Trying out cannabis for the first time can be a confusing terrain to navigate. There are different consumption methods, various strains and brands.
You have probably been there before, being at a party with friends and offered a joint, but after taking a hit, you immediately knew you should have declined the offer.
Cannabis strains have different effects and are best enjoyed via varying consumption methods. If you are a beginner, it helps to gather as much knowledge as possible before you accept something from a friend at a party or try it yourself at home.
Understanding the basics of cannabis will help you make an informed choice.
Source: canva.com
Contents
Cannabis, marijuana, weed and loud: Any difference?
You will likely come across the words marijuana, weed, and loud while searching for the perfect cannabis for you. In most cases, they are likely to be used interchangeably.
To better explain this, picture a plant named Cannabis sativa. All products derived from this plant are referred to as cannabis.
The part of the plant that contains a substantial amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is known as marijuana. THC is responsible for the “high” feeling that may be experienced whenever you consume a cannabis product.
Weed is a slang term for marijuana. When weed or marijuana is called loud, it means it is high-quality, and you would feel the effect faster than regular weed.
Cannabis strains
If you have done some research or tried getting marijuana from a reputable online store offering Cannabis dispensary and delivery, you might have seen the words indica, sativa and hybrid.
These are the three major strains of cannabis; hence, marijuana is divided into three categories.
Indica strains tend to have a relaxing and calming effect. On the other hand, Sativa strains give an invigorating and energizing feel. If you plan to play safe, hybrid is the choice as it combines the characteristics of the two strains.
If you find it hard to sleep, indica can do the magic. And if you plan to stay awake probably to work long hours, sativa may help. Use hybrid if you want the calm and energized feeling combined.
Source: forbes.com
Different ways cannabis can be consumed
Generally, cannabis can either be inhaled or ingested. When inhaled, the THC content gets into the bloodstream through the lungs and from there to the brain. But if ingested, it travels first to the stomach, then the liver, where it is converted into a stronger form, after which it is then released into the bloodstream and then to the brain.
The effects of inhaled cannabis are felt within seconds, while it may take hours if ingested.
Whether legally or not, below are some ways cannabis can be consumed:
- Smoking
- Gravity Bongs
- Vaping
- Dabbing
- Edibles such as marijuana brownies
- Sprays
- Tinctures
- Topical methods
- Smoking: By burning dried cannabis flowers, users inhale the resultant smoke. Tools like joints, pipes, and bongs facilitate this and all of them can be found at MJ Arsenal. Its rapid effects make it a top choice for instant relief.
- Vaping: A healthier alternative to smoking, vaping heats cannabis to release vapor without burning it. Vaporizers, ranging from handheld to disposable pens, offer smooth inhalation and precise temperature control.
- Edibles: Foods infused with cannabis, like brownies and gummies, provide a discreet consumption method. Effects are delayed, usually appearing between 30 minutes to 2 hours, offering a prolonged experience.
- Dabbing: For those seeking intensity, dabbing uses concentrated cannabis extracts. The immediate high it produces is potent, making it a favorite among seasoned users.
- Sprays & Tinctures: Both these methods involve sublingual administration. While sprays deliver a fine mist under the tongue for quick absorption, tinctures are liquid extracts that can also be added to food or drinks. They ensure precise dosing, ideal for novices.
- Topicals: Designed for external application, cannabis-infused topicals target localized relief. Products like creams and balms don’t induce a high, making them perfect for therapeutic use.
How to get the best cannabis smoking experience
The smoking experience of weed depends on the source material’s quality. High-quality weed is often called “loud” and “dank”. In terms of slang, low-quality weeds are called “ditch” and “bunk”.
Looks alone cannot help in identifying quality weeds. Ordering from a reputable dispensary is recommended. You can ask your friends for a reliable dispensary in order to ensure that you only find good quality weed or research the dispensaries in your neighborhood before you buy one. Do not just buy from the first place you come across.
Source: medium.com
How to differentiate between good and bad weed
The market is flooded with different qualities and types of weed and if you are a beginner, you might not find it easy to identify if the weed you just bought is good or bad. This is why it is important to identify ways in which you can differentiate between them and use the good one. Let’s take a look at the different ways it is possible to differentiate bad weed from the good weed.
1. Smell
Terpenes are organic compounds in cannabis that exhibit aroma. You may decide on your choice of a cannabis strain based on the aroma. A well-cultivated and cured cannabis will emit a strong fragrance which may indicate its high quality.
2. Appearance
You can guess the quality of cannabis from its appearance. A good weed is visually appealing and may display a vibrant array of colors; likely green, brown or grey and sometimes might look like tobacco.
Source: cbdincubator.com
3. Touch
When you touch or gently squeeze top-shelf flowers, they should feel sticky and slightly spongy.
The stems and buds should snap easily, but they shouldn’t be completely dry or crumble when touched.
It is also important that buds are not too wet or soft, since these have a higher chance of developing mold or mildew.
4. Flower structure
Traditionally, sativa-leaning flowers are lighter and fluffier in shape and composition, whereas indicas are tighter and denser.
However, structure and experience are rarely related. An unpleasant taste may be caused by rock-hard flowers cultivated with plant growth regulators.
Excessively fluffy flowers may indicate a plant that did not receive enough light intensity or was not cultivated correctly.
Source: unsplash.com
5. Seller
The reputation of the seller is as important as the weed quality. Cannabis shops that have built good reputations over the years are less likely to sell bad weed. Women-owned family businesses are some of the most popular ethical companies.
Ask the dispensary how their cannabis is being cultivated. Ethical companies will only source from farmers who do not use synthetic fertilizers. The more information you gather from the dispensary, the better quality weed you will end up buying and you will eventually become a regular there.
While this guide can help you choose the right strain and quality weed, there is no one-size-fits all. Everyone has a different preference and expectation from the strain, which is why it is recommended to experiment with a few before you stick to one. There are many who like to experiment and try different products until they find the one that is perfect for their preferences. Until then, keep exploring.
