Sparking Up: Our quick start guide to using cannabis products
If you’re new to cannabis, or haven’t used it in a long time, we know that it can be intimidating. Let us take some of the stress out of getting started with this brief guide to using cannabis products.
In this post, we’ll cover,
Tips for getting started
Understand effects profiles
Cannabinoids 101
Terpenes 101
Using different types of cannabis products
Where to buy cannabis products at a Vermont dispensary near you
Learning from seasoned cannabis experts can be helpful, but if you’re new to cannabis products it’s best to start with a low dose and go slowly.
Tips For Getting Started
Find the right dose and the right products for you is a process. Everyone's metabolism and tolerance is different. What works for others might not be quite right for you. Keeping a journal with notes when you try new products will help you track what works best.
Start Low & Go Slow
Begin with the smallest recommended dose and gradually increase as needed. The goal is to find the Minimum Effective Dose which provides the desired results with the lowest dose. In Vermont, the “standard dose” for cannabis edibles is 5mg of THC. This might be right for some, but new users may way to start with half a dose or less until they know how it will make them feel. You can always take more, but if you take too much, too quickly it can lead to an uncomfortable experience.
Wait Between Doses
To avoid over-consumption and uncomfortable side-effects, be sure to wait the advised time between doses. This will vary by product type and method of consumption. A little later we’ll discuss different ways to use cannabis and will make recommendations on how long to wait between doses.
Follow Product Labels
It’s best to adhere to the dosing recommendations provided on the product’s packaging. If no recommendations are provided, ask your budtender for their advice.
Understand Effects Profiles
Cannabis products can provide a variety of effects profiles, based on the type, cannabinoid composition and terpene content. Researchers believe that the specific combination of cannabinoids and terpenes in a given cannabis strain will influence how the user feels thanks to a concept called the entourage effect. Our favorite metaphor for how it works is to think about a car: cannabinoids (like THC) are the gas in the tank, while terpenes are the hands on the wheel, steering the experience to uplifting, relaxing, or somewhere in between.
Cannabinoids 101
Cannabinoids are active compounds found in the cannabis plant, each with its own unique effects and potential therapeutic benefits. The cannabis plant produces over a hundred cannabinoids. They interact with our endocannabinoid system which plays a role in a range of biological functions including sleep, mood, inflammation & appetite.
THC - Tetrahydrocannabinol
Perhaps the most well-known cannabinoid, THC is responsible for the psychoactive & intoxicating effects, or the euphoric "high" associated with cannabis use. It is being researched for its potential to help with pain, sleep and nausea.
CBD - Cannabidiol
CBD is non-intoxicating and being researched for potential therapeutic benefits such as calming the mind, soothing aches & pains, and getting a good night’s rest. You can learn more about CBD from our sibling company, Sunset Lake CBD.
CBN - Cannabinol
CBN shows potential for helping with sleep, restlessness and possibly pain management. CBN is created as THC ages and breaks down, which is why older cannabis is often associated with sleepiness.
Other Cannabinoids
Other cannabinoids like CBG (Cannabigerol), CBC (Cannabichromene), and THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) are also present in cannabis, contributing to its complex profile and effects. Although they are generally less researched than THC and CBD, there is growing interest in their potential.
Terpenes 101
Terpenes, aromatic compounds found in cannabis and other plants, are key to the unique scents and flavors of cannabis strains. They interact with cannabinoids via the "entourage effect," which can influence mood and physical sensations. Some terpenes enhance CBD's calmness or THC's euphoria, revealing why cannabis experiences vary by cultivar (“strain”). Understanding the terpene profile of a product can help you predict its effects. Be sure to keep a journal with notes about what works well for you.
Myrcene - The most commonly found terpene in cannabis, Myrcene is thought to provide a calming, relaxing experience.
Limonene - Fresh and bright, Limonene is also found in all citrus fruits. When found in high concentrations in cannabis, it is thought to provide an uplifting vibe.
beta-Caryophyllene - Caryophyllene is one of the major terpenes found in cannabis and it plays a big role in what your cannabis smells like. Also found in warm spices like black pepper and clove, it can help with relaxation.
