ask Leah ...
Missouri Cannabis Education
What Are The Best Cannabis Products to Try If You Are a New ( Or New Once Again ) Consumer ?
Getting the most out of your dispensary shopping trip . by Leah Maurer , contributing writer
Leah
Leah Maurer , a native Missourian , is now a canna-journalist and activist living in Portland , OR . She is a co-owner of
www . TheWeedBlog . com , a top national cannabis news and information publication , where she serves as the Editorial Lead . In 2014 , Leah founded Moms for YES on Measure 91 through grassroots efforts alone , it proved pivotal in the passage of the Measure , successfully legalizing recreational / adult-use cannabis in the OR . Leah is a social justice and cannabis activist at the core and hopes to see an end to the prohibition of cannabis globally .
While I have shared my thoughts about topics similar to this question in the past , I think it is important to revisit this content with a new perspective now that adult-use cannabis is legal in Missouri . This column is written specifically for new , or new after many years , cannabis consumers , as well as for those who wish to share the benefits of cannabis with their friends , relatives , or other loved ones who may be curious about trying some of the cannabis products to which everyone in Missouri now has legal access .
The rule of thumb here is to start small and go slow , which goes for any product type . It may seem tedious , but it is tried and trite and really the only way to find the best products for your body . If you have never used cannabis or have not used cannabis in a very long time , there can be a steep learning curve to finding what products mesh with your wants and needs and are also a good fit for your lifestyle . The good news is now that all adults have access to cannabis products in dispensaries , there are LOTS of options ! Think of this experience in a similar way to how you would if you were trying to find an ideal brand or type of wine or coffee and go with what feels best for you and your life .
For those wanting a more therapeutic effect and a slow introduction , particularly if you are dealing with muscle issues or any chronic pain , I recommend starting with transdermal patches and tinctures . These products tend to give you less of the head-high and focus more on the benefits cannabis can have for your body . They also have a slow onset and last for several hours , with patches even lasting for days while they still adhere to your skin . If you want to take another step back , topicals are a great spot to start too . Topicals are typically lotions or salves that absorb into the skin and have a very localized effect on muscle or joint pain with no “ high ” feeling at all . These options are also great for those who may have trouble inhaling smoke or vapor , or with eating or digestion .
Edibles are a nice option for those who want to try a little more or perhaps after you have sampled your way through the above product recommendations . Now , perhaps you had that awful edible overconsumption experience with pot brownies or something like that in your past ; many of us have ! One of the most wonderful things about legalized and regulated cannabis sales , especially for edibles , is that dosing information must be clearly labeled and outlined on the product packaging . Whether you choose to purchase gummies , chocolates , hard candies , or another kind of cannabis edible product , the label should tell you how much THC is
in the product in total . It should also give you a breakdown for 5 , 10 , to 15 mg pieces ( typically perforated squares if it ’ s chocolate or dosed per a gummy or candy ).
24 March 2023