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When it comes to using cannabis, there is no universal approach that will work for everyone. Your personal physical and emotional makeup play a crucial role in how you should approach consumption.

This can be both a positive and negative thing. On one hand, the wide variety of cannabis products available allows for individualized options. However, if you are not familiar with what you are doing, you may experience disappointment or even adverse effects.

The key factor in using cannabis is dosage. If you are new to marijuana, it’s important to start slow and gradually increase your intake. Pretending to be an experienced smoker to impress others can lead to unpleasant consequences.

For those who roll their own joints, a standard-sized one typically contains around one gram of weed. This amount may be too strong for novice users. It’s best to begin with a quarter-gram joint and gradually work up to larger amounts.

Edible products like cannabis chocolate bars can contain up to 20 grams of weed per piece. Consuming an entire piece at once could have the same effect as smoking six joints. This temptation to finish the whole chocolate bar due to its delicious taste can result in overdosing. Dabbing with concentrate also requires careful dosing. These forms of cannabis are extremely potent, so it’s essential to start with small amounts, about the size of a grain of rice. Once you have found the right dosage for your tolerance level, it’s important to educate yourself on other aspects of consumption.

For instance, edibles take longer to have an effect because they are digested rather than inhaled like smoking. Depending on your body composition and metabolism, it can take anywhere from forty minutes to two hours for the effects to kick in. It’s important not to consume more edibles in an attempt to speed up the process, as this can result in an overdose.

A beginner’s manual for using cannabis concentrates

High potency.

Crafting cannabis concentrates is a task best left to professionals. It requires skill and can be dangerous. Concentrates come in various forms, such as wax, kief, powders, resin, hash, but “concentrates” usually refers to wax and shatter.

This reduction process produces a highly potent product. Expect 70% to 90% THC levels, which can be overwhelming if not handled properly. Consuming too much can result in paranoia, delirium, panic, hallucinations, and even lung infections. Those with pre-existing conditions like schizophrenia, psychosis, or bipolar disorder are at higher risk.

Efficient impact.

Using a small amount of concentrate will give you a stronger and longer-lasting high compared to smoking weed. This makes it more cost-effective.

According to Adam Drury from GreenRushDaily.com, “Due to the concentrated nature of dabs, you’re simply taking in more THC than you could smoke flower or even eating edibles. And that THC sticks around in your system longer, making sure you absorb as much as possible.” The effects can last for days depending on factors like strain, metabolism, and dosage. However, it is recommended to start slowly with consumption.

Expect side-effects.

Consuming concentrates may result in some side-effects. You may experience excessive coughing and sweating. It’s important to have water nearby to soothe your throat and rehydrate your body.

When purchasing concentrates, make sure there is a label indicating the contents and dosage. For example, alcohol-based extracts are meant for oral consumption and not dabbing. Trust your budtender to guide you through your options if you are unsure.

Your satisfaction

Edibles are popular among medical patients due to their convenience. As the medical marijuana market grows, manufacturers are creating new and innovative products. However, quality control and standardization of ingredients and dosage need to be established by states. Concentrates are a different story. They are highly potent and pose a risk for both inexperienced and experienced users. Customers must choose the type of concentrate, method of consumption, and strength of dosage carefully. Despite the growing demand for more intense experiences, concentrates may not be suitable for beginners.

It would be wise for the cannabis industry to collaborate on product quality and labeling before state regulations come into play. This will ensure accountability in case of any harmful effects from edibles or concentrates.

3 Tips for Soothing a Friend Who is Feeling Overwhelmed by Being Too High It is not uncommon for people to get too high from using cannabis. This can happen to first-time users or those who try a more potent strain than they are used to. The side effects, such as red eyes and dry mouth, may be uncomfortable but not dangerous. However, the behavior that can result from being too high can be concerning, especially if the individual decides to drive while under the influence. In some cases, it can cause problems or lead to embarrassing social behaviors.

Another potential issue is experiencing extreme psychoactive effects, such as paranoia and hallucinations. While these symptoms typically subside within a few hours, they can be frightening enough for some individuals to seek medical help.

