packaged small buds, and prerolls.

5. Super Sour Space Candy – Super Smokers | Terpene Chasers

Total CBD – 19.34% | Total THC – 0.78% | Total Terpenes – 2.7%

Great Anytime Strain
Unmatched Flavor
Out-Of-This-World Smokability

Super Sour Space Candy CBD Flower Description

Super Sour Space Candy takes everything about Sour Space Candy— dense nugs, blood-orange hairs, and sweet citrus fragrance— and brings it to the next level, thanks to the mad scientists at Oregon CBD Seeds.

At a whopping 19.34% total CBD content and 2.7% total terpene content, this year’s Super Sour Space Candy is simply pleasant to smoke or vape. Daytime or nighttime, this strain promotes relaxation and calm.

Sunset Lake carries Super Sour Space Candy hemp flower in hand-trimmed jars, packaged small buds, and prerolls.

6. Sour Hawaiian Haze – Midday Session | Terpene Explosion

Total CBD – 18.00% | Total THC – 0.71% | Total Terpenes – 2.5%

Sativa-Dominant Sour Cross
Floral & Tangy Profile
More Terpenes Than OG Hawaiian Haze

Sour Hawaiian Haze CBD Strain Description

Another new addition to the lineup. Sour Hawaiian Haze takes what we love about the classic Hawaiian Haze— tropical tasting notes, smokability, and overall chill vibe— and combines it with the gassy funk of Gorilla Glue #4.

Our resident puffers say that if you’re looking for a tasty, terpene-filled smoke or vape session, you can’t go wrong with Sour Hawaiian Haze. See what over 1% of Myrcene can do for you!

Sunset Lake CBD carries Sour Hawaiian Haze in hand-trimmed jars, packaged small buds, and prerolls.

7. Cherry Abacus – Help Getting To Bed | Indica-dominant

Total Cannabinoids – 19.07% | Total CBD – 15.87% | Total CBG – 0.38%

Colorado CBD Genetics
Tasty Smoke
Nighttime Strain

Best CBD Flower for: Help Getting To Bed | Purple Buds

Cherry Abacus CBD Flower Strain Description

Cherry Abacus isn’t a strain to sleep on, rather, it’s a strain that will put you to sleep. As an Indica-dominant strain, if you’re looking for a no-frills bedtime strain, Cherry Abacus may be the best CBD flower for you.

Cherry Abacus is a beautiful flower full of purple, red, and green hues. Cherry Abacus’s aroma is subdued, but the taste is dynamite— like cool cherry cola.

Sunset Lake carries Cherry Abacus hemp flower in hand-trimmed jars and packaged small buds.

8. Special Sauce – The Most Complete Cannabinoid Profile

Total Cannabinoids – 20.97% | Total CBD – 17.01% | Total CBG – 0.65%

Unique Aroma & Taste
Anytime Strain
Special

Special Sauce CBD Flower Strain Description

Special Sauce has what you need day or night. Users tell us that they like it as a way to bring calm to their hectic morning and get ready for bed. With its solid CBD, CBG, and THCa content, this bud has it all.

Special Sauce’s sweet, vanilla odor is quite pleasing, but the real pleasure is in its smokability— initially sweet, then savory. For smokers looking for a staple to add to their collection, Special Sauce might be the best CBD flower for you.

Sunset Lake carries Special Sauce hemp flower in hand-trimmed jars, packaged small buds, and prerolls.

9. Sour Lifter – Daytime Focus | Morning Mood Boost

Total CBD – 19.95% | Total THC – 0.78% | Total Terpenes – 2.1%

‘Fresh’ (thanks to its high Terpinolene levels)
Daytime Strain
High CBD Sour Strain

Sour Lifter CBD Flower Strain Description

A refreshing twist on the classic Lifter strain, Sour Lifter CBD Flower is a funky Sativa-dominant cross. When you break into a jar of Sour Lifter you may notice hints of blue cheese and zesty citrus— a mouthwatering pairing.

While Sour Lifter is much more of a pure daytime strain than others on this list, beware of the creep. Too many puffs may turn that morning boost into a mid-morning relaxation session.

Sunset Lake carries Sour Lifter hemp flower in hand-trimmed jars, packaged small buds, and prerolls.

If you’ve spent any time looking for CBD online, you may know that the prices of comparable products can vary— sometimes by $100 or more.

It’s worth your time to do a bit of research to:

Figure out what product fits your needs
Get a clearer picture of industry standards and prices. The more you know, the easier it’ll be to find the best-priced CBD.

Continue reading “How To Find Affordable CBD”

Both CBD and CBN are naturally occurring cannabinoids produced by the hemp plant, although their unique characteristics do not make them substitutes for each other. CBD, the more popular of the two, is the subject of extensive medical research as of this writing. CBN on the other hand is still relatively new but is being touted by many hemp companies as a silver bullet for all of your sleep problems. How far off the mark are they, and is there really that much of a difference between CBN vs. CBD?

In this post, we’ll explore a few topics:

What are the similarities between CBN and CBD?
What are the differences between CBN vs. CBD?
Are there any benefits to taking CBN?
Which is better at helping you get to sleep? CBN or CBD?

Continue reading “CBN vs. CBD: What Are The Differences?”