Cannabis & Me
Incorporating cannabis into your life can greatly improve the quality of it. Learn more about how cannabis interacts with the human body.
Welcome to Your Cannabis Journey!
Whether you’re curious and new to cannabis, returning to cannabis after a long time, or ready to explore this wonderful plant further, this guide will help you feel more confident and informed.
We designed this guide to:
- Normalize the cannabis experience — Just like coffee or wine, cannabis has many forms, flavors, and effects. There’s no one right way to consume — it’s about what works best for you.
- Reassure patients/customers about legal products and safe access — Every product sold here is lab-tested and regulated by state law to ensure it’s safe, properly labeled, and free from harmful contaminants.
- Emphasize personalized wellness and education — Cannabis isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re seeking relief, relaxation, or recreation, this guide and our staff are here to support your journey.
The Main Forms of Cannabis
Flower
Dried cannabis buds, whole or pre-ground, commonly smoked or vaporized.
Extracts
A term for various concentrated forms of cannabis (e.g., hash, rosin, wax, shatter, etc.) each made using different extraction methods.
Vapes
Oil-filled cartridges paired with a battery-powered vaporizer, also available as all-in-one/disposable devices.
Edibles & Drinks
Food or drink infused with cannabis, such as gummies or chocolates, or beverages like tea or sparkling water.
Tinctures
Liquid cannabis extract taken under the tongue for fast absorption.
Capsules & Tablets
Pre-measured oral cannabis doses in capsule, softgel, or pill form.
Topicals
Lotions, balms, and creams applied to the skin for targeted, localized relief.
Transdermal Patches & Gels
Products applied to the skin that deliver cannabinoids through the bloodstream over time.
Modes of Administration: Ways to Use Cannabis
| Method | Example Products | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smoking | Pre-rolls, loose flower, whole flower | Fast-acting, easy to control | Not ideal for lungs; produces smoke and strong odor |
| Ingesting (Edibles & Drinks) | Capsules, softgels, gummies, chocolates, infused drinks | Long-lasting, discreet | Delayed onset, longer learning curve to dose accurately |
| Vaporizing | Vape cartridges, disposable vapes, dry herb vaporizer | More discreet/cleaner than smoking, preserves flavor | Requires device/repeated purchases of disposables |
| Sublingual | Tinctures, dissolvable tongue strips | Faster onset than edibles, easier to measure accurate dosing | Taste can be strong/earthy |
| Transdermal | THC/CBD infused patches | Continuous, gradual release of dose, less intoxicating | Slower to feel effects |
| Topical | Creams, balms, roll-ons | No intoxication, direct application for localized discomfort | Doesn’t enter bloodstream, relief to applied area only |
Cannabis Glossary: Know the Language
- Cannabinoids — Natural compounds found in cannabis that affect your body and mind. THC and CBD are two of the most well-known cannabinoids.
- Cannabis — A versatile plant with hundreds of chemical compounds, including cannabinoids and terpenes. The same species as hemp, but the term usually refers to varieties with 0.3% THC or higher.
- CBD (Cannabidiol) — A non-intoxicating cannabinoid that may help with things like stress, inflammation, or sleep without making you feel “high.”
- Cultivar — A specific variety of the cannabis plant that’s been bred for certain traits, like flavor, effects, or appearance. Think of it like a “type” of cannabis.
- Flower — The harvested and dried buds of the cannabis plant. This is where cannabinoids and terpenes are most concentrated.
- Hemp — Legally defined as cannabis containing no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. Commonly used for CBD extraction, textiles, and more.
- Hybrid — Most modern cannabis cultivars are Hybrids — delivering a blend of the effects commonly referred to as Indica and Sativa. Hybrids can lean more toward relaxing or uplifting depending on the cultivar’s lineage.
- Indica — A type of cannabis often associated with relaxing, calming effects.
- Sativa — A type of cannabis often linked to uplifting, energizing effects.
- Strain — Another word often used to describe different types or varieties of cannabis. It’s commonly used instead of “cultivar” when discussing cannabis.
- Terpenes — Aromatic oils in cannabis (and other plants) that give it its smell and may also affect how it makes you feel (relaxed, alert, etc.).
- THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) — The main cannabinoid that causes the “high” feeling. It’s psychoactive and can affect mood, thinking, and sensation.
Cannabis Glossary: Effect Terms
- Bioavailability — How much of a cannabis compound (like THC or CBD) your body actually absorbs and uses. This can vary by product type (e.g., smoking vs. edibles).
- Decarboxylation — The process of heating cannabis to remove carbon and “activate” THC, CBD, or any of the other cannabinoids so they can produce effects in your body (happens during smoking, vaping, or cooking).
- Duration — How long the effects of cannabis last. Inhaled cannabis may last a few hours; edibles can last much longer.
- Entourage Effect — The idea that cannabinoids and terpenes work better together than on their own, possibly enhancing cannabis’ overall effects.
- Full-Spectrum — A cannabis product that includes a range of cannabinoids and terpenes found naturally in the plant, not just THC or CBD alone.
- Intoxicating — Causing changes in perception, mood, or consciousness — often associated with THC’s psychoactive effects.
- Microdosing — Taking very small amounts of cannabis to feel mild or subtle effects, often without getting “high.”
- Onset Time — How long it takes for the effects of cannabis to start after using it. It can be seconds for inhaling, or up to an hour or more for edibles.
- Psychoactive — Means it affects your mind or mood — like making you feel high, relaxed, or euphoric. THC and CBD are both psychoactive but typically create different mental effects.
