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Platinum Cookie is a slightly indica-dominant (60%) hybrid which evolved from the renowned Girl Scout Cookies. This strain has some top-quality genetics, being a cross between the famous OG Kush and Durban Poison, a traditional landrace strain originating from South Africa. Although OG Kush is well-known and has fathered many other great strains, its exact heritage is uncertain. Durban Poison, on the other hand, is a pure sativa, a feature which is increasingly rare in this day and age. Being 100% sativa, you might expect Durban Poison to have energizing, uplifting effects. If this is the case, you certainly wouldn’t be disappointed. Thankfully, these fantastic qualities have been passed on to Platinum Cookies, where they have combined beautifully with the relaxing, full-body high of its other parent, OG Kush. Platinum Cookies boasts high THC levels of 18–26%, and CBD levels up to 1%. There is no doubt that this strain is powerful, and it may be best to avoid it if you are new to the marijuana scene. Platinum Cookies Aroma, Flavor, and Appearance The Platinum Cookies strain is indeed a sight to behold, with a thick layer of crystalline trichomes covering dense buds with hues of purple and dark green. These are interspersed with bright orange pistils which add further to the visual appeal of this strain. The aroma of Platinum Cookies is fuel-like, with just a hint of pine. The flavor, however, is sweeter, with earthy and even floral notes. So we know Platinum Cookies looks and tastes great. But how about its effects? Platinum Cookies Strain Effects Due to its outstanding genetics, Platinum Cookies produces a well-balanced and enjoyable high which is simultaneously mellow and uplifting. When you smoke Platinum Cookies, you will feel deeply relaxed and euphoric, and the high can last as long as a few hours. This strain does have slightly sedative effects, meaning that you could be hit with couch-lock if you aren’t careful. Platinum Cookies is not necessarily a great morning, get-up-and-go strain, but if you are looking for something to help you unwind after a hard day, it could be the perfect solution. Why is Platinum Cookies so Good for Stress Relief? Stress is something that affects everyone from time to time. The big difference is how we deal with it. Some people seem to thrive under pressure, whereas others crumble at the slightest hint of it. Our bodies are all wired more or less the same, so what is it that makes some people so much more able to deal with stress than others? When we feel threatened, our sympathetic nervous systems kick in. Our breathing and heart rates increase, blood rushes to our muscles, and non-urgent functions such as digestion and immunity are temporarily switched off. From an evolutionary point of view, this ‘fight or flight’ reaction prepares us to act swiftly in the face of danger, for example, being chased by a wild animal. Although this is pretty unlikely to happen in this day and age, our bodies are still engineered in much the same way they were thousands of years ago. And it doesn’t matter whether you’ve stumbled across an angry bear or a vicious email from your boss, your nervous system still responds in the same way. The key to coping with stress is finding ways to neutralize your fight or flight response, and turning down your sympathetic nervous system. Some people do this with exercise while others swear by meditation. Some people enjoy a glass or two of wine in the evening, and others prefer a good smoke. The reason why so many people find cannabis helpful for stress is because it has a profound effect on the nervous system. The psychoactive compound in weed, THC, mimics the action of a chemical called anandamide which is produced naturally by our bodies, and has been dubbed by some as the ‘bliss molecule.’ Anandamide is an endocannabinoid and a vital part of the endocannabinoid system. This system is intricately involved in many of our biological functions and plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis. Anandamide binds with receptors in the brain and nervous system known as CB1 receptors. Here it acts as a neurotransmitter and has a powerful influence over mood, pain perception, and memory. Research has shown that anandamide production increases in response to stressful stimuli, and may offer some protection against the symptoms of anxiety. Endocannabinoids such as anandamide are also thought to interrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is responsible for releasing the stress hormone cortisol. As well as simulating these effects, THC boosts production of another neurotransmitter, dopamine. Dopamine is one of the brain’s ‘happy chemicals’ and is released as part of the reward response. When you consider this, it is no wonder that strains like Platinum Cookies are so useful for relieving stress. One 2014 study on medical marijuana for PTSD found that the herb offered as much as a 75% reduction in symptoms, a result which is certainly not to be sniffed at! More Medicinal Benefits of Platinum Cookies This strain is wonderfully relaxing and acts as an effective stress-reliever. Therefore, Platinum Cookies can be used for a range of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. It could also help with symptoms such as headaches and migraines which are often associated with stress. Besides this, the body-high that comes alongside the uplifting effects of Platinum Cookies can help to melt away chronic pain. It is also sometimes used to soothe a variety of other symptoms such as nausea. Platinum Cookies Side Effects The most commonly reported side effect of Platinum Cookies is dry mouth and dry eyes. These effects can easily be combatted by keeping a drink handy and staying well-hydrated. It is also possible that this strain could make you feel too relaxed, leading to couch-lock and fatigue. Another potential side effect is anxiety or paranoia, although this is not as common as it can be with some high-THC strains.