Education

Cannabis for Beginners

Cannabis can be intimidating for beginners. Let’s take a look at some features of cannabis and options for selecting products. 

Cannabinoids for Beginners

The cannabis plant produces hundreds of different cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and phytonutrients. They have all have their own medicinal potential. They work well on their own, and seem to support each other when consumed together, in what is called the entourage effect. We’re going to save terpenes, and flavonoids for another time, but let’s look briefly at cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The cannabinoids, like the most talked about, THC and CBD, interact with your body’s own natural endocannabinoid system (ECS). Each cannabinoid binds to either a CB1 or CB2 receptor, which influence the regulation of certain functions all throughout your body. The most common analogy for this binding of cannabinoids to your CB receptors is the idea of a lock and key system. This is how cannabis is able to produce the medical benefits you’re most likely familiar with.

Your First Dispensary Visit

If you’re new to cannabis, but you’re interested in trying cannabis for the first time, here are a few things to expect when you go into a medical dispensary. You will need your ID and your medical marijuana patient card. You will have the chance to speak with an educated patient care associate, who can answer any questions you have about the cannabis products you can choose from. Terrabis can also assist you in obtaining your medical card if necessary. We’re here to make sure all experience levels, beginners to experts, are comfortable using cannabis.

Trying cannabis for the first time comes with several options. You can smoke or vaporize the cannabis flower, try a vape pen, or another concentrate. Edibles are very popular as well, coming in a variety of food and beverage forms. Some patients prefer the non intoxicating effects of CBD only products, or even THC topical products that absorb through your skin and don’t give you the high feeling cannabis is so well known for.

Products Available

Products are often categorized into sativa, indica, or hybrids. These categories suggest how the product has been known to affect a majority of patients, even though every product can affect each of us differently. Sativas are said to be more energetic, while indicas are known for having relaxing effects, and hybrids are a different mixes of the two, combing the effects of both in different ratios. 

Depending on what product you choose, each one can effect you somewhat differently, so always start low and go slow. Begin with microdosing. With inhalables, start with one inhale at a time and work your way up to know how you feel. Edibles and things like tinctures and oils can easily  be taken in low doses, making a dose of only 2.5mg of THC at a time for example, fairly simple. Test out different products, at different doses to find what works best for you.

Relax and Enjoy 

Many beginners in cannabis think about what happens if I take too much? Although you may have a bad experience if you take too, no one has ever died of a cannabis overdose. Most people just need to wait it out and sleep off the effects. Stick with the start low and go slow method, then you shouldn’t have to worry about taking too much.

Ask Questions

Remember to talk with your Patient Care Associate (PCA). Let them know it’s your first time consuming cannabis. One of our highly trained PCAs will gladly help you choose the right cannabis product for a great first experience. To learn more about what to ask your PCA, check out this link.

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