With the legalization of cannabis, an unexpected issue has arisen. SO. MANY. CHOICES. Not only do you have a plethora of brands to choose from, those brands have dozens of strains. Quality and effect can vary wildly.
One of the first questions you need to ask yourself is, what are you trying to achieve with cannabis. Is it a river day? I suggest something that unplugs the brain, but isn’t sedative. Are you trying to get your chores done, but don’t have the motivation? I would show you an energetic sativa. Had a rough day? Get yourself a sedative “end-of-the-day” high.
Now quality is harder to determine. As a salesperson, I should tell you quality and price are intertwined, but it is not. Unfortunately, the only way to determine quality is to smoke it. There are however telltale signs for quality that you can look for.
- Density. How a bud is structured is a sign of how it was cared for. Longer skinnier buds could be from not enough light. Super dense buds could have had growth hormones added. Neither of these are certain to be the case, but it can be helpful.
- Color. Brown weed isn’t always going to be bad, but it isn’t ever my first choice. A healthy Green or even Purple is my first go to.
- Trichome production. How “Crystally ” is the bud. Is there a lot or a little? If you can check the color of the heads of the trichomes they should be a nice amber color.
- Testing Results. I mention this last because not only is testing unreliable as far as being a good indicator of quality, THC is not like alcohol’s “proof” system. We are learning that there are many factors that contribute to your high. If there is a “Total Cannabinoid” count then I would suggest looking at the Terpene amounts between 1-3%
OK. You chose your high, you decided that you want a high energy sativa. How do you want it delivered to your system? Smoke it, vape it, dab it, eat it, bath bomb, for there are many options. Each option has pros and cons.
- Smoking it. Old school as it gets, either in a bong, pipe or rolled up. There are differences to each, but the premise is the same. Inhale smoke then exhale. This is the most accessible way to ingest cannabis, but also has the most carcinogens out of all the options. If you have health issues, this may not be the best choice for you.
- Vaping it can take many forms as well. Flower vaporizers, Oil “pens”, and dabs. With the exception of flower vaporizers, the latter two, increase potency of THC and sometimes other cannabinoids (CBD, Terpenes, Ect)
- Eating it is the only way to imbibe cannabis without inhaling vapor or smoke. Even though edibles can retain the effects of indica or sativa, edibles decarboxylase in the body differently and tend to feel more sedative or have “a crash” like effect. This can also take several forms like, Rick Simpon’s Oil (RSO), butters, distillate, and even drinks or teas. Potency can vary per product and state laws.
- Bath bombs and other infused topical style products aren’t necessarily designed to get you high. These are more designed to be supplements inside relaxation and muscle relief products that currently exist. Remember that when dealing with THC there is always a chance to absorb it.
Now, you got your product. We’ll say an eighth of Super Lemon Haze around mid-price. This is the tricky part. You have to try it and see how it affects you. Did you cough a lot? How was the taste? How is the high, was it what you wanted? And the most important question, Did you enjoy it?
You then take that information back to your Budtender and they should be able to advise you on what to try next. For example, let’s say you loved everything, but you coughed a bit and would prefer not to. You could try a bubbler or bong to cool the smoke. Maybe the Budtender knows a strain that is very similar, but better quality and isn’t as harsh.
The last piece of advice I can give is, learn to talk to your Budtender and explain what you’re looking for and what you have tried. They might not always get it right, but they can put you on the right path. We’re all learning about this amazing plant together.