The cannabis market is flooded with different products. From concentrates, topicals, edibles to tinctures, each type serves a different purpose and has a different effect. But to enjoy cannabis products, you must ensure you have quality products of the correct type.
Getting the right cannabis product can be an exercise, especially if you are a beginner. However, you should not shy off from experimenting with caution until you get the ideal type. Every experience with a cannabis product counts since each product offers unique effects.
On the good side, certain factors guide you to picking the right cannabis product, as discussed below. So, if you are searching for the right cannabis in Ontario, we got you covered.
Factors to Guide your Search for the Right Cannabis
Know the Type of Cannabis Strain
There are three popular cannabis strains, Indica, Sativa, and hybrid. Knowing the type of strain to buy is very important because each strain has different uses. To get the most from your strain, you must first identify the need for the cannabis product. For instance, you might be struggling with insomnia, appetite, or maybe you want a mood boost and relaxation.
If you’re not sure about the strain to buy, let the cannabis dispensary attendant help you identify the best strain for your condition. However, it is good to have an idea of the different types of strains.
- Indica is excellent for relaxing and great for insomnia.
- Sativa is a stimulant and a great mood booster.
- Hybrid, on the other hand, is a combination of the two strains.
So, when the budtender prescribes either of the strain, you can gauge its reaction before consuming.
Consider the Chemotype
The chemotype is the concentration of THC and CBD present in the cannabis strain. THC and CBD are the most common of over a hundred cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant. CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that does not cause mind-altering effects. THC, on the other hand, is intoxicating and causes the high in cannabis.
Knowing the ratio of the two cannabinoids present in your strain at purchase is essential. THC concentration can go up to 20% in cannabis products. Depending on how high you want to get, look at the percentage of THC. For instance, if you don’t want to be very high, you can balance THC and CBD. You can even choose a product with more CBD concentration than THC to tone down the THC impact. The higher the THC percentage, the higher you will be after consumption.
Be Aware of Terpenes Present
Terpenes are essential oils present in the cannabis plant and are responsible for the taste and smell of the strains. When choosing the best cannabis product for you, it is good to consider the terpenes present. A cannabis strain can contain one or more of the terpenes. Always smell the different strains present and even taste if possible to identify the perfect one.
Follow your mind to choose your most favorite flavor or scent but stay open to new experiences.
Decide on the Method of Consumption
The method of consumption is a great determinant of the patient’s experience with cannabis. The methods contribute to how fast the body absorbs the cannabis product. Cannabis products are consumable either through ingestion, inhalation, or topical application.
Inhalation involves smoking and vaping dried cannabis flowers. This method is popular because it has a high bioavailability. Besides, when inhaled the body absorbs the vapor or smoke faster into the bloodstream.
Ingestion of cannabis products can happen either through eating cannabis-infused foods or products or taking it sublingually. It takes a few minutes, like say 20 minutes to two hours, before the effects kick in. Topicals react almost similar to inhaling cannabis, so you should be careful when selecting the different products.
Generally, smoking and vaping are fast-acting hence suitable for emergency situations like when dealing with anxiety or pain. But if it's not urgent, edibles or topicals are the best options because the effects last longer in the body.
Dosage
Knowing the amounts of cannabis ideal for your need is crucial. However, there is no standard since everyone reacts differently to cannabis. The ideal dose depends on your age, gender, body weight, and the potency of the product. It's advisable to start with a low dose and increase gradually as you gauge the effects of each dose.
Conclusion
Before setting out to buy cannabis products, make sure you have the right dealer. Poor quality cannabis products in the vastly unregulated market are not uncommon, the products can be harmful to your body. Lastly, keep cannabis products out of reach of children, and in case of adverse effects, consult with your doctor. With these factors in mind, follow the above guidelines for an amazing cannabis experience.
References
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medication/cannabis/about.html
https://www.aglc.ca/cannabis/cannabis-facts/cannabis-101-what-cannabis/methods-consumption