Cannabis comes in many forms and with a wide range of potencies. Dry flowers are the leading legal product at 43% of sales, followed by cartridges and edibles.
Cannabis contains psychoactive compounds (such as delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol or THC) that alter the brain’s normal functioning and cause-specific intoxicating effects. Cannabis can also trigger psychotic symptoms in people who have pre-existing mental illnesses or make them worse.
Edibles
For cannabis enthusiasts with a fondness for food, trying edibles is highly recommended. They offer a more gradual and controlled high compared to smoking, and their effects can persist for twice the duration. Explore the options available at the South Jersey dispensary location to discover a variety of edibles that suit your preferences. These edibles can include chocolate bars, THC gummies, and even vegan baked goods like brownies or cookies infused with cannabis. They may contain varying levels of THC or CBD, the non-psychoactive cannabinoid, and the experience will vary depending on your tolerance, dosage, and even your metabolism and body chemistry.
Edibles are subject to strict regulations—they can’t be shaped like animals, humans, or sports equipment, for example—but that doesn’t stop companies from creating inventive products. In Massachusetts, for instance, a farm line features gummies infused with live resin and solventless live rosin in flavors like Island Punch or Dosi Jam, which can be matched to specific weed strains. (Novices needn’t worry: The strain is mentioned on the packaging.)
Another popular option is a line of THC- and CBD-infused seltzers, which come in flavors like Achieve (a sativa blend with raspberry lime) and Dream (an indica blend). The company also makes cannabis-infused seasonings, including a porcini mushroom seasoning currently available at dispensaries and a chili lime version in the works.
Concentrates
Concentrates are a potent way to experience cannabis. These cannabinoid extracts have high THC levels and come in a variety of textures, flavors, and forms. Concentrate types vary depending on the extraction method used to obtain the trichomes from the plant. Solvent-based extraction methods use a solvent to strip the trichomes from the plant material and include butane (BHO), propane, ethanol, and CO2. Manufacturers then purge these solvents from the final product to create a clean concentrate.
Wax concentrates have a soft, sticky wax consistency and often look golden in color. This concentrate category is easy to mold by hand and can be spread onto a joint or blunt to create an even burn. It can also be vaporized in a dab rig.
Crumble is a drier form of concentrate that resembles coarse sugar and can have a THC potency as high as 90%. It has a unique flavor comes from its high terpene content, which can be a benefit or a drawback for some consumers.
Live resin products have a sticky consistency ranging from taffy to caramel. It is created through a supercritical CO2 extraction process, which pumps pressurized carbon dioxide through the cannabis plant to separate cannabinoids from the plant material. These concentrates are often used for tinctures, capsules, and pills.
Topicals and Oils
Topicals are cannabis products designed to be applied directly to the skin. They come in creams, salves, oils, and sprays. These are easy to apply and can be used at any time. They are often formulated with cooling, moisturizing ingredients like menthol and hyaluronic acid. Some are even infused with essential oils for added benefits. Cannabis salves are great for soothing inflamed muscles after a workout, and many can also be applied to the face as a moisturizer.
Cannabis topicals bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors found in the endocannabinoid system. This gives quick relief by lowering the amount of pain signals that are transmitted to the nervous system. Most topicals are formulated with a mixture of THC and CBD or a high concentration of one or the other.
Like edibles, the quality and ratio of cannabinoids in a topical will vary from producer to product. It is essential always to read the label and ask your budtender for lab test results. They will help you choose the right formula for your needs and answer any questions about ingredients, ratios, or other factors that could impact how a topical affects you. For a more DIY approach, you can prepare your own cannabis topical at home by using a dropper of tincture and mixing it into a cream or lotion.
Infused Drinks
Cannabis-infused drinks provide a delicious and discreet alternative to traditional methods of marijuana consumption. Available in a variety of flavors and infused with THC or CBD, these beverages have been shown to offer an array of therapeutic benefits.
THC and CBD-infused drinks are a great way to ease stress levels and cultivate a sense of well-being. They may also be used to alleviate symptoms associated with nausea and increase appetite.
Drinks containing THC can also provide effective pain relief for those experiencing chronic discomfort or migraines. These products have been found to reduce the time it takes for pain signals to reach the brain, reducing perceived pain levels.
Infused beverages have the added benefit of being a more socially acceptable method for consuming cannabis. The drinks can be consumed at home or with friends and family without the need for smoking equipment or unpleasant odors.
Infused drinks are made by adding a concentrated dose of cannabis to a beverage base, such as water, tea, coffee, or alcohol. They are then brewed and filtered for a purer, cleaner taste. The cannabis can then be absorbed through the digestive system, bypassing the liver and resulting in a quicker onset of effects. However, it is essential to note that a person’s metabolism rate and tolerance level can influence how quickly the effects are felt.