- Tolerance — The rate at which your body becomes accustomed to the effects of cannabis. Over time, your body may get used to a certain dose and require more to feel the same effects.
Meet Your Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are the natural chemical compounds found in cannabis. They interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a key role in regulating your mood, pain sensation, sleep, appetite, and more.
There are over 100 different cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, many with unique effects and benefits. While most research has focused on THC and CBD, new cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, and THCV are being studied for their promising roles in wellness.
- THC — Main psychoactive and intoxicating compound, often the most abundant cannabinoid in the plant.
- CBD — Non-intoxicating, calming, typically the second-most abundant cannabinoid in the plant.
- CBG — Non-intoxicating, may help with discomfort, stress, and digestive support.
- CBN — Mildly sedative; formed as THC degrades over time, especially when exposed to light, air, or heat.
- CBC — Non-intoxicating, demonstrates potential to be useful for pain relief.
- THCV — A natural and intoxicating variant of THC, with potential to curb excessive appetite, may help with focus.
- THCA / CBDA — Raw, non-intoxicating forms of these cannabinoids found in fresh cannabis flower.
- CBGA — “The Mother Cannabinoid” — the precursor that all other cannabinoids evolve from.
Terpenes: The Aroma & Effects
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis — and throughout nature! They’re responsible for the scents of pine trees, citrus fruits, lavender, and pepper, just to name a few. In cannabis, terpenes contribute not just to flavor and smell, but may also influence the plant’s effects on your body.
Some terpenes may promote relaxation, while others may enhance focus or mood. When combined with cannabinoids, they contribute to what’s known as the “entourage effect” — the combined experience of all the plant’s compounds working together.
Fun Fact: Each strain has its own unique blend of cannabinoids and terpenes, which is why cannabis effects can vary so much from one strain to the next!
| Terpene | Aroma | Potential Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Myrcene | Earthy, musky | Sedating, relaxing |
| Limonene | Citrus | Uplifting, mood-boosting |
| Pinene | Pine | Focus, mood elevation |
| Linalool | Floral | Calming, relaxing |
| Caryophyllene | Peppery | Discomfort & stress relief |
| Humulene | Woody | Relaxing, relieving |
| Terpinolene | Fruity | Uplifting, energizing |
| Ocimene | Sweet | Uplifting, energizing |
Conservative Dosing Guide: Start Low & Go Slow
This is a general guideline to dosing cannabis in a safe manner, with the goal of creating positive first experiences for newcomers. Remember that cannabis affects everyone differently — always use your best judgment when consuming.
- Edibles: Start with 2.5 mg THC and wait 4 hours to determine effects. Effects may take 30 minutes to 4 hours to appear.
- Inhalables: 1–2 puffs, wait 10–15 minutes to determine effects.
- Tinctures: 0.25 mL, wait 15–30 minutes to determine effects. Remember — tincture is meant to be sublingual, not an edible! Start with 0.25 mL and hold the liquid under your tongue for 1 minute, then swallow any remaining liquid. Wait at least 15–30 minutes before increasing your dose.
Tips
- Wait at least 4 hours after taking an edible dose! Patience is key to a positive experience.
- Use a consistent method for measuring your dose.
- Track time of use and wait before re-dosing.
- Stay hydrated and be patient.
Potential Side Effects & Safety Tips
Common potential side effects:
- Dry mouth
- Red eyes
- Drowsiness or anxiety (especially with higher THC levels)
- Dizziness
- Impaired coordination or delayed reflexes
- Cardiovascular problems, psychosis, or exacerbation of anxiety and/or depression
Please note this list is not exhaustive and some people may experience other side effects.
Avoid all cannabis products if:
- Pregnant or nursing
- Taking sedatives or antipsychotic medications
- Operating heavy machinery
Always consult a healthcare provider if you have concerns about using cannabis products, especially alongside other medications.
How Cannabis Affects You: The Most Important Factors
- Quantity — Influences the strength and duration of effects. Remember: start low, go slow.
- Method — Consumption method affects onset speed and duration. Different method, different results.
- Experience — Past experiences with one product don’t guarantee the same with others. Tolerance varies between methods. You can always take more; you can’t take less!
- Surroundings — Time of day, mindset, and physical environment matter. Know where you are and where you may be going!
- Biochemistry — Bodies process cannabis differently — one size doesn’t fit all. Everyone’s body is unique!
- Emotions — Your mental state can significantly influence the experience: happy or sad, mad or glad!
Friendly reminder: Cannabis affects everyone differently. Your journey will be different from others you know — remember to start low, take it slow, and pay attention to how you feel for maximum benefits and enjoyment.
Your Personal Cannabis Journal
For the best understanding of how cannabis affects you, we recommend keeping a journal of your journey! Here are some things to track each time you try a product:
- Date and Product Name / Cultivar
- Form (Flower, Vape, Edible, etc.) and Brand
- Cannabinoid % (THC/CBD) and Terpenes listed
- Dose Taken
- Flavor / Aroma Notes
- ‘Before’ Mood and ‘After’ Mood
- Onset Time (how long it took for effects to begin)
- Duration (how long the effects lasted)
- Intensity (1–10)
- Effects Felt: Relaxed, Uplifted, Sleepy, Focused, Anxious, Hungry, Creative, Pain Relief
- Would Buy Again? Yes / No / Maybe
- Overall Rating and any additional notes
Tracking your experiences helps you discover what works best for your body and goals!