Again , refer to the rule of thumb and start SMALL . If this is your first time , I recommend splitting that 5 mg edible in half and starting there , especially if you ( or your friend / loved one ) are a smaller-bodied person . Wait a full 90 minutes to see if you feel any effect , and go from there . If you feel good , stay there — if you want more , try eating the whole 5 mg next time . Or , perhaps you will need a higher dose , such as 10 or 20 mg , to get the desired effect for your needs . However you do it , start small , move slowly , and build up to what feels good to you . Although edibles do have a longer onset before feeling their effect , they are an excellent option for those who prefer not to inhale cannabis smoke or vapor , and also in terms of discreteness and ease .
Cannabis infused drinks are becoming popular and plentiful . Even infused beers are available .
Are you still sampling through all these products with ease and comfort ? Let ’ s move on to cannabis flower and concentrates . These products are only for you if you don ’ t mind inhaling smoke or vapor and if you have a lifestyle and living situation etc ., that accommodates this method of consumption . Using the start small method , I recommend only taking one puff off a pipe / bong / preroll or one vape off your vape pen . For cannabis flower , prerolls are the easiest ready-tosmoke method off the shelf . However , smokers tend to find this consumption method much easier on their lungs when using a water-filtered pipe or bong to help alleviate the harshness of the smoke . A vape pen is a nice option for discreteness and microdosing , as one draw off a vape pen typically has a much milder effect than a draw off a preroll or pipe with flower in it . Another important piece is to ask the budtender about the THC percentage on the flower or concentrate products as you shop . A product with a lower THC percentage ( under 19 %) and with some CBD percentage ( even if it ’ s small ) is a great choice for new or new once again consumers who are finding their way .
There are more potent concentrates on the market as well , but we will stop here as the others are best kept for experienced consumers who are already savvy with the products mentioned so far .
After some shopping and sampling , you can start working with the products you like in an integrated way to best achieve the desired results for your body and mind .
Everyone ’ s endocannabinoid system is different , so everyone ’ s favorite product selection is almost always different . Since cannabis is still federally illegal , there is not any standardized system on dosing and how-to ’ s for learning your way through the plethora of new products , so we are just stuck with the trial-and-error system until then . By researching the products you want to try , asking lots of questions when you shop , and always starting small and building up slowly , you will find the best products for you .
Have a cannabis education related question for Leah ? She ’ s a St . Louis native and a cannabis activist since 2010 ! Leah is excited to help answer all your medical marijuana questions . Please send questions to
leah @ theweedblog . com . Your question may be featured in a future issue of The EVOLUTION Magazine .