CELEBRATE AT HOME

Keep calm, carry weed this season son

Cannabis products can help life stay festive

By Kate A. Miner EVERCANNABIS CORRESPONDENT

Not feeling particularly cheery this year as we approach the holiday season? Wondering how to celebrate during a pandemic?

You are not alone. Many find the holidays stressful, but this year will likely be more nerve-wracking. Many are afraid to travel, large social gatherings are pretty much out of the question, and the usual holiday festivities have all been cancelled.

Which is why we are offering some suggestions on how to ease the stress of COVID-19 disruptions with cannabis, along with some ideas for making your holiday fun – despite the restrictions.

Try to relax by practicing mindfulness

What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is about bringing your attention to the present moment with an element of nonjudgment and acceptance. Accept that this year will be different and embrace the opportunity to make it unique.

It’s a good idea to stock up on some basic stress-relieving weed strains, like Granddaddy Purple (GDP) – considered by many to be one of the best weed strains to create a better outlook on life. GDP is an indica strain that may encourage euphoria and relaxation. A few others in this category are OG Kush, Girl Scout Cookies, 9 Pound Hammer, Mendo Breath, Zkittles, Blackwater, and Pennywise.

You can also go to higher CBD strains, such as Special Sauce, Critical Mass, or Critical Cure. For more ideas to suit your exact mood, go to Leafly. com and search strains using the “feelings” filter.

Once you’ve made your selections, try ordering online to reduce time in store. If your local shop is offering a strain you crave, try using curbside pick-up. These options will make your shopping experience less stressful, and you will avoid creating crowds or waiting in line.

Maybe now is the time to try some new products, especially if you are looking for ways to partake without smoking. Along with exercise, meditation and breathing exercises, CBD oil is said to help alleviate symptoms of stress. Full-spectrum CBD or hemp oil is effective at alleviating symptoms associated with stress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and you can find it in everything from bath bombs to deodorant.

Check your WiFi and plug in

Determine what you’d like your holiday to feel and look like this year and set the stage. While the big, in-person gatherings may be out of the question, think of this year as a time when we can all together. Why not set-up a virtual holiday party with friends and family from around the globe? Call that cousin in Australia, include your uncle in Florida. Even your grandmother knows how to video conference by now. Be it Zoom, Google Hangouts, or Skype, encourage everyone to set their table(s) and tunein at a specific time.

If events are your thing, discover the new world of virtual entertainment. Crowded concerts are a big no-no, but instead we have a smorgasbord of virtual options from around the world! Search Eventbrite. com, Billboard. com, or type ‘virtual worldwide events’ into your search engine of

choice. You can attend virtual conferences, tour museums, attend the ballet, or even past performances of the Metropolitan Opera, right from your living room.

Some attractions might include a ticket price, but it’s much cheaper than a traditional performance. Besides, you’re helping to ensure these art institutions are around when we can once again enjoy them in person. One more bonus: No ushers, security guards or fellow patrons to shush you or prevent you from lighting up during the show.

Care for yourself and your community

More than ever, this holiday is about being thankful. Instead of worrying about gifts and elaborate parties, think about ways to give back to your community, to your friends and neighbors, and those less fortunate. Many people have lost their jobs, their homes, and their loved ones over the last six months. This is not the year to be selfish.

The cannabis community is all about living a healthy and peaceful life and giving back to the community. If you are involved in the cannabis community, or would like to learn more about it, you might want to explore some of the virtual cannabis conferences and events happening throughout the world.

We hope you stay healthy, happy, and high this holiday, no matter how you decide to celebrate. This has been a year none of us will ever forget. Be thankful, be hopeful, and forever grateful for Evercannabis!