2024 New Year’s Resolutions: How Cannabis Can Help

The start of a new year is always exciting. It brings hope and uncertainty, progress…and the fear of lack of said progress. New Year’s Resolutions feed into these feelings.

Resolutions undoubtedly encourage healthy habits, but they can add a layer of stress when they don’t quite come to fruition. Thankfully, cannabis can help with a few of the top resolutions. From Dry January to working out, a dash of green may be just what you need to take your resolution success to the next level.

And, because there are more ways to find wellness with cannabis than you’d think and far more ways to explore the plant than ever before, we’ve included a list of cannabis resolutions for 2024.

But first, let’s dive into…

How Cannabis Can Help You Achieve 5 New Year’s Resolutions

With the New Year comes the opportunity for change and a fresh start. For many of us, this often involves setting resolutions to improve our health and well-being. While cannabis may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about achieving these goals, it can be a helpful aid in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. From reducing stress and anxiety to aiding in workout recovery, cannabis can help promote an overall sense of well-being.

Resolution 1: Dry January

Dry January can be a tough challenge for anyone looking to give up alcohol. But alcohol isn’t the only way to be social and have fun. Cannabis is a burgeoning natural option that can be used in the same ways booze can; to take the edge off, to relax, and to socialize.

In a poll of 1,000 Americans conducted in January 2023 by NC Solutions, 34% reported that they were trying to drink less in the new year. 10% of respondents had tried cannabis beverages, while 38% wanted to try them. And 17% actively didn’t drink but used marijuana instead. A poll by CivicScience had similar findings: of 938 responses, 21% participating in Dry January were using cannabis or CBD instead.

Research shows these poll respondents may be onto something. Marijuana has been shown to help curb cravings in those with alcohol use disorder, CBD in particular. In a meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Pharmacology, researchers looked at 26 studies whose topics included CBD and alcohol (or ethanol). Three categories stood out as a potential for alcohol use disorder: CBD for reducing drinking; CBD for “reducing alcohol-related liver inflammation;” and CBD for “reducing alcohol-related brain damage.”

While significantly more research is needed, with the legalization of medical and/or adult-use cannabis in 37 states and the vast number of consumption options available, it's never been easier to give this alternative a try.

Resolution 2: Stress Less and Reduce Anxiety

We all know that stress and anxiety are common problems that many of us face in today's fast-paced world. Some of us try to manage these mental struggles with yoga, meditation, and bubble baths, while others might turn to prescription medication. In addition to these options, there’s a growing body of evidence that suggests cannabis may be a natural and effective solution for stress and anxiety management.

In a study published in 2023, data collected by the Strainprint® was analyzed for efficacies in anxiety, from 184 respondents for 1,028 sessions. Three cultivar categories were analyzed, indica, sativa, and CBD. Researchers found that the average efficacy (calculated by measuring symptom level before and after medicating) for each cultivar was similar and significant, at approximately 50%. Strainprint® data was leveraged in an earlier study for stress, finding that stress was reduced by 58% in 3,717 tracked sessions.

With the new year upon us, it’s the perfect time to start exploring new ways to care for ourselves, and if you haven't considered cannabis for stress or anxiety relief before, it's worth giving it a shot. Enjoy a calmer, happier 2024.

Resolution 3: Increased Focus and Productivity

As we creep toward the new year, many of us are setting resolutions. A popular one? To increase our productivity. While there are plenty of strategies and tools out there to help us achieve our goals, one unexpected ally may be cannabis.

While clinical research has not yet supported productivity, anecdotal evidence is abundant. Perusing product reviews for a variety of edibles and inhalables shows a host of users find boosts in energy, motivation, and creativity with cannabis.

For those looking to try a new approach to productivity in 2024, cannabis could be just the thing to help you get that extra edge.

Resolution 4: Get In Shape (and Recover Easier)

Is working out on your New Year’s Resolution list this year? If you haven’t been a frequent-goer – and even if you have – the post-workout aches and pains can make it hard to justify hopping back on the treadmill. Thankfully, cannabis can help.

When you work out, you create small tears within your muscles. While this sounds like a bad thing, it’s not; these tears are what help your muscles to grow and create gains. And the pain that follows them? It’s an inflammatory response.

Cannabis has been shown to provide anti-inflammatory benefits, including pain relief. The results of a survey conducted were published in the Journal of Cannabis Research this year. The survey sought to explore if cannabis users who exercise were using the plant for recovery. Researchers found that 93% felt that CBD assisted with their exercise recovery, and 87% felt the same for THC. In another study published this year, researchers enlisted 49 participants to run over 3 miles without cannabis on one date, and with another. They found that participants experienced fewer negative effects, had an increase in positive effects, experienced more tranquility and enjoyment, more of a runner’s high, and lower pain levels when running after using cannabis.

