Cannabis (a.k.a marijuana, pot, or weed) – is a flowering plant that produces psychoactive affects when smoked or eaten and is used for medicinal and recreational purposes. Cannabis is highly regarded for its ability to boost mood, increase appetite, calm and relax nerves, and to manage pain.
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When cannabis is smoked, the onset of the high sets in within minutes and typically lasts about 30-60 minutes. However, when you ingest cannabis (i.e. use edibles), the onset of effects can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on the individual.
When cannabis is smoked, it travels from your lungs directly to the heart. From there, it directly hits cannabis receptors (specifically CB1 receptors) in the brain to create an instant high.
When we consume edibles, the active compounds in cannabis are metabolized by the stomach and liver, creating a stronger and longer lasting high.
When we refer to cannabis, we’re describing a Cannabis plant that is bred for its high levels of resin and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content… We use the term hemp to refer to a Cannabis plant that has little to no amounts of THC (less than 0.3%) that does not produce a mental or psychoactive high, making it a legal substance to buy and sell.
So, what exactly is in cannabis that gives us these amazing benefits? Cannabis is comprised of many different compounds called cannabinoids and terpenes—one plant alone has over 100 strains of cannabinoids and terpenes.
THC is the active cannabinoid found in cannabis, and the one credited to supplying the psychoactive high and feelings of euphoria. THC is usually the most abundant compound in most cannabis plants, with the majority of people seeking out strains that contain high levels of THC.
CBD is responsible for relaxation and pain relief, and has been proven to be extremely effective at combating seizures, psychotic episodes, and anxiety…. Breeders have even started cultivating strains of marijuana that are high in CBD and low in THC due to the medicinal benefits of this compound.
Though considered a “minor” cannabinoid, both CBD and THC start out as CBG. In other words, without CBG, there would be no THC or CBD. Additionally, CBG has been found to have a positive influence over specific health issues such as glaucoma, inflammatory bowel disease, Huntington’s disease, and colorectal cancer.
CBC is another cannabinoid with the same origins of CBD and THC. However, this plant enzyme directs and breakdowns CBD and THC. CBC also differs from the other cannabinoids because it doesn’t really bind to CB1 receptors in the brain—it binds to pain receptors throughout the entire body.
Terpenes are what gives cannabis its distinctive taste and smell. There is a lot of concentration variation between strains (there are over 180 strain types). The most common include:
There is a theory, and promising evidence, that suggests there may be a synergistic effect (an increased benefit) in using CBD, THC, CBC, and CBG together, compared to consuming THC alone. This theory, referred to as the Entourage Effect, proposes consuming cannabis strains comprised of these compounds as a “whole plant medicine”. Just like with our food, consuming whole foods that are diverse in nutrients are more beneficial than refined and processed foods.
Cannabis is broken down into four different classes, and all strains offer their own unique benefit profile.
Sativas are tall, and posses long leaves and stalks, and are typically a lighter shade of green than other strains. They are noted for producing an uplifting and active mental and physical high that is more conducive for daytime use.
Indicas are shorter… Indicas are also typically darker and stockier than Sativa plants—looking more bush-like than a tree. Indica’s are typically darker green and purple shades which physically distinguishes them from other strains. They are noted for creating very deep sedative and physical high and is ideal for nighttime use.
Hybrids are the newest class of cannabis which were created and bred taking other strains and crossing them to get new strains that have specific traits that breeders want to bring out. The ruderalis plants, for example, were bred with Indicas and Sativas to produce auto-flowering cannabis plants also high in cannabinoids. Today, breeders continue to create phenotypes that can boast the best flavor, pest resistance, color and yield.
The least-known strain of cannabis, ruderalis is a small fibrous plant that contains little amounts of cannabinoids concentrations. This class was discovered in Siberia and has a different flowering process from other strains. The flowering stage is triggered by maturity levels as opposed to light cycle changes like the other classes do. This type of cannabis is utilized to help breeders formulate hybrid strains.
Cannabis extracts are concentrates of the plant’s chemical compound like CBD and THC—are commonly referred to as hash, oil, crumble, keif, shatter, and wax. Concentrates are derived through an extraction process and they are used for vaporizing and dabbing and are very popular among cannabis connoisseurs. Concentrates deliver a stronger hit and like with edibles, it is best to start slow because it is much more potent than flower. Concentrates are to flower as hard liquor is to beer.
The second-most important thing to consider when it comes to cannabis consumption is the delivery method. The mental and physical benefits of consuming cannabis are affected by which method you decide to go with as each comes with their own effects, offering a unique experience. The three most popular delivery methods include inhalation, oral and topical—with inhalation being the most popular.
There are two primary ways of inhalation methods: smoking and vaporization. While the side effects and health concerns associated with smoking are still largely debated, health professionals are in agreement that smoke-free methods are less risky and preferred among the medical community. With that being said, cannabis smokers have a wide range of options to choose from including rolling papers, hand pipes, water pipes, hookah, and vaporization. All of these smoking methods influence the grade of the smoke that is inhaled.
These methods include any way cannabis is administered via the mouth, including food, drink, oil, and tinctures. As with inhalation methods, oral delivery methods will vary in onset time, potency, and duration from one another, so it is important you are aware of these differences to make an informed decision.
Topical delivery methods include lotions and salves that use full cannabis extracts that can be absorbed through the skin to provide pain relief for sore joints and muscles, achy feet, nerve pain, and muscle spasms. Topical applications do not produce psychoactive effects and will not have any influence over moods or mental states, which makes it perfect to use at any time.
Knowing your tolerance to cannabis as a new or experienced user is essential for your safety. Please speak to a trained and knowledge professional before purchasing any products to help determine the proper dosage so get the most out of your experience.
DISCLAIMER:
These are general guidelines and you should always consult with a professional before using and determining the potency of the product right for you.
Cannabis strains and potency levels effect users differently and others more intensely. It’s best to start off slow and wait 2 hours to make more if the desired effect isn’t reached. Most novice and beginner users must be careful with Edibles. Start slow; 1 – 10mg for novice users and beginners; 10mg – 50mg for experienced or intermediate users; and 50mg+ for advanced or frequent users.
DISCLAIMER:
These are general guidelines and you should always consult with a professional before using and determining the potency of the product right for you.
Effects can last 2-8 hours, depending on the amount consumed, how it was consumed, and the type of cannabis.
Onset time varies from person to person, but can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over 2 hours. This is why it is important to start slow with edibles—begin with a single serving and wait to see how it will affect you.
It is advised to consume marijuana in a private setting, like home or a hotel room.
It is against the law to drive or operate a vehicle while under the influence of marijuana, and it is strongly advised to refrain from operating any equipment while under the influence of marijuana.
It is advised to refrain from mixing cannabis with alcohol or other controlled substances.
Store all cannabis products in a secure location away from children, pets, and anyone under 21.
In the State of Colorado, medical and recreational cannabis use is legal, however be mindful of your neighbors and others who are visiting or living with you. For your safety and the safety of others, educate yourself about the laws governing cannabis consumption.
Colorado residents and non-residents are limited to purchasing.
In Colorado, you are required to present a valid ID to purchase retail cannabis.
It is very important to keep all cannabis products sealed and unused when you drive with marijuana in the car. In fact, it is against the law to use and have any cannabis products that have been previously opened in the car, and that extends to both the driver and passengers.
Consuming cannabis in any form is not allowed in public spaces.
Cannabis is still federally an illegal substance, so if you purchase marijuana from a licensed dispensary, you must consume it within the State of Colorado.
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