Cannabis didn’t have the best reputation until recently, but as the stigma around the plant gradually changes, people are increasingly becoming curious about its potential benefits. Recreational cannabis is already legal in 22 states, and as the plant gains more popularity, it will likely be widely accepted in the coming years.

Years of misinformation have contributed to many negative views of cannabis, but people are now more open-minded, and many are using the plant for wellness reasons. If you’re interested in cannabis, our detailed guide will teach you everything you need to know about this incredible plant. Let’s get started!

What is cannabis, and how can it be used?

Cannabis is a type of Sativa genus, a plant with psychoactive properties that has been used for many years for several purposes. Hemp is another variety of the same species, and sometimes it is used interchangeably with cannabis. However, it’s worth noting that the two are different. Hemp contains around 0.3 THC or less, while cannabis consists of more than 0.3 of this cannabinoid.

The cannabis plant is resilient and can be grown outdoors and indoors, thriving especially in warm climates. For beginner growers, autoflowering seeds are a great option because they don’t require a specific amount of light to grow, and it’s easy to take care of them. They’re compact, making them ideal for outdoor and indoor cultivation, and they provide resistance against diseases, molds and pests, meaning that your harvest won’t be ruined unexpectedly.

Cannabis cultivation can be an appealing hobby, but for some people, it is a lifelong passion and a way to obtain the best quality product. This is because you have control over the growth process from the initial stage until harvest time. Many online shops offer cannabis seeds at a reasonable price, making it easy to purchase them and start cultivating them as soon as possible.

Cannabis is commonly used as a medical product or for recreational purposes. The difference between the two is probably obvious – while medical cannabis has potential benefits for specific health conditions like chronic pain and nausea from cancer treatment, recreational cannabis is used for enjoyment instead of an alternative treatment.  

Different types of cannabis strains

Cannabis strains are generally categorized as Indica and Sativa, but products on the market aren’t made of pure Sativa or pure Indica strains. Instead, they are Sativa-dominant (responsible for getting you high) or Indica-dominant (known to provide a soothing effect). In reality, however, the effects of cannabis have little to do with the type of strain but rather depend on factors like the cannabinoid content and every consumer’s body.

There’s also a third category of strains, called hybrids – a mixture of the other two. Indica sativa strains can be a perfect balance, helping you feel relaxed without experiencing the high associated with Sativa strains.

Finding the cannabis product that works best for you

So many cannabis products are available on the market, making it challenging to determine which one to choose. What are their differences, and which delivers the best effects? What about their pros and cons? If these questions run through your mind, and you’re feeling overwhelmed by the myriad choices, don’t worry; we’ll make things easier for you. Let’s take a look at the most common methods to consume cannabis.

Vapes

Vaping cannabis is a popular way of enjoying the plant’s benefits. This is done through portable vaporizers, tabletop vaporizers, or vape pens. Among these, vape pens are less expensive and easy to use. Plus, they are portable, making them a convenient way to consume cannabis.

Concentrates and extracts

These types of cannabis products (such as Wax or Live Rosin) contain highly concentrated forms of the plant, making them more potent than others. This consumption method translates into a more specific and powerful experience, so it may not really be the best for beginner consumers.

Edibles

Put simply, edibles are cannabis-infused foods. They can be anything, from baked goods and chocolate bars to gummies, mints and cooking butter. Edibles are suitable for those who want to consume cannabis safely without smoking or vaping. And because the precise dosage is mentioned on the packaging, they help you avoid overconsumption, allowing you to control your experience.

Beverages

Cannabis-infused drinks allow consumers to enjoy different types of flavors while making the most of cannabis’ therapeutic effects. Unlike edibles, they have a faster onset because they are digested faster. They are a great way to get started with cannabis because of their ease of consumption and the clear dosage information they provide.

Topicals

Cannabis topicals can come in the form of creams, balms, lotions, sprays, or salves, and instead of being ingested, they are applied directly to the skin. Some of them are localized products, meaning they are designed only for a specific body area.

Tinctures

Tinctures are consumed sublingually, meaning that a few drops are placed under the tongue, allowing cannabis compounds to be absorbed into the body. They generally have a rapid onset (around 15 minutes), and their precise dosing makes it easier to control your cannabis experience. However, some people may not like the taste of tinctures, and in that case, it is a good idea to mix them with food or beverage. Just keep in mind that if you do this, you can experience delayed effects.

Getting started with cannabis

Cannabis has been used for many years for its alleged healing properties, but it’s only recently that the plant has gained increasing attention, with more people incorporating it into their lifestyles. With many studies showing its potential health benefits, cannabis isn’t only used to promote relaxation – it’s also becoming an alternative treatment that helps you cope with pain and even reduce seizures.

It’s worth noting that cannabis has a different effect on everyone, so there’s no such thing as the best way to consume cannabis for beginners. While some may prefer vaping, others may find edibles a better option. When choosing a product, it’s essential to do your research and consider your needs – doing so will help you find exactly what you’re looking for, allowing you to get the most out of your cannabis product.  

This article appears in Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2023.