If you’re hoping to kick your 2024 workouts and recovery into a new gear, consider incorporating cannabis.

Resolution 5: Get Better Sleep

As the New Year rolls in with resolutions to improve health and happiness, consider the potential of cannabis as a cornerstone for achieving restorative sleep. Embarking on a journey towards better rest, cannabis can be a gentle ally, possibly easing the mind and ushering in a state of relaxation conducive to deep, restful slumber.

In a study published in 1998, researchers found that the endocannabinoid anandamide decreases wakefulness and instead promotes slow-wave sleep and rapid-eye-movement sleep, a key finding as cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system, with THC and CBN being agonists of the same receptor as anandamide. In 2004, researchers explored THC (dose-dependent based on experience level) for sleep and found it did, indeed, promote sleep and helped participants fall asleep faster, though may cause drowsiness in the morning. CBD, too, was found to support sleep quality at high doses, though at low doses, may increase wakefulness.

For those resolving to leave restless nights behind in 2023, certain cannabis strains and products could serve as a natural supplement, helping to realign sleep patterns. With mindful use, it might just transform your night into a haven of serene sleep, setting the stage for days lived with more energy and focus.

6 Cannabis New Year’s Resolutions

It’s easy to stick with what you know, especially when it comes to relief. If you find a strain or cannabis product that provides the effects or relief you’re looking for, it’s almost a no-brainer to stock up on it or snag it whenever it’s on the menu. The problem with that, though? You could be missing out on something that could enhance those effects or a better option at large.

This new year, why not get adventurous with these 6 cannabis New Year’s Resolutions?

Resolution 1: Incorporate Topicals into Your Routine

One of the most underrated products, in our opinion? Topicals.

Cannabis topicals provide the pain-relieving benefits of THC, CBD, or both, in a non-psychoactive format, making them an effective option for many, and at any time of day. These lotions and balms are infused with cannabinoids, which when applied topically, dissipate in the upper layers of your skin. This provides localized pain relief, ideal for achy joints, sore, post-workout muscles, and more.

Often created with soothing ingredients like menthol and eucalyptus, relief often comes if not immediately, within 15-30 minutes. And the cannabinoids? Provide long-lasting relief, for up to 8 hours.

Resolution 2: Practice Microdosing

Microdosing cannabis could be the secret ingredient to a finely tuned daily rhythm, offering a whisper of wellness that amplifies your natural vitality without the fog of a full dose.

It's a delicate dance with the plant, a gentle mood lift and soft focus, all while sidestepping the heavier psychoactive effects. This subtle approach can illuminate your day with creativity and calm, bolster resilience to stress, and even smooth out the ebbs and flows of discomfort. Whether it's a drop of tincture or a low-dose edible, a puff of a vape or a tablet, microdosing invites you to savor the nuanced symphony of cannabis's therapeutic notes, empowering you to harness its holistic benefits as a silent partner in your pursuit of balance and bliss.

Resolution 3: Incorporate Product Stacking

If you’re wondering what product stacking is, you’re not alone. Stacking is layering cannabis products to find your optimal effects and relief.

Our favorite ways to stack are pairing oral options with inhalation, allowing you to benefit from immediate effects when inhaling, as you await the benefits of the oral option to kick in. Edibles, troches, and tinctures are a great example of this; their effects last 6-8 hours, but may take up to an hour to be felt. By adding a dose or two of a vape or flower, you’ll get the immediate benefits as you await the long-lasting effects.

Topicals, too, are a great stacking product. Pairing the localized relief with the systemic benefits of an oral or inhalation option can make an effective 1-2 punch.  

Resolution 4: Try RSO Edibles

Edibles are favored by many, for many reasons: smoke-free, long-lasting effects, and above all else, they’re pretty tasty. For the new year, level up your edibles with RSO.

RSO boasts a host of plant compounds to ensure maximum benefits. RSO is crafted with dried and cured flower, which is then extracted with room temperature ethanol. It results in a robust cannabis oil, rich in terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids as a full-spectrum extract.

When infused in oral options, RSO lends potent effects; stronger than that of distillate. Too, they’re often strain-specific, allowing you to tailor your dosing even further – a great reason to add them to your routine in 2024.