Other Terpenes - While researchers don’t agree on the exact number, cannabis plants produce over 100 different terpenes, too many to cover here. Some other common terpenes include, Terpinolene, Humulene and Ocimene.
Types of Cannabis
Cannabis is commonly sorted into types, such as Sativa, Indica or Hybrid. These classifications can provide hints into the effects profile.
Sativa - Uplifting and energizing, ideal for daytime use and for creative activities. Examples: Raspberry Parfait, Hella Jelly, Pineapple Haze.
Indica - Known for soothing qualities, commonly cited for use for pain or in the evening to aid with stress or sleep. Examples: All Gas OG, Blueberry Muffin.
Hybrid - Combines Sativa and Indica traits, offering a balanced experience that could range from energizing to relaxing, depending on the hybrid. Most modern cannabis strains are hybrids. Examples: NOX Cookies, Jelly Donutz, Terp Poison.
Using Different Types of Cannabis Products
Each delivery method offers unique benefits. The most common way to consumer cannabis is to smoke it. But with advances in technology, there are now many ways to use “marijuana” that don’t involve actually sparking up.
Edibles
Edibles take the longest to kick in, but they offer the longest-lasting effects. Because of the delayed onset, it’s important to wait until you feel the full effects before taking more to avoid overdoing it. Edibles come in many forms including gummies and drinks like our High Branch Sparkling Cannabis Cider.
Recommended Dose: Start with one serving of 5mg THC or less.
Onset: 45 to 120 minutes
Duration: 4 to 8 hours, depending on dose
Between Doses: Wait 30-60 minutes
Smoking & Vaping
Inhalation offers the fastest onset time, as the product enters your blood stream via the lungs. This method is traditional and offers the easiest and fastest way to adjust your dose. Smoking cannabis flowers is a traditional method and can involve rolling a joint, packing a pipe, or seasoned users may enjoy the cooler smoke offered by a bong. Vaping typically involves a vape cart (short for “cartridge”) which contains oil and terpenes extracted from cannabis flowers.
Recommended Dose: Start with one inhalation (2 seconds or less)
Onset: 1-15 minutes
Duration: 2-6 hours
Between Doses: Wait 15-20 minutes
Tinctures
Tinctures make it easy to dial in your exact dose while providing long-lasting relief. We recommend putting the oil under your tongue (sublingual) for faster absorption.
Recommended Dose: Start with one serving of 5mg THC or less.
Onset: 15-30 minutes
Duration: 2-4 hours
Between Doses: Wait 30-60 minutes
Topicals
Topicals like our Super Salve act locally and do not enter the blood stream. This means you won’t get any intoxicating effects by using topicals. There are products on the market that are specifically formulated to enter the blood stream through the skin - these are called transdermal, and are usually in the form of a stick-on patch. To use a topical cannabis salve, thoroughly rub the recommended amount onto affected area.
Recommended Dose: Typically a dime-sized amount. Refer to packaging for the manufacturer’s recommended dose and application method.
Onset: 10 to 90 minutes
Duration: Up to 12 hours
Between Doses: Wait 3-60 minutes
Concentrates
There are many high-potency cannabis concentrates on the market today, but new users should proceed with caution. In Vermont, recreational cannabis concentrate products can have up to 60% THC by law, making them a great option for seasoned users and people who cannabis therapeutically. Examples of cannabis concentrates include live rosin, wax, shatter, diamonds, traditional hashish, and hash temple balls.
Owning to their strong potency, concentrates are not recommend for novice users.
Ready to roll it up?
Now that you have a good understanding of modern cannabis product options, are you ready to light up? You can head over to the Find Us page to locate a dispensary near you where you can buy Sunset Lake Cannabis products! And you can always visit our flagship farm store in South Hero, Lake Effect Vermont.
If you still have questions and want some help picking out the right product or learning how to use it, feel free to send us an email.
