From pre-rolled joints and vape pens to gummies and tinctures, the cannabis market continues to grow its myriad of different products. But what is the right product for you?
When you look into the world of marijuana and all its permutations, it can get confusing with all the different types of cannabis products in the market.
Weed, shatter, oil, edibles—what’s the difference?
What kind of high will each give me? Is vaping better than smoking?
If you’re new to the world of weed, you might have some questions.
Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. The following guide will explain everything you need to know about all the various cannabis products available – from different strains to THC + CBD tinctures and everything in between.
This will help you make better decisions when choosing products from dispensaries like this Calgary weed delivery service.
What Is Cannabis?
Cannabis is a plant native to Central and Eastern Asia and has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. It only became popular in the Western world during the 20th century.
Cannabis has different chemical compounds within its leaves, flowers, and stalks called cannabinoids. These chemicals give the plant its unique psychoactive and medicinal properties.
The two most common cannabinoids in the plant are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
THC gets you high, while CBD has few psychoactive properties.
Different Forms of Cannabis
There are many different forms of marijuana on the market today, so let’s chat quickly about them before diving into each product.
Cannabis Flower is the most popular form of marijuana, and its buds come in many different strains and types. Each strain has its own set of THC and CBD levels and a unique trichome profile.
Cannabis Concentrates are created by extracting the cannabinoids from the marijuana plant using various methods. Some of the most popular cannabis extracts on the market include shatter, hash, THCA diamonds, wax, butter or ‘budder’, and terpene sauces.
Cannabis Edibles are baked goods infused with cannabis. They are potent and should be consumed with caution. You can find cannabis gummies, chocolate, baked goods, and drinks at nearly any dispensary or online shop.
Cannabis Topicals are cannabis-infused balms and creams that have no psychoactive effects and treat ailments like joint pain and muscle cramps.
Cannabis Flower
Flowers or ‘Buds’ are the most popular cannabis product on the market today, and I’m sure we won’t see a drop in this any time soon. If you’re looking for some education on cannabis buds, look at our previous articles.
It’s still keen to note the differences between cannabis flower products and how to identify the correct strains for you. So let’s crack straight into it:
Indica Strain Products
Indica strains are associated with relaxation and calming sensations that lead to heavy sedative effects later on. If you’re looking for a strain that’s great for chillin’ around the house or to help you sleep, Indica strains are a great place to begin your search.
Sativa Strains
Sativa strains are known for being the flower you smoke throughout the day. These strains are perfect for social gatherings or if you want to remain productive throughout the day without dealing with the drowsiness associated with Indica strains. They typically give users more energy and inspire creativity.
Let’s talk about trichomes and their more profound role in your flower.
Trichome Profiles
While Sativa and Indica strains are a great way to quickly get an idea of what a product has to offer you, we can get more granular by looking at each strain’s trichome profile.
Trichomes are tiny hairs found on the plant’s surface that contain resin glands that create terpenes, cannabinoids, flavonoids, and other phytocannabinoids.
These trichomes are responsible for producing the unique high gifted to us from each cannabis strain.
Once you find a strain that is precisely what you want, take note of its aroma, taste, and high.
You can use this information to help you choose the right cannabis strain every time.
Edibles: Weed In A Different Form
Edibles are baked goods infused with cannabis extracts. They’re a great way to reap the benefits of cannabis without smoking or vaping.
Many edibles come in the form of gummies, cookies, or candy, brownies, cookies, and chocolate.
Edibles can take between 30 minutes and two hours to kick in. The amount of time it takes to feel the effects depends on the person, their metabolism, and the type of edibles they consume.
Edibles are best for experienced cannabis users, so be careful if you are not familiar with the effects of cannabis and edibles. They have a high THC content, and the results can last up to 12 hours.
Tinctures: Easy and Effective Cannabis Consumption
Cannabis Tinctures are concentrated herbal extracts infused with cannabinoids.
They’re made by soaking herbs and flowers in alcohol, steeping them in a solvent, or using a CO2 extraction method.
Tinctures are a great way to consume cannabis if you aren’t a fan of smoking and want a more controlled dosage than edibles.
They’re easy to make and are especially great for people who don’t want to smoke or ingest baked goods. They can be swallowed like a pill or added to a beverage.
These products can be used for both recreational and medicinal purposes. They’re especially great for people suffering from chronic pain, anxiety, or insomnia.
It’s important to note that tinctures are potent, so use them with caution.
CBD Products
CBD products are created by removing psychoactive substances like THC from the cannabis plant and only extracting CBD concentrate.
They’re used in the treatment of ailments like pain and help alleviate symptoms of cancer and mental disorders. CBD products come in various formats, from oils to edibles and vape cartridges.
CBD products are great for people who don’t like the idea of consuming THC. Anxiety, stress, and other everyday ailments use CBD products to help medicate these conditions. They’re also available as sprays or transdermal patches.
Pre-Rolled Joints
Pre-rolls are pre-packaged joints that are either made with dry herb or a combination of herb and extracts like shatter or wax. They’re a convenient way to smoke cannabis and come in many different strains/flavors.
Pre-rolled joints and vape pens are great for first-time smokers. They’re easy to use and don’t require much preparation. Vape pens are great for people who like to control their dosage.
Vape Pens
Vape pens are handheld devices filled with cannabis extract in convenient vape cartridges. They’re a great way to smoke cannabis discreetly since they don’t produce any odor.
The most common vape pens are a combo of a 510-thread cartridge and a 510-thread battery. There are also disposable vape pens that you can toss in the garbage once it runs out of juice.
Conclusion
Cannabis products come in various forms, and there is something for everyone these days, from smokeless products like tinctures and edibles to alternatives to flower like concentrates and vape pens.
If you have any more questions, drop them down below, and we will be sure to get back to you immediately!
