Sativa plants are indigenous to temperate climates near the equator. Their plants are tall and lanky with narrow fan leaves and fluffy buds. This variety of strains is correlated with daytime use. Effects may include an uplift in mood, increased creativity, increased focus, and an overall sense of well-being. Sativa strains are not for everyone. Some users report feelings of anxiety and paranoia.

Hybrid plants are the result of cross-breeding strains. Most strains nowadays are some form of hybrid. Hybrids can lean either indica or sativa dominant or they can be right in the middle.

Indica plants originated in the Hindu Kush region. Their plant structure is short and bushy, with broad fan leaves and dense buds. Strains of this variety are correlated with evening or nighttime use. Their effects can include relaxation, stress relief, reduction in pain, relaxed muscles, and sedation.

Delta 9 Tetrahydrocannabinol or Δ9 THC is one of at least 113 cannabinoids identified in cannabis. THC is the main psychoactive constituent of cannabis.

Cannabidiol or CBD is one of at least 113 cannabinoids identified in cannabis. It is the second most well-known cannabinoid. Because it is non-psychoactive, CBD is being used more frequently for its medicinal properties including pain relief, anti-anxiety, neuroprotection, anticonvulsant, antipsychotic, and much more. CBD also interacts with THC and other cannabinoids, potentially mitigating any negative effects such as anxiety and paranoia, and enhancing their medicinal benefits.

*Terpenoids, or terpenes, are the fragrant oils responsible for the cannabis plant’s smell and flavor. Like cannabinoids, they are secreted by the trichomes of the cannabis flower.

Terpenes are also abundant in nature, from pine needles and mangos to lavender and hops. Alone, they show medicinal value such as in aromatherapy. In cannabis, the terpenes and cannabinoids work synergistically, contributing to the effects of different cannabis strains.*

We recommend starting with the smallest dose possible. For flower, this means taking one or two puffs and waiting about 20 minutes before consuming any more. Cartridges recommend taking one puff and waiting at least 20 minutes before consuming more.

Everyone’s tolerance is different, varying with factors such as metabolism, body weight, and body chemistry. Because edibles can be very intense, we suggest no more than a 5 milligram (mg) dose of THC at one time. Eating a big meal beforehand, which is recommended, will also influence the time it takes to feel the effects of ingested cannabis. After your first dose, wait at least two hours before consuming any more. The general rule is “start low and go slow.” Recommend not to consume edibles on an empty stomach. A meal that is high in fat will increase the bioavailability of the cannabinoids, allowing for more to enter your bloodstream at a slower rate.

Cannabis affects everyone differently, so it is important to find out what products and consumption methods work best for you.

Smoking ( Inhaling )

This is the most common way to consume cannabis. Cannabis is inhaled into the lungs, where the cannabinoids are absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the alveoli. When inhaling cannabis, the effects can be felt within 5 minutes and can last between 1-4 hours. Start with one or two puffs and waiting about 20 minutes before dosing again. Traditionally smoking cannabis can be done via a joint, water pipe, bowl, etc. While effective smoking cannabis can expose the lungs to irritants such as combusted plant materials.

Vaporization

Rather than smoking and combusting the plant material , the plant or resinous oils it is slowly heated at a low temperature. Dabbing is another form of vaporizing cannabis concentrate. This method can be very potent, so it is not recommended for new users. Dabbing consists of placing a very small amount of concentrate on a heated surface (typically made out of quartz, titanium, or ceramic) and inhaling the vapor.

Ingesting

Edibles are cannabis infused foods, ranging from chocolates and gummies to tinctures and capsules. With edibles, the effects have a much slower onset, sometimes taking over 2 hours. This is because rather than entering the bloodstream directly, the cannabinoids must pass into the stomach, where they’re emptied into the small intestine and absorbed into the liver.

Oromucosal

Cannabinoids are absorbed through the lining of the cheeks and inner lips (buccal mucosal) or under the tongue (sublingual). If you use a tincture, many of the cannabinoids enter the bloodstream directly through the capillaries inside the mouth. This method bypasses the stomach and liver, the effects can be felt much more quickly than swallowed edibles, usually within 15 to 20 minutes. These effects typically last from 5 to 6 hours.

Topical

The most common form of topicals are lotions and balms, the infused product is applied to the skin where the cannabinoids are absorbed. The cannabinoids do not penetrate all layers of the skin and therefore should not have a psychoactive or intoxicating effect.

Cannabis distillate is used as a term to describe a highly purified cannabis oil. It can be made using any form of cannabis extract (CO2 extract, Hydrocarbon extract, etc.). Where crude cannabis extracts are distilled by heating the cannabinoids to their boiling point. The cannabinoid vapor condenses and is collected in a new container while undesirable components such as chlorophyll remain in the original container. Residual solvent used during initial extraction is removed during distillation and the resulting distillate is solvent free.

Full spectrum is a cannabis extract that is a run through a CO2 supercritical extraction machine once. CO2 is better at preserving terpenes and other cannabinoids of the plant; It is closest in chemical nature to the flower in use and smell as it has a broader spectrum of terpenes, flavonoids, and various cannabinoids which is what makes it a full spectrum oil. This encourages the entourage effect due to the beneficial compounds remaining in the product. 

Dabs are concentrated doses of cannabis that are made by extracting THC and other Cannabinoids using a solvent like butane or carbon dioxide (CO2), resulting in sticky oils also known as wax, shatter, sugar, and other butane hash oil (BHO) extracts.