Your Local Cannabis receives a steady stream of questions from cannabis users (like you!) who want to know anything and everything about the plant we all love. Questions range from the basics about finding and consuming cannabis, to advanced growing techniques and extraction methods.
If you consider yourself a connoisseur, you probably already know the bulk of these answers. But if you are new to cannabis or rediscovering it for the first time in years, you may have some pressing questions about cannabis and CBD. If you’re curious about cannabis, here are answers to some of the top questions we hear on the regular.
How Do You Use Cannabis?
There are so many ways you can use cannabis! While the most common way is rolling a joint and inhaling the smoke, there are some alternatives for users who are not comfortable with smoking. Here are some of the most popular ways to experience cannabis:
- Vaporizing
- Edibles (like THC gummies, for example)
- Dabbing
- Topical Oils
- Sprays
- Tinctures
How Will Cannabis Affect Me?
Cannabis affects everyone differently. Different strains and methods of consumption give users different effects. And new users generally feel different effects than more experienced users. There are some people who don’t feel anything at all the first time they try cannabis. Many people who use cannabis find the experience to be kind of relaxing and a little euphoric. For some, it makes them more outgoing and social. But others report that it makes them tired, anxious, or paranoid. If you’re not sure how cannabis will affect you, it’s best to start with a low dose. And be sure to ask your local budtender for recommendations on strains, products, and doses to start with.
What’s The Difference Between Medical & Recreational Cannabis?
The main difference between medical and recreational cannabis really comes down to the way it is regulated and how you access it. Medical cannabis requires a doctor’s recommendation for a qualifying ailment before you can access, purchase, or consume cannabis and cannabis products. Recreational cannabis, on the other hand, simply requires that you are over the legal age of 19.
But there are also people who differentiate between medical and recreational based on how each of them uses cannabis. Recreational marijuana users are looking to experience novel states of consciousness, and connoisseurs seek different effects for different circumstances and to create different moods. On the other hand, medical users seek out strains that help with a specific ailment or condition. Oftentimes patients are looking for strains that help treat their symptoms but deliver only a mild psychoactive experience that will allow them to remain productive and active.
Why Do People Prefer Medical or Recreational Cannabis?
Recreational marijuana users look to experience novel states of consciousness. Cannabis connoisseurs seek different effects for different circumstances, and to create different moods. On the other hand, medical users seek out strains that help with a specific ailment or condition. Oftentimes patients are looking for strains that help treat their symptoms but deliver only a mild psychoactive experience that will allow them to remain productive and active.
What’s the Difference Between Cannabis and CBD?
To put it in simplest terms, cannabis (or cannabis Sativa) is where CBD comes from. CBD is an offshoot from cannabis that delivers some of the cannabis’ beneficial properties without the high. CBD can be derived from the hemp plant as well as cannabis. As hemp contains less THC and more CBD, hemp-derived products are going to have a much lower THC percentage. Yet, the benefits of CBD do not vary based on where it was sourced from (cannabis or hemp), so you will gain the same effects from both hemp and cannabis-derived products.
What About THC and CBD?
Cannabis plants have hundreds of compounds, one most famous being THC (the famous psychoactive one) as well as CBD, both coming from the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBD does not have psychoactive properties.
Is CBD Oil and Hemp Oil the Same Thing?
No, they are different. Hemp oil contains little or no CBD and is made by pressing hemp seeds to produce omega-rich cooking oil. CBD oils could also be hemp-derived, but it comes from the plant’s leaves, flowers, and stalks. Both can offer medicinal benefits when used in appropriate doses for certain conditions
What About Edibles?
Edibles can be a fun way to experience cannabis. You can put the plant in baked goods, gummies, and even beverages. If you’re looking for alternatives to smoking cannabis, edibles are a popular way to avoid a nasty cough from inhaling smoke.
It’s important to be aware of the potency and dosing when consuming edibles. Make sure you look at the packaging before you take your first bite. Most packages clearly label how much THC is in each serving (the standard dose is 10 mg). The effects of cannabis edibles will vary depending on your THC tolerance.
So play around and experiment with dose size before you find that sweet spot. When storing your edibles, make sure they are placed out of sight and out of reach from children or pets.
Where Can I Buy Cannabis?
Gone are the days of dialing up a friend-of-a-friend you hardly know in order to get your hands on some product. Nowadays, there’s a solution right at your fingertips. You can order your cannabis online or find a local distillery near you. If you love to shop locally and want to find a great selection, visit Your Local Cannabis at any of our locations or order online at www.yourlocalcannabis.com. Check out our website to see all our products from dry flowers to concentrates.
How Long Does It Take For An Edible To Kick In?
The amount of time it takes for an edible to kick in greatly depends on your metabolism. Some people that have a faster metabolism may start to feel the effects after about an hour. Others, with a slower metabolism, may not feel anything for two hours or more.
The effects generally peak up to four hours after eating or drinking cannabis, so it’s best to wait at least that long before consuming more. In most places, 10mg is considered to be the perfect dose – which may be just right for some, but others might need a lot more to feel the same effects. Take your time and learn what’s right for you, and always pay attention to the label for dosing and recommended serving size.
Can I Grow My Own Cannabis in Canada?
According to the Cannabis Act, all adults aged 19+ are allowed to cultivate four cannabis plants per household. With the condition that your province or territory didn’t apply an additional restriction. Keep in mind that unless you are licensed by Health Canada, you cannot sell the cannabis you cultivate at home to others. You can gift it to your neighbors and friends though!
What’s the Best and Safest Way to Store My Cannabis?
It’s best to store cannabis in a cool, dark place that’s out of direct light. Keep it in a container, like a glass jar, in order to minimize overexposure to air. Keeping your relative humidity below 65% will help avoid mold and mildew. And, while not required, it’s always a good idea to separate your strains to preserve their individual flavor profiles.
When storing edibles, make sure you store your cannabis somewhere out of sight and out of reach from children or pets.
Have A Question for Us?
If you have more burning cannabis questions we want to hear them! You can always reach out to us by email, or by phone, or drop in to say hello, one of our knowledgeable budtenders can help you find a product you’ll love. Stay tuned as we’ll be answering more of your questions in upcoming articles and videos. And don’t forget to subscribe to our monthly newsletter for the latest update in the cannabis industry and Your Local Cannabis Store.