Notes: Cannabis basics
Go too far from nature and you have gone too far.
Sativa gets you up. Indica calms you down. Hybrid is in the middle.
Are you high or are you low? It’s not a personality quiz. It’s about your specific chemistry and how it interacts with cannabinoids. For example: One could choose an Indica and go straight to sleep. Someone else may find the calming quite invigorating and have more energy.
Not sure where to begin? Start with a hybrid. If you feel a bit edgy, work your way to an Indica Hybrid next time. Still too much? Try a heavy indica after that. Feeling too blah? Try a sativa hybrid the next time. Still need more? Work your way to a sativa. You will eventually unlock all the good feelings when you land on the strain that’s right for you.
Your best strain could in fact be several. You may want something energizing in the morning and calming at night. You may be anxious and want more calm. You may feel a bit down and want a lift. It’s a dance.
Most likely, you will have a collection.
Basic Lingo
THC
- The high: Aids in pain management. Neuroprotectant. Lifts the mood and expands the mind.
CBD
- A healing agent and anti-inflammatory. CBD doesn’t get you high unless you’re so tense and feel high on relaxation alone.
CBD + THC
- Sometimes you need to calm down in order to optimize healing . This is where the mind-body connection comes into play.
Note: A little THC is needed to fully activate the CBD. CBD with THC is the gold star.
The Entourage effect
- The full orchestra is playing and you are being hit from a few different angles in the endocannabinoid system.
Terpenes
- The flavor and smell profile
Other Lingo
- Type 1: High THC/little to no CBD
- Type 2: Balanced ratio THC:CBD
- TYPE 3. HIGH CBD:LOW THC
- TYPE 4. HEMP:miniscule to no THC
Notes: Applications
FLOWERS
A full head and body high that typically lasts between two and four hours. We prefer sungrown in native organic soil. We are ‘almost purists’ after all. When choosing indoor, which could be a better option for patients who need exact dosing and consistency each time, or the best option due to the climate conditions in the state, we look for organic and sustainable methods in top-notch facilities. Always in organic soil and always with good intentions. Organic is simply not enough any longer.
CARTRIDGE OIL
Until there’s further research, this method is officially off the table.
EDIBLES
Lean toward a body high and great for aches and pains. The head high is very different than a high from flower and often unpredictable between brands. Typically dissipates between two and 6 hours depending on your metabolism.
The aim is for the same ingredients as our food. Organic and all natural. We prefer RSO or FECO oil and keeping things as close to the plant as possible.
TOPICALS
Relieves localized pain, muscle spasms and tension. Can be used anywhere. Non-psychoactive.
Full disclosure: There are a few brands when put on the inside of the wrist and ankles (venous areas) give you a very subtle buzz.
TIP: Add to massage oil and other lotions and potions.
PATCHES
Deliver via the bloodstream and offer system-wide relief. The easiest to apply for patients and a lifesaver for chronic pain sufferers.
TINCTURES
Great for rapid onset, offset or reset button. This is usually a nasty tasting category, however, we’ve found a couple that are impressively ok.
SUPPOSITORIES and SENSUALS
Centuries-old medicine that originated in Europe. They can relieve pain in the pelvic area and lower back. It can assist in relaxation and stronger orgasms during sex and solo play.
Rule of thumb, nothing goes in or up there that isn’t 100 PCT natural and organic.
Notes: How to use it
You can use cannabis many different ways. You may prefer one way or a few. It’s common to use different applications at different times of the day, or to layer small doses through different applications. For example: a micro dose of an edible for social anxiety with a layer of topical on your wrist for just a touch of something else.
How High? You have the power. You also have the ownership. Newsletter No.07
You cannot overdose on cannabis. It’s virtually impossible
Notes: Dosing
The defining line between stoner and sparked is quantity.
For the newbie: the main advice and best tip to keep in mind:
Go low
and
go
s l o w w w w …
It could take time adjusting to the feeling of being high. Especially if ‘go with the flow’ is not your natural thing.
