With such a massive variety of products to choose from, you’ve got a whole world of cannabis to try. And it’s all at your fingertips! Whether you’re new to cannabis, or a seasoned smoker, testing out different options is a great way to figure out what works for you. But how do you keep it all straight? The answer is simple – a cannabis journal! Here’s why we think you should start one.
Why You Should Start a Cannabis Journal
While trying new products is exciting, cannabis affects everyone differently, so there will always be a little trial and error when it comes to finding what you love. Like having your own personal cannabis database, journaling lets you track your experiences and learn from them.
With a cannabis journal, you can discover, record, and most importantly, remember your experiences with new products. Keeping track can help you dial in what works for daytime, nighttime, pain, or whatever goals you hope to achieve. It can also help you weed out what does not work, like a consumption method or particular THC:CBD ratio. And it’s a great way to see patterns in symptom improvement, so you can dial in dosage and timing to minimize unwanted side effects.
What to Record in Your Cannabis Journal
Now it’s time for the fun part! Grab a pen, a journal, some cannabis, and get comfy. Here’s what to do:
Before Dosing
The journaling process starts by assessing your baseline. Make sure you include the basics like:
- Date
- Time
- Cannabis product name
- Delivery method
- Symptoms (pain, insomnia, anxiety, etc.)
- Setting (location and who you are with)
Some people like to add information like what they ate and drank, if they exercised, medications they took, or any other factor that can contribute to the way you feel. You might look back and realize it was that extra cup of coffee you had that kept you awake, rather than your new sativa hybrid.
It can also be helpful to record something about your overall mood and state of mind. Powerful emotions can influence your experience, so if you had a bad day at work, make a note. The more information about your baseline, the better you’ll be able to assess your experience.
After Dosing
Depending on your delivery method, you might feel the effects right away, or it may take a while. Either way, allow your body to fully experience the cannabis before recording the outcomes. When you’re ready, tune into your physical sensations, grab your journal, and note:
- Dosage consumed
- How you feel
- How long effects lasted
- Symptom relief
- Side effects (dry mouth, grogginess)
Make sure to include both the positive and negative effects you experienced. It can be helpful to take a look at your notes from before to help you reflect on how you feel now. What’s your current state of mind? What changed? How did you sleep? Be specific about the outcomes and symptom relief that you feel.
You might not need to include everything listed here, and you might even think of more to add. Just like cannabis, your journal is yours to manage in a way that works for you. So feel free to modify it as you go.
Final Thoughts
Journaling is a great tool to lead you through your cannabis journey, and it’s even good for your brain! It’s a wellness tool that can help with everything from boosting communication skills to improving self-confidence. And with such a vast variety of cannabis goods to choose from, why not make the most of your time and your money by making the process of finding what you love a little more simple?
If you’d like to take your search for the perfect products a step further, check out Endo DNA! It’s an easy-to-use testing kit that matches you with the right cannabis products and helps you personalize your wellness journey. Endo DNA can help you identify the best cannabinoid ratios, terpenes, and doses so that you can optimize your cannabis experience. Plus, you can grab it at your favorite spot—your Sherman Oaks dispensary. That’s right, to help you maximize your cannabis experience, we now carry Endo DNA tests. Ask your budtender for more info.