Resolution 5: Go Solventless

For the purest expression of the plant – besides flower, of course – go solventless in 2024. Solventless products, hash or rosin, leverage dry sift or ice water extraction to isolate trichomes, then heat and pressure to express the plant's potent oils. This full-spectrum oil is incredibly rich in cannabinoids, terpenes, and even flavonoids, bringing robust effects and flavor.

Thanks to innovation in the cannabis space, there are more ways than ever to dose rosin. Live rosin cartridges and edibles are the most accessible, making exploring this solventless option as simple as a puff or a chew. Concentrates like full melt hash, live rosin coins, and live rosin badder are more potent macro doses, robust in flavor and effects.

Resolution 6: Explore More

With all of the options from marijuana product formats to strain varieties, make one of your cannabis resolutions to explore more. Whether that's trying one of the above ways to dose (and knocking out two resolutions with one puff), incorporating new strains, or diving into terpenes in lieu of THC percentage, trust us – there's still much to discover about your routine and the plant!

Make 2024 an incredible year – but try not to put too much pressure on yourself and your resolutions! Remember, even small changes are progress worth celebrating.

References:

  1. https://civicscience.com/ninety-percent-of-gen-z-dry-january-participants-are-leaning-on-other-drinks-and-substances-to-fill-the-void/

  2. De Ternay J, Naassila M, Nourredine M, Louvet A, Bailly F, Sescousse G, Maurage P, Cottencin O, Carrieri PM, Rolland B. Therapeutic Prospects of Cannabidiol for Alcohol Use Disorder and Alcohol-Related Damages on the Liver and the Brain. Front Pharmacol. 2019 May 31;10:627. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00627. PMID: 31214036; PMCID: PMC6554654.

  3. Gibson LP, Bryan AD. Running High: Cannabis Users' Subjective Experience of Exercise During Legal Market Cannabis Use Versus No Use in a Naturalistic Setting. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2023 Jul 13. doi: 10.1089/can.2022.0338. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37440169.

  4. Kisiolek JN, Flores VA, Ramani A, Butler B, Haughian JM, Stewart LK. Eight Weeks of Daily Cannabidiol Supplementation Improves Sleep Quality and Immune Cell Cytotoxicity. Nutrients. 2023 Sep 27;15(19):4173. doi: 10.3390/nu15194173. PMID: 37836465; PMCID: PMC10574483.

  5. Murillo-Rodríguez E, Sánchez-Alavez M, Navarro L, Martínez-González D, Drucker-Colín R, Prospéro-García O. Anandamide modulates sleep and memory in rats. Brain Res. 1998 Nov 23;812(1-2):270-4. doi: 10.1016/s0006-8993(98)00969-x. PMID: 9813364.

  6. https://ncsolutions.com/the-goods/sober-curious-nation-alcohol-survey/

  7. Nicholson AN, Turner C, Stone BM, Robson PJ. Effect of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol on nocturnal sleep and early-morning behavior in young adults. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2004 Jun;24(3):305-13. doi: 10.1097/01.jcp.0000125688.05091.8f. PMID: 15118485.

 

Digital Content Manager for MÜV Florida and Zen Leaf Dispensaries. A cannabis connoisseur with a passion for explaining the miraculous possibility of the plant, Swan began her journey with cannabis as a recreational user and quickly realized its positive impact on her depression and severe anxiety. She joined the cannabis industry as a Receptionist and MedTender and witnessed first-hand the immense potential of the plant for a wide variety of ailments, deepening her passion for alternative medicine. Swan is dedicated to self-education on the plant and sharing its potential with all. She holds a Journalism degree from the University of Iowa.

 
BHO Concentrates

BHO = Butane Hash Oil Concentrates

These are connoisseur grades of concentrate that focus on maintaining a strong and pure flavor profile. Live BHO Concentrates are produced in a very similar fashion to others, but with fresh, flash-frozen bud, as opposed to bud that has been dried and cured. The cryogenic freezing of fresh and non-dried cannabis blossoms helps to extract a wider range of cannabinoids and terpenes.

BHO, or Butane Hash Oil, is a type of cannabis concentrate that is made using butane as a solvent. The butane is used to extract the cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant, leaving behind a highly concentrated product that can contain up to 90% THC. BHO is typically consumed by dabbing, which involves vaporizing the concentrate and inhaling the resulting vapor.

BHO is a relatively new product, but it has quickly become popular among cannabis users due to its high potency and versatility. BHO can be used to make a variety of products, including edibles, topicals, and vape cartridges. It is also a popular choice for medical cannabis patients who need a high-dose product to manage their symptoms.

