By Steven Voser


Procrastination often rears its unproductive head when we’re faced with the idea of sitting down and studying. Although the fruits of a successful study session are sweet, getting into a flow state can prove difficult. Daily distractions such as social media and television, as well as the prospect of going to the pub with friends or tending to your grow room, can easily pull us away from reading, writing, and revising.

Thankfully, there are several strategies we can use to lengthen our attention spans, maintain our focus, and come out on top every time we feel tempted to abandon our academic duties. For some people, this means rolling a joint and having a blaze before sitting at their desks. However, cannabis can also have a detrimental effect, depending on the person and how they use it. Below, you’ll discover the pros and cons of using cannabis while studying. Then, we’ll provide some best practices, before introducing you to some of the top strains for a cognitive boost.

The Relationship Between Studying and Recreational Substances

Humans have used mind-altering substances for thousands of years, for a variety of purposes. Even today, these substances are so ingrained in our daily existence that we often forget that they change the way we feel; most people don’t think twice about the psychoactive properties of coffee while ordering a cup on the way to work. People use substances before engaging in all sorts of activities, and studying is no exception.

For example, Adderall, a combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine, has become a popular study drug[1] among students in the United States, while so-called “smart drugs”, such as modafinil, have become a hit in British universities[2] for the same purpose. Of course, many students can’t bear the thought of studying without a cup of coffee or three.

But what about weed and studying? Many associate cannabis with red eyes, laziness, and demotivation. However, research has upended this stereotype[3], and shows that many cannabis consumers are both successful and motivated. But the herb affects everybody differently, and this is certainly true in the realm of studying.

Can You Study While High?

Does weed help you study? Does cannabis offer university students a herbal hack while trying to focus on their homework? This question lacks a simple answer. Away from studying, some people have a positive relationship with cannabis. In contrast, others find themselves plunged into a state of panic and paranoia whenever they hit a joint. As such, it’s first important to establish how cannabis makes you feel in general, outside the realm of studying.

If you find that you and cannabis work well together, why not see if it helps out as a study aid? Things will go one of two ways; you’ll either feel supercharged and focused or distracted and unmotivated. But the outcome also has a lot to do with the dose and the type of strain (more below), so matters aren't always straightforward. Check out the advantages and disadvantages of using cannabis while studying to see if it’s the right decision for you.

Advantages of Using Cannabis While Studying

Below are some of the ways in which cannabis might benefit a study session.

Focus and motivation
The cannabinoid THC underpins the core psychoactive effects of weed. It does so by binding to a receptor in the central nervous system known as CB1. Upon activating this site, brain cells release a surge of the neurotransmitter dopamine. This chemical plays a key role in motivational control. If you get on well with cannabis and find your "sweet spot" dose, you might find that weed gives you the drive to study.
Creativity
Many subjects require linear thinking—the systematic and analytical type of thought useful in the fields of science and maths. However, you’ll often find yourself having to come up with unique solutions to challenging problems while studying at higher levels. This is where divergent thinking—the thought processes used to generate creative ideas—comes in. Research[4] shows that cannabis can improve certain aspects of divergent thinking at lower doses, while impairing it at higher doses.
Structure
Studying with cannabis could help you develop a structure for your days of reading and revising. Instead of popping out for a coffee every couple of hours, you can instead take 10-minute intervals to clear your mind and top up your endocannabinoid system before diving back into your work.
Flexibility
he effects of cannabis are varied. Every strain possesses a different profile of phytochemicals, namely cannabinoids and terpenes. Experiment with different options to see what works best for you. Some cultivars offer a more stimulating and energising effect, others are more stoning and relaxing, and others don't cause any high at all.

Disadvantages of Using Cannabis While Studying

Cannabis might revolutionise the way you study. However, by firing up a joint before opening your books, you also run the risk of derailing your studying session. Here's where things can go wrong.

Loss of motivation
Cannabis doesn’t send every user into a place of motivation and focus. In fact, it can produce the opposite effect, especially at higher doses. Even after smoking purportedly energising strains, some smokers feel their eyelids get heavy and their zest to study wane.
Negative side effects
THC-rich cannabis has a list of its own negative side effects that can put even the strictest student off studying until the feelings pass. These include an elevated heart rate, paranoia, panic, anxiety, impaired memory, and an altered sense of time.
Distracting
Even if you don’t feel any negative side effects after a smoke, you could end up distracted. While some strains boost focus, you might end up focusing on the entirely wrong thing, such as trippy music videos or your social media feed in search of posts to enhance your high.

