A Guide to Cannabis: Part 4

Welcome back! Last time we took you through the basics of cannabis consumption. This time we will be guiding you through edibles:

1. How to dose yourself and other types of cannabis products.
2. We also have a great infused mocktail recipe to add a bit of fizz to any dull party.
3. We included some handy infographics and some extra reading for those who want to take a closer look at cannabis consumption.

Let us dive right into The Guide To Cannabis: Part 4

Edibles and dosage

In the last blog, we explained how each person has a unique internal environment, so the experience of a dose of edible cannabis can vary significantly from one person to the next. This is due to several factors, including the previous history of cannabis use, gastrointestinal factors, and the sensitivity of one’s endocannabinoid system.

The ideal edible dosage depends on your tolerance, individual body chemistry and the experience you’re looking for. Here are some guidelines that will help you find the best dose of edibles, measured in milligrams (mg). Use this handy guide to work out the dosage of edible products.

Recommended dosage

• 1 – 2.5 mg THC edibles
  Effects: Mild relief of pain, stress, and anxiety; increased focus and creativity.
  Good for: First-time consumers or regular consumers looking to microdose.
• 2.5 – 15 mg THC edibles
  Effects: Stronger relief of pain and anxiety symptoms; euphoria; impaired coordination and perception.
  Good for: Standard recreational use; persistent symptoms not addressed by smaller doses; people looking for a good night’s sleep.
• 30 – 50 mg THC edibles
  Effects: Strong euphoric effects; significantly impaired coordination and perception.
  Good for: High tolerance THC consumers; consumers whose GI systems don’t absorb cannabinoids well.
• 50 – 100 mg THC edibles
  Effects: Seriously impaired coordination and perception; possible unpleasant side effects including nausea, pain, and increased heart rate.
  Good for: Experienced, high-tolerance THC consumers; patients living with inflammatory disorders, cancer, and other serious conditions.

Read more here

Now that you know how to dose yourself safely and how to have a good experience, let’s teach you about some of the most popular cannabis products. Here’s our guide to cannabis products 101

Types of cannabis products

• Flower – the flower of the cannabis plant which is dried and cured. Most often ground up and smoked in joints, bowls, pipes and bongs. Can be processed to make oils, butters and other cannabis concentrates.
• Dry sift or kief – a potent cannabis product made from the trichomes of the plant. This dry powder is ideal for cooking as it is low in flavor and high in potency.
• Bubble hash – a pure cannabis extraction using ice to agitate the trichomes and produce a refined brown crumbly substance. Can be smoked with or without flower or used in butter and oil for edibles.
• Cannabis butter – butter infused with cannabis, at a low temperature over a long period of time. Best used for edibles where the flavor of butter is desirable.
• Cannabis oil – any oil (olive, coconut etc) infused with cannabis. Best used for making edibles and topicals.
• Tincture – alcohol infused with cannabis. Using alcohol as a base seems to increase the onset time of the high making it faster and easier to dose than oils. Best used for edibles like gummies. Can be used to make other products like cannabis sugar.
• Distillate – concentrated cannabinoids distilled from plant matter or other concentrates. Pure at a molecular level, this normally comes as an odorless and tasteless oil or powder. Great for edibles.
• Isolate – isolated cannabinoids from distilled cannabis. For example you can isolate CBD for legal use without any THC. Ideal for use in medicinal products where dosage etc are important
• Topicals – Cannabis products made to be applied externally to the skin. Cannabinoids can be absorbed by the skin. Best used for skin ailments like cancer and growths, rashes and eczema, as well as muscle and joint pain. Topicals do not have psychoactive effects.
• Budder – concentrates whipped under high heat to create a batter like consistency. Best used for smoking and dabbing.
• Crumble – dried cannabis oil with a honeycomb consistency.
• Shatter – a solid, honey colored pane resembling a glass shard. It is often dabbed or crumbled into joints or bowls. Can be gently heated before adding to food.
• Rosin – a highly concentrated cannabis extraction made by squeezing cannabis flower under high heat and pressure. Generally dabbed in a dab rig.
• Sauce – a cannabis extract with a high terpene content and liquid consistency. Made using chemical solvents, they are known for being flavorful. Best added to bowls and dabs.
• Wax – this cannabis concentrate is named after its resemblance to candle wax. It can be heated and smoked with or without flower or gently heated before adding to food.