Live Badder is created by emulsifying the essential oils of the whole, fresh-frozen cannabis plant resulting in a concentrate that has a uniform consistencysimilar to wet cake batter.

Live Resin Cartridges - Our heaviest hitting oil with all the taste and therapeutic effects of our top-shelf flower via fresh-flash frozen BHO extraction housed in a sleek cartridge.

Cannabis and Valentine’s Day

In recreational states, more are considering gifting cannabis for Valentine’s Day – and the CTPharma family shares why this may be.

With Valentine’s Day in the air, we wanted to stop and smell the flowers, in more ways than one.

Whether you consider yourself an everyday cannabis enthusiast or savor it on special occasions, there are countless reasons why cannabis is something worth celebrating on Valentine’s Day. From its wide-reaching uses to its knack for enhancing social activities, uncovering new ways of personal expression, and connecting us with nature – there’s nothing quite like this plant. And we’re not alone in this thought.

Cannabis and Valentine’s Day, by the Numbers

Ah, Valentine’s Day – the perfect time to express love and appreciation! And this year, it seems that many couples will be celebrating with a special gift: cannabis. What better way is there to share your own unique expression of adoration than gifting something as personal (and potentially relaxing!) on February 14th?

Over 550 respondents of a 961-person survey agree, as found by Wired Research. Key findings include:

61% of Americans aged 21+ plan to include cannabis in Valentine’s Day by using it or gifting it to their partner.

  • Men are more likely than women to use or gift cannabis on this romantic holiday

  • 70% of Gen Z and Millennials are more likely to incorporate cannabis into their cupid’s day celebrations versus only 57% of Gen X and Boomers

  • American parents are more likely to make cannabis as part of their Valentine’s Day plans, over their childless counterparts

  • 37% of those polled say they would be happy to receive cannabis as a gift on Valentine’s Day, while 15% plan on gifting cannabis to their partner

19 million Americans aged 21+ will use cannabis instead of alcohol this Valentine’s Day.

  • 1 in 4 respondents who plan to incorporate cannabis into their Valentine’s Day plans think it will put them in a more romantic mood

  • 23% of those polled report that cannabis improves their sex life

  • 29% of male cannabis users report cannabis enhances their sex lives, versus 17% of female cannabis users

Even if cannabis users aren’t using it to enhance their sex lives, they are using it for other mood-enhancing aspects; of those polled:

  • 71% report that cannabis helps calm and relax them

  • 50% report that cannabis improves their mood

  • 44% report cannabis makes them happy

Cannabis and Valentine’s Day, from the CTPharma Family

When it comes to the cannabis plant, there’s a lot to love. Its herbal scent and flavor can be calming and refreshing, while its versatile properties allow it to be used in a variety of ways. We asked our Cannabis Advisors, Supervisors, and Managers why they love cannabis, and more:

What Do You Love About the Cannabis Plant?

What’s not to love? This plant is a beauty to look at (she sparkles), smells amazing, and provides a quality of life I know I would not have without it.

Lisa Marie B., Inventory Control Manager

There is so much. I love that since getting my MMJ card, I have been able to cut back almost all my meds and am almost completely off my sleeping meds that I have been on for 20+ years. I love that I worked in medical field for many years and seeing my patients come in, who I am sure were weary, actually finally get sleep, relief and peace. I love the community that comes with cannabis, how it is now geared to help so many specific things and people are finally realizing how amazing it really is.

Tami P., Assistant General Manager

How it can ease a stressful busy mind.

Diana M., Workforce ASM, Customer Care Team

I love the smell, its appearance, and the way it brings people together and puts a smile on their faces. The medicinal benefits, to me nothing is more satisfying than hearing about a patient’s success story after incorporating cannabis into their everyday life. I legit tear up when they come to me praising the product recommendations, I gave them. I could keep going about this miracle plant, but I’d be here typing all day!

Dom S., Regional Training and Development Manager

I was a Pharmacy Technician for 20 years before I joined the Cannabis community. What I love about the plant is its effectiveness to help people get off the drugs I used to dispense in the pharmacy. Medications come with harmful and dangerous side effects. Being able to dispense something that is natural and can produce the same results. I suffer from extreme anxiety and this plant has completely changed my life. Instead of taking a benzo, I can use this all-natural plant to ease my symptoms and make me feel like a normal person again.