Tips for Studying While High

If you’ve found that you like studying while high, we have a few extra tips to help you optimise the experience. These recommendations will help you to avoid getting too stoned, and will minimise short-term memory issues.

Try Microdosing

Microdosing refers to taking small amounts of cannabis. A single puff from a joint won’t send you to the moon. In fact, you’ll barely feel anything at all. However, even small amounts of THC can help you maintain focus and get excited to study, without compromising your mental faculties or causing you to get distracted.

Could Cannabis Actually Help You Study Better?

Choose a Strain Loaded With α-Pinene

You can’t study effectively if you keep forgetting what you just read. Strains high in the terpene α-pinene can potentially help to stave off the short-term memory inhibition associated with THC. Early research[5] shows that this terpene may inhibit an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase. This protein breaks down acetylcholine, a chemical that plays a key role in memory function.

Could Cannabis Actually Help You Study Better?

Stay Hydrated and Well-Fed

Even if you get on well with cannabis most of the time, becoming dehydrated can increase the odds of a negative experience. Plus, even slight dehydration can reduce brain performance and memory. Eating a proper meal before blazing and studying will also help to curb the munchies, perhaps the biggest reason you’ll consider leaving your desk when high.

Could Cannabis Actually Help You Study Better?

Select the Optimal Route of Administration

How you take cannabis will also have a large impact on your study session. Edibles really have no place in this scenario; they’ll get you far too stoned. Instead, stick with smoking, vaping, or sublingual administration for a rapid onset of effects and more control over dosing.

Could Cannabis Actually Help You Study Better?

Consider Low-THC and High-CBD Strains

While THC can help to motivate and inspire, too much can quickly put a damper on your study session. With that in mind, consider opting for strains with lower levels of THC, or, better yet, higher levels of CBD, to offset some of the more undesirable side effects, such as paranoia.

Could Cannabis Actually Help You Study Better?

Best Cannabis Strains to Help You Study and Focus

The best strain for studying while high depends on the individual. Some like to take a few puffs of a high-THC strain, while others may choose a cultivar with a more diverse cannabinoid profile. Below are some examples of strains that all bring something different to your study session.

  • Mental clarity: Haze Berry packs high levels of THC alongside large quantities of α-pinene that help to blunt the peak of the high and keep the memory razor sharp. But if you really want to keep focus high while still enjoying a smoke, consider a strain like Stress Killer, which contains moderate levels of both THC and CBD.
  • Stimulation: Royal Runtz harnesses a THC content of 27% to exert a powerful, euphoric, and uplifting high. While not ideal for beginners, a couple hits of this strain will keep more experienced smokers energised and locked into the task at hand for hours at a time.
  • Relaxation: Wedding Crasher produces a soothing high that will make time slow down. If you’re feeling overwhelmed before a test or on edge for whatever reason, this cultivar will help you to settle into the moment and tick off your goals one by one.

Which Is Better for Studying: Sativa or Indica?

Despite the myth perpetuated by pop culture, the terms “sativa” and “indica” do not denote the effects of a particular cultivar. Typically, sativa varieties are said to offer energising effects, whereas indica strains provide stoning body highs. However, these labels only refer to the morphology (the physical features) of a cannabis variety; sativas are generally taller with thin leaflets, while indicas are smaller and bushier with wider leaflets.

Ultimately, cannabinoids such as THC and CBD dictate the core effects of each cultivar, while terpenes are what differentiate a stoning high from an energising one. If you’re seeking stimulation, select varieties higher in limonene and pinene. If you want relaxation, opt for those with plenty of myrcene.

Studying While High: Is It a Good Idea?

Studying while high works well for a lot of cannabis users. You’ll only know if it works well for you by giving it a try. If things go south, stick with coffee instead. If you find that weed and studying go hand in hand, try to refine the process for the best outcome. Continue to experiment with dose and route of administration to find your sweet spot and determine which strains offer the best phytochemicals to get you in the mood to dig into your work.

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: