With new legislation set to roll out in the fall, cannabis is a hot topic on a lot of people’s minds. But apart from the legality of it all, what do you need to know the product itself?
Buds and Leaves is a local dispensary in Vic West that is all about promoting education to help people consume responsibly.
So if you want to learn more about cannabis, check out our beginner’s guide!
Sativa vs. Indica: what’s the difference?
Most people have heard about the two different species of cannabis: indica and sativa. But many aren’t sure about how they’re different.
Indica is generally used for stress and pain relief, while Sativa can be used to achieve uplifting and energetic effects.
Plus there’s a third strain that mixes the two; hybrid cannabis is a cross-breed of indica and sativa.
Strains within each species have unique effects and can provide the user with different experiences.
Species variety isn’t the only thing that changes up a user’s experience, though. Cannabinoids also play a big part in determining what kind of effects cannabis will have.
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What is a cannabinoid?
Cannabinoids are the active chemical ingredients in cannabis. They have long and complicated names, so the most common ones are usually shortened to THC and CBD.
When people think of cannabis, they usually think of THC. THC is an intoxicating cannabinoid that’s related to euphoria and stress relief. CBD, on the other hand, is non-intoxicating.
Cannabis products and consumption
So, you know about cannabinoids and the different species of cannabis… now what? Well there are a lot of products available to choose from and multiple ways to consume them.
People most commonly think of inhalation methods, such as vaporization and smoking. But that’s only the beginning!
There are also oral methods, such as capsules, tinctures, and edibles. You can also use cannabis topically through lotions, creams, salves, and more.
According to Buds and Leaves, “cannabis suppositories and topicals are great for localized relief. We’ve seen from our members that whether they are addressing things such as muscle pain or IBS, delivering the cannabinoids as close as possible to the affected area gave them greater relief.”
Be sure to talk to an expert, like the folks at Buds and Leaves, to find out what’s best for you.
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Consuming responsibly
A good motto to remember is: start low, go slow. Microdosing can be a great way to find the lowest amount of THC or CBD that works to give you the benefits you’re looking for.
You can apply this to smoking and vaping, too. Let the high develop, and then see how you feel.
“THC can be quite mentally stimulating,” says the team at Buds and Leaves. “Allow the cannabinoids a chance to run their course. We call this ‘using the burnout to your advantage’. Who would’ve thought being a “burnout” would be a good GREAT thing!”
Buds and Leaves advocates for respect, knowledge, and understanding of cannabis, for users and non-users alike. They ask all Victorians and visitors to consume responsibly, wherever you choose to.
To find more information and answers to any of your questions, drop by Buds and Leaves, check out their website, or give them a call!