If you try a strain and you begin to feel anxious, don’t worry. It’ll pass. Relax, breathe, rest, watch Netflix, listen to music, drink lots of water, suck on a lemon, walk around.
It means the strain was too strong or not the right type.
Tolerance and Dependency
If you use cannabis often, your product will have a weakened effect as you become tolerant of it. Always have a back-up to switch to and expect to take breaks. It’s better to switch up than to up your dosage too much.
Don’t worry, you will make it back to your favorite in no time. See dosaging and Newsletter No. 07 (bottom of the page) on cannabis allergies.
Rule of thumb: Start with a baseline (Yours could be higher or lower. There are no rigid rules). For example: A baseline could be 2.5 puffs of flower (not oil) out of a vaporizer. When you notice your 2.5 puffs has increased to 3.5/4 puffs for the same effect, switch up your strains for a few days. If your baseline is still too high, back off for a few days. How many days? Test it out. Is it 3 or 7 days to reset back to 2.5 puffs.
This will keep your high higher and your lungs cleaner. Less is definitely more, tempting as it is.
Notes: Purchasing
The word “Organic” is against the law to use in cannabis. But it’s what we’re looking for.
Before committing to a product: who, what, when, where, why and how, with special emphasis on:
WHO
We expect transparency and passion from makers in addition to mastery. If we can’t get a straight answer to a question, we run the other way.
WHAT
That special effect. We want a product that is not so strong that it will make us forgetful (don’t worry, it returns when you back off), not too weak (what’s the point) and performs consistently.
Like wine, If you love something, stock up. Next year’s crop may not be the same.
WHERE
We prefer sungrown and greenhouse cultivation when we can get our hands on it. However, we are not so rigid on this that we would forgo relief if we needed it. Indoor is a great option for consistency and often strength.
HOW
Top-notch, sustainable facilities, with heart, soul and the best ingredients you can find. The plant is taking the market to unexpected places, so ingenuity is a must. Organic, in soil and with good intentions is a must.
For The Highly Sensitive: in time you will be able to feel the intention of the grower through the plant. No, it’s not your imagination.
WHAT WE LOOK FOR IN A DISPENSARY
A good dispensary can become a homebase. We look for unrushed, one-on-one experiences with guides who can answer health- and product-related questions while drawing from reserves of knowledge and kindness.
Reality: The bar on this has been set too low in the past, but we have hope this part of the service industry will get better in no time.
THE REAL TEST
We don’t just take a product for a spin. We live with it. How does it feel day after day, or night after night? Do we find ourselves reaching for it again?
It doesn’t end there — it is a crop after all.
WE START AGAIN
Is the next harvest as good as last? Is there something new and better?
Notes: Getting it home
There are a few airports such as LAX that allow for small amounts of cannabis to cross state lines. Check the airport policies and ask around. You’ll figure it out. It’s the worst kept secret.
Remember, it’s still a federal offense to cross state lines with cannabis products.
THEN WHAT?
Go home, settle in, enjoy yourself. Enjoy others.
Notes: Deeper Dive
For a deeper dive into the Cannabis world:
“Weediquette” on Viceland. Fall in love with Krishna. Don’t miss the episode on vets.
Ganjapreneur for daily updates on laws and regulations.
Technical420 to follow cannabis stocks.
Episode 8 on cannabis from “The Truth About Cancer,” an eye-opening docuseries whether you’re a patient or simply interested in cancer prevention.
Notes: Intuitive Medicine
The cannabis plant works with you not for you. This is where your participation is expected if you’re consuming for health benefits or as part of a spiritual practice. Becoming intuitive to how things effect your mind, body and spirit becomes its own language if you listen closely.
Not sure how to tune in? Spend time alone while experimenting. Pay attention to your thoughts and physical responses. Get to know yourself, accept yourself and learn how to properly love yourself.
Peace, love and transformation