1. To avoid getting too high on cannabis, it is wise to consume it with others who can monitor your usage and offer support. This is true whether you are smoking or consuming edibles. If a friend does get too high, there are steps you can take to help them calm down. These include stopping their intake, removing them from the situation, encouraging hydration and nourishment, and providing distractions such as music or video games. It’s also important to avoid adding alcohol into the mix and be mindful of any underlying mental health conditions that may worsen with
   cannabis use, such as anxiety and depression.
2. Hallucinations are a result of the brain playing tricks on itself. They differ from paranoia in that they make individuals feel like they are living in a completely different world from reality. These symptoms are often associated with psychosis and schizophrenia, caused by malfunctions in the brain’s processing abilities. While cannabis-related hallucinations may subside as the effects wear off, there is still concern about the impact on young people whose brains are still developing. Hallucinations can manifest as auditory, gustatory, olfactory, visual or tactile experiences,
   sometimes feeling like vivid dreams. Some believe these are symbolic representations of repressed memories and emotional problems, while others view them as a way to access experiences stored in the unconscious mind that have been altered by various influences such as cannabis and other stimulants. Certain factors such as preexisting physical, neurological, and psychological conditions may make some cannabis users more susceptible to experiencing
   hallucinations.
   What should you do? It’s important to remember that it’s the THC content in cannabis that can trigger hallucinations. If possible, avoid strains with high levels of THC and opt for strains with CBD instead to counteract the effects. If a friend is experiencing a hallucination, offer physical comfort and distraction by moving them to a calm and familiar environment or playing calming music through headphones.
3. Cannabis use can affect coordination between the brain and body. Many people use cannabis specifically for its relaxing and disorienting effects, but this can also make activities like driving or operating machinery dangerous. If using cannabis with friends, be sure to watch out for each other’s signs of impairment. Studies have shown that regular cannabis use can lead to changes in corticostriatal networks responsible for control and motor learning. It may also affect memory, reaction time, and the ability to switch between tasks. The brain processes information differently when under the influence of cannabis, especially with certain strains.
   What should you do? If you or a friend are experiencing these effects, it’s best to stop using cannabis for the time being. If you notice that specific strains consistently cause these effects, try switching to a different strain. You can also try spacing out your tokes or bites and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water (although avoiding coffee is recommended). Going for a walk or doing light exercise can also help reduce the effects and restore coordination and
   alertness.
   Bigger problems? While cannabis is not known to have the same negative impact on the respiratory system as smoking tobacco or using hard drugs, it can potentially affect blood pressure and heart rhythm. Some research has shown an increase in blood pressure immediately after consuming cannabis, but this typically subsides quickly. THC content seems to be the main factor, with CBD possibly having a positive effect on blood pressure in individuals with hypertension. Strains like Blue Dream, Northern Lights, and Purple Wreck may have beneficial THC:CBD ratios for those with high blood pressure. However, if you or a friend experience irregular heartbeat or significant changes in blood pressure, seek medical attention at an emergency ward or clinic.

Once you are introduced to your first cannabis puff, you may be surprised how much is involved. If you want the recreational or medical benefits — or a bit of it- there’s much to learn. The information has become more critical for several reasons. First, the massive marketing effort launched by hemp-based products will distract you from the cannabis-based products you want to explore. Second, progressive legalization offers a variety of strains with quality
standards you’ll never find on the street. And third, cannabis strains have increased in strength, so you should be sure you know what you are looking for.

The Hemp issue:

Cannabaceae is a botany class that includes Cannabis India, Cannabis Sativa, and Cannabis Ruderalis. Hemp is a form of Cannabis Sativa grown since antiquity for fiber and food. As an agricultural resource, it is grown by an increasing number of farms throughout the Northern Hemisphere.

Hemp fiber strengthens rope and adds character to carpets and fabrics for everyday wear and high fashion. It remains an easily grown and sustainable agrarian resource. But it also has medical benefits because of its minimal trace of the psychoactive THC (Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol) and a large dose of calming CBD (cannabidiol).

Because it is not listed as a risk by the FDA, hemp is easily available in all states and online. While there are fewer restrictions on research, claims about hemp’s medical benefits are mainly anecdotal, so the FDA has taken an interest in increasing claims about hemp’s efficacy. The problem facing beginners is that hemp producers and distributors have hit the media with enough coverage to confuse beginners.