Katie D. – Assistant General Manager

Cannabis is a wonderful plant many uses. I love it because after years of trying to treat my daughter’s Tourette syndrome and nothing working; Someone said try cannabis for her; We got her card, and she stopped ticking almost completely! If it wasn’t for Cannabis my child who is medication resistant would have had to live with ticking every 2 to 3 sec in pain, depression, sadness all the time. I am very Thankful it gave me my child back.

Christine S., Customer Care Representative

The unity among people that it brings.

Brandon H., Assistant General Manager

What Do You Love About the Cannabis Community?

How accepting we all are of our differences and that we find camaraderie through our love of cannabis.

Jaclyn S., General Manager

The do it yourself attitude and drive.

Daniel S., Operations Manager

Its acceptance as a trans woman. Cannabis has brought me friends that do not look down on me and it’s the first career where I feel welcomed.

Jade R., Customer Care Representative

The willingness of people to share what helps them and what they are attempting to treat.

Robert T., General Manager

I love that I get to help people with ailments and medical conditions daily and get to see progress with my regulars as they are dealing with their particular symptoms. I love getting returning patients that say they were able to drop all their other prescription opiates and painkillers and are strictly just Medical Marijuana now.

Matthew A., Assistant General Manager

It is extremely rewarding to be a part of the cannabis community during such an evolutionary time. Changing lives and helping people improve their quality of life with cannabis is immeasurable. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to be among so many creative, empathetic, and hard-working individuals. We all have one goal, and that is to help our people as well as each other.

Ashley K., General Manager

I love that everyone in the community has their own unique story for why they wanted to be a part of the cannabis community/industry.

Darnell D., General Manager

What Is Your Favorite Thing to Do After Using Cannabis?

With cannabis, ordinary moments turn into extraordinary experiences! Music is richer and more vibrant. Food tastes infinitely better. Stress melts away and joyous connections with nature become easier to access—the possibilities are endless when the herb enters your life! Our staff loves using it for all kinds of activities; ask them what their favorites are after they partake and prepare yourself for a long list of amazing answers!

Listen to music. I like going to live events or maybe just listen to a new album at my place. Cannabis and Music go so well together. <3

Darlene C., General Manager

Anything. Mostly hang out with my rescue dog and all the dogs at Satchel’s Last Resort Animal Rescue that I volunteer for.

Tami P., Assistant General Manager

More cannabis, just kidding… unless?

Mathew T., Customer Care Representative

Absolutely NOTHING. Just relax.

Jean P.S., Training Lead, Customer Care Center

It helps you appreciate the little things. Watch a sunset, cut some grass/fix your garden, and enjoy being around others; cannabis can help you slow down and take notice of the little things that are all around. Finding joy in small things can increase your overall life satisfaction.

Brendilee S., Assistant Manager, Customer Care Center

Focus on being present and being the best version of myself, no matter what I happen to be engaging in.

Anthony P., General Manager

Continue my day – just with a little less pain and a better attitude. 😀

Ariel V., General Manager

Cultivate What You Love This Valentine’s Day

If you’re considering gifting cannabis this Valentine’s Day, know that you’re not the only one.

Americans are increasingly open to the idea of sharing the plant with their loved ones on February 14th, due to its effects, benefits, and spectrum of flavors, scents, and colors. Whether you want to get your sweetheart high or simply let them know how much you care, giving cannabis is a great way to show your affection.

Cultivate what you love this Valentine’s Day (and every day).

Steve CancelCTPhama
Anatomy of a Flower Label
  1. CTPharma Logo

  2. Strain Name, Product Name

  3. Product Potency

    • T36% refers to the product having 36% THC

  4. Color Bar Indicator

    • Indica - Purple

    • Sativa - Orange

    • Hybrid - Green

  5. Type & Approximate Potency

  6. Date Tested

    • The approximate date that the product was tested by a state-approved laboratory.

  7. Lot Number

    • The lot number is a combination of 4 numerical digits that are given to a group of products that were manufactured in the same batch.

  8. NDC

  9. Quantity

    • Refers to the amount of product per unit.

  10. Expiration Date

    • The approximate date that the state-approved laboratory deems the product expired.

  11.  Microbiology

    • Confirmation that the product has passed a microbiological test by the state-approved laboratory.

  12. CTPharma Contact Info

  13.  Cannabinoids

    • Percentage of each cannabinoid found in the product.

  14. Terpenes

    • Percentage of each terpene found in the product as well as the total terpene percentage.

  15. Strain Type

    • This letter is an indicator for the strain type. “S” for Sativa, “I” for Indica, “H” for Hybrid.