Considering cannabis for the first time but feeling uncertain about how to begin? Kind Goods has been recognized as the Best Cannabis Dispensary in SLM’s A-List Readers’ Choice Awards for three consecutive years.
The knowledgeable budtenders at Kind Goods are equipped with the information you need to make educated decisions, whether you’re just starting out or seeking new cannabis experiences. Here are some questions to consider asking—and their expert responses.
1. What distinguishes edibles, flower, and vapes?
Naomi: Picture it as a dining menu. Flower is akin to a ‘full-course meal’ offering rich flavors, edibles resemble a ‘slow-cooked dish’ with gradual onset, and vapes are more like a ‘quick bite’ for immediate satisfaction.
Cory: Each method engages the body differently, affecting the duration of effects. Edibles are fantastic for prolonged relief, while vaping and smoking provide quick, short-lived effects.
Robb: Edibles allow for more predictable dosage control, while smoking or vaping gives greater flexibility. Beginners might find edibles preferable for a more controlled experience.
Educational Insight: The bioavailability of each method—the fraction of cannabinoids that enters your bloodstream—differs. Smoking or vaping typically has higher bioavailability than edibles, making it more efficient with smaller doses. Edibles’ effects are also influenced by your metabolism, leading to longer-lasting but less predictable timing.
2. How do different cannabis forms impact the experience?
Ronn: Consider each form as tailored to a specific mood or atmosphere, as each type has its own vibe. Consuming cannabis, like through edibles, often results in a more intense body effect due to liver metabolism post-digestion. Inhaling via vaping or smoking delivers cannabinoids directly to the bloodstream for faster relief.
The various cannabis forms not only alter effects but also differ in their discretion. Edibles, tinctures, and vaporizing cater to those who wish to avoid smoke or strong odors.
Educational Insight: The ideal dosage varies with individual factors like metabolism, body weight, and tolerance levels. Beginners may benefit from starting with lower doses to gradually acclimate to the effects.
3. Which product is best suited for newcomers?
Summer: For a soft introduction, consider a CBD-only product. It provides a calm feeling without any psychoactive effects, making it an excellent option for acclimating to cannabis.
Cory: I suggest starting with a balanced 1:1 THC-to-CBD product. The CBD helps moderate THC’s effects, resulting in a calmer, more manageable experience.
Robb: Flower remains a traditional choice. A low-THC strain allows newcomers to experience cannabis in its most authentic form while keeping the effects gentle.
Tatyana: Microdose edibles, like those containing 2.5mg, are a wonderful way to ease into cannabis. They require less commitment and allow for gradual exploration of effects.
Naomi: A mild vape pen is perfect for those starting out. It delivers quick effects, enabling immediate awareness of how you feel and allows for better control over the experience.
Educational Insight: Edible effects can take longer to manifest (30 minutes to 2 hours) but may last longer (up to 6 hours). In contrast, vaping provides immediate effects as it enters the bloodstream via the lungs, lasting about 1-2 hours.
4. How should I select between sativa, indica, or hybrid strains?
Naomi: Choosing the right strain hinges on what you seek from the experience. Traditionally, indica is associated with relaxation, sativa with energy, and hybrid offers a blend. However, as cultivation methods progress and our understanding of cannabis deepens, we now realize that unique terpenes and cannabinoid profiles greatly influence effects.
Terpenes are natural compounds in plants (including cannabis) that lend distinct aromas and flavors. They significantly contribute to the unique effects of each strain.
Cannabinoids are natural compounds found in cannabis that interact with the human body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), impacting mood, sleep, appetite, pain, and immune responses.
Essentially, while the age-old method of selecting a strain is helpful, numerous factors beyond the plant’s lineage come into play. Discuss your preferences and desired experiences with your budtender, who can assist you in fine-tuning your selection and recommending suitable options.
Educational Insight: Your experiences may differ even among these categories, so experimenting cautiously and keeping a log can be beneficial.
5. Are there cannabis products available that don’t induce a high but still provide health benefits?
Summer: Absolutely! There are numerous cannabis products that deliver wellness benefits without the high.
CBD (Cannabidiol) is comparable to the chill sibling of THC. It’s non-psychoactive, so it won’t elevate you but is excellent for promoting relaxation. Many individuals utilize CBD for stress relief, pain alleviation, and improved sleep.
CBN (Cannabinol) is representative of the sleep-focused member, known for its relaxing effects, making it a popular choice in sleep-enhancing products.
CBG (Cannabigerol) doesn’t produce a high either, but it’s noted for mood elevation and potential anti-inflammatory effects. Many users find it effective for maintaining focus and calm without any psychoactive experience.
CBC (Cannabichromene) is described as a wellness champion among cannabinoids. While it may not cause a high, CBC presents distinctive advantages for skin health and mood enhancement while showing promise in pain relief.
Pro Tip: “Topicals are an excellent selection if you’re aiming to tackle soreness or inflammation while avoiding psychoactive effects.” – Naomi
6. Are there differences between medical and recreational cannabis products?
Cory: In various states, medical cannabis often comes with specific strains, higher potency, or certain cannabinoid ratio formulations aimed at alleviating symptoms like chronic pain or anxiety, whereas recreational cannabis is generally designed for enhancement of experiences and enjoyment.
However, in Missouri, no distinction exists between products designated for medical versus recreational use. The primary differences in this state are the limits on daily purchase amounts and the tax rates applicable to each purchase.
Educational Insight: Medical cannabis is typically prescribed with a focus on specific symptoms or conditions, paying more attention to therapeutic outcomes and patient needs, while recreational cannabis emphasizes user enjoyment and variety.
This post was produced by SLM Partner Studio for Kind Goods. For further information, visit thekindgoods.com or drop by any of their locations in St. Peters, Fenton, Manchester, or Soulard.