Cannabis sativa

Cannabis sativa is an annual herbaceous flowering plant providing industrial fiber, seeds, oil, food, recreation, spiritual moods, and medicine. Male plants die after pollination, and female plants produce flowers and benefits.

Sativa grows tall with long branches and narrow-blade leaves, making it difficult to raise. Sativa takes as much as six months to flower, and that slow growth produces a larger yield with lower THC than Indica.

Sativa strains work quickly and provide an energetic, stimulating, and uplifting buzz. Proven to improve creativity, cannabis sativa has attracted artists, musicians, and writers. At the very least, it will improve your experience with art, movies, and music.

Sativa strains will increase focus and increase appetite. Other effects also serve medical issues by reducing or eliminating anxiety, depression, migraines, muscular cramps, nausea, pain, and spasticity. It is also known to counter the influence of THC, so stains with a balanced ratio can provide the best effects.

Cannabis Indica

Cannabis Indica originated in the Hindu Kush mountains of the Asian subcontinent, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, and surrounding regions. Inaccurately labeled as Indian, it spread throughout the Middle East, Europe, and regions along the Spice and Silk Roads. The short, stocky Indica plant has wide-bladed leaves. Its shorter height means an eight—to twelve-week growth before flowering, smaller yields, and higher THC potency. However, its denser CBD count can leave users with body stone.

It treats many of the same medical conditions as the Sativa. Still, it is well known for its anti-spasmatic properties, which treat pediatric epilepsy, involuntary muscle contractions, and chronic pain from autoimmune disorders.

Cannabis Ruderalis

Cannabis Ruderalis is the poor cousin of Sativa and Indica. But it does survive in the harshest natural and artificial environments. Its durability intrigues breeders and growers who have sought to introduce its strengths into other lines.

The ruderal DNA produces a thick, fiber-dense plant. It flowers automatically in 21 to 30 days. It is bred as a hybrid with Sativa and Indica to grow plants with strength and early dependable harvest.

So, what are you looking for?

Beginners can expect some adverse side effects on their first use, just as you might expect from your first cigarette. There might be something rough in your throat and nose, you may cough, and you might experience lightheadedness or nausea. But you’ll stick with it to enjoy the benefits.

Ask your friends and the dispensary’s budtenders for advice, and they’ll recommend some of the following:

Mango is a long-time popular Indica that produces relaxed, happy, and sleepy results. There’s enough THC to notice the effects but not enough to concern you. You’ll feel a euphoric hit, laugh a lot, and enjoy your friends immensely. Try this after dinner for pick-up, and you’ll be ready for a deep sleep at bedtime.

Chernobyl has enough THC to bother a newcomer, so you want to use this lightly and slowly until you are comfortable. But you should enjoy dreamy head highs, leaving you focused and creative.

Harlequin makes everyone’s lists for early use. This one’s high in CBD and low in THC, so the cerebral effects are minimal while the medical benefits are optimized. You should enjoy the calming effects and pain relief.

AC/DC is another classic with a name that belies its properties. This is not a heavy metal experience. Instead, it produces a calming sedation close to the couch lock.

Jack Herer is named for a renowned early cannabis activist. It’s a bit higher in THC content and impacts with a moderate psychic buzz that won’t push you to the edge of anxiety or paranoia. Jack Here has been a go-to option for regular users for a long time.

Plushberry is another moderate THC strain to ease you into a higher THC experience without hitting beginners too hard too early.

Hindu Kush is as close as you can get to the ancient strains. More potent than the other strains listed so far, it’s also relaxing enough that it won’t freak a beginner out.

Blue Dream is a beautiful plant that crosses Blueberry Indica and Sativa Haze for balanced cerebral excitement and full-body relaxation. Its sweet berry taste and aroma and medical benefits have made it the most popular strain across the U.S.

For decades, White Widow has been recommended for its smooth experience. After a totally relaxing reaction, it’ll make you hungry.

Don’t limit yourself.

This short list covers the classics; without diminishing them, there are other options. Each of the strains listed has new relatives. Breeders are developing new strains and variations on these classics to give first-time users and veterans choices they will appreciate.