If you’re thinking of trying cannabis for the first time it’s important to know what to look for when buying cannabis products.
With so many strains and products available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with choices. But with a bit of research and trying out a few varieties and methods you can discover what’s best for you personally. The more information you have upfront, the more confident you’ll be when it’s time to cash out.
This article will discuss what cannabis is, the different varieties and ways of using it. It will also touch on the benefits and the possible risks associated with it as well.
What is Cannabis?
Cannabis, most commonly referred to as marijuana, is a plant that contains over 100 different compounds called cannabinoids. The most well-known cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
THC is the chemical responsible for most of marijuana’s psychoactive effects, like the euphoric feeling (the high) users get when they use it. CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive and has many potential health benefits.
Cannabis comes in many forms:
- Flower (dry or fresh herbs)
- Edibles
- Tinctures/sprays
- Tropicals
- Concentrates
What Is the Difference Between Sativa vs. Indica?
There are different types of cannabis strains available in the market. These fall under three categories:
- Sativa
- Indica
- Hybrid
All three have distinct effects on the body.
Sativa
This type of strain is most often associated with a “head high” and tends to create uplifting and energizing effects. Because of this, most people use sativa to increase their creativity and focus, as well as relieve tension and anxiety symptoms. Popular sativa strains include Jack Haze, OS Reserve Sativa and Tropic Thunder.
Indica
Indica strains are considered the opposite of sativa and create a “body high” which is a more relaxing and sedating experience. Although Indica strains affect everyone differently, they are a gentle way to unwind after a long day. Popular Indica strains are Powdered Donuts, GMO Cookies, and Romulan.
Hybrid
Hybrid strains are the sweet spot between Sativa and Indica strains and are created by cross-pollinating the two. This type of strain can either be Sativa or Indica dominant, depending on the parent strains. Hybrids are often intentionally bred to create more strains, but they can also occur naturally. Popular hybrid strains include Tangie Green, Funk Master, and Space Flight Superstar.
You should keep in mind that basing your choice of the strain whether it’s Indica or a sativa might not be the best approach. Instead, we suggest looking at the concentration of THC or CBD in the product and your desired effect.
What Are the Benefits of Using Cannabis?
The cannabis plant has numerous benefits, whether your purposes are medical or recreational. Here are a few of them:
Recreational Benefits
People use cannabis recreationally for several different reasons. Cannabis can make you feel more energized, creative or even help open up and socialize.
THC targets specific receptors in your brain that heighten senses such as smell and taste. The olfactory bulb binds with the receptors allowing you to experience your surroundings more vividly.
Medical Benefits
Studies indicate that cannabis can be used medically as a potential aid for relieving symptoms of medical conditions including alleviating the effects of chemotherapy, gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and anxiety and mood disorders.
A doctor must recommend medical cannabis for you before you use it. This helps avoid clashes with your prescribed medicine (if you have any) and ensures that you take your cannabis in the right doses.
Which Cannabis Product Is Best For Me?
There are three common ways of using cannabis. It can either be inhaled, ingested or used externally on the skin.
Smoking
You can inhale cannabis in three ways: vaporizing, smoking joints, or dabbing. The traditional method of rolling a joint and lighting it up is still the most common way to use cannabis.
With advances in technology, vaporizers have been an increasingly popular way to smoke cann
abis. Vaporizers heat the marijuana to a point just below combustion, which allows for better distr
ibution and abs
orption of active ingredients.
Dabbing is the newest trend in cannabis consumption. It is similar to vaping, only that it uses high potency THC extracts like hash oil, wax or shatter. These concentrated extracts or “hashes” are consumed using pipes or dab rigs. This is more of an advanced method, so if you’re new to smoking cannabis, we recommend
you stick to vaporizers or pre-rolled joints.
Edibles
If you don’t want to smoke cannabis, you can consume it through edibles like candy, gummies or even baked goods like brownies or cupcakes. The only downside of edibles is the time it takes to feel the effect of cannabis, which can take up to two hours. Not a fan of waiting? You could try oral tinctures and sprays, which have a quicker reaction time because of their high potency level.
Cannabis Oils and Topicals
Oils and topicals allow you to use cannabis externally and are often used for localized pain relief. They do not produce any kind of euphoric feeling, so people usually use them to relieve their muscle pain and soreness.
Are There Any Risks Associated With Cannabis Use?
When jumping into something new, it’s understandable to be concerned about any risks or side-effects that might come with using cannabis. Some common side effects from using cannabis include:
- Nausea
- Dry eyes
- Tiredness
- Increased appetite
- Impaired sense of reality
Although it’s very unlikely, some research suggests that in rare cases, some people develop a dependency on cannabis. This means that there’s a chance of cannabis addiction for some.
Is There a Legal Limit on How Much I Can Purchase?
The Canadian Cannabis Act limits adults to possessing 30 grams of dried cannabis for recreational use, meaning that’s the maximum limit allowed per purchase.
In case you’re not purchasing flower, here’s what 30 grams of dried cannabis is equivalent to:
- 15 grams of edible product
- 70 grams of liquid product
- 0.25 grams of concentrates (solid or liquid)
Before you purchase, whether online or in the physical store, you will be asked to present your ID for age verification.
Five Recommended Newbie Cannabis Products from Bud Bar
As a newbie, you may have many questions about cannabis and which products would be best to try. This is where our Bud-tender’s expert knowledge comes in.
Here are some of our suggestions ranging from pre-rolls to CBD lip balms:
- Daily Special | Sativa Js Pre-Rolls | 7 x 0.3g
- Wana | 1:0 Soft Chews | Blueberry Indica Sour | 2 x 5mg
- Foray | Mango Haze Balanced Pen | 0.3g
- Impromptu | THC Botanical Cola | 330mL
- Tidal | Strawberry CBD Lip Balm | 50mg
Before You Check Out
If you’re buying cannabis for the first time, it is essential to know what kinds of products are available and integrates into your lifestyle. Whether you want a relaxing or fun experience, Bud Bar has what you need.
With so many strains, edibles, and accessories to choose from, there is no reason not to take advantage of our informative one-on-one sessions with our knowledgeable budtenders. If you have more questions, feel free to stop by any of our Calgary locations or contact us. Our team is always here to answer all of your cannabis questions!
