Just as there are different reasons to consume cannabis products — ranging from medical to recreational to spiritual — there are also myriad products available to fulfill those purposes. Weed flower, edibles, and CBD oil are just a few examples of the cannabis products consumers can choose from.
The wide variety of product types means people from nearly all walks of life can find cannabis products that suit their needs, styles, and preferences. But if you’re new to buying cannabis, all that variety might seem overwhelming instead of liberating.
Here’s your introductory guide to choosing quality cannabis products, from weed flower to topicals, extracts, edibles, and much more.
Choosing Quality Cannabis Products
When choosing cannabis products, there are two main components, known as cannabinoids, that you’ll encounter: cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Both are naturally derived from the cannabis plant, and both can be used medically.
However, there are some important distinctions between the two. THC produces the high that many associate with cannabis consumption; CBD does not. Under federal law, CBD products that contain less than 0.3% THC are not considered controlled substances.
Because the sale of cannabis products containing more than 0.3% THC is still federally illegal — despite being legalized in many states — it’s also not regulated at the federal level. That means not all cannabis products are held to similar quality or safety standards.
And that means you’ll need to do your homework to ensure you’re buying quality products. For example, when buying weed flower, you can inspect it for smell, appearance, feel, and structure to determine its quality.
In addition to the products themselves, check that the dispensary you purchase from upholds ethical standards of sustainability, sourcing, and business practices.
From Hash to Weed Flower: Types of Cannabis Products
Cannabis products can be divided into a few major categories according to their makeup and consumption method. Here are some key characteristics of each.
Weed Flower
Weed flower is exactly what it sounds like: dried flowers of the female cannabis plant. Once purchased, weed flower needs to be ground before it can be rolled, smoked, or otherwise consumed.
Sold loose and unprocessed, weed flower comes in a variety of strains and is typically organized in stores by quality. Weed flower is also extremely versatile in its uses and produces almost immediate effects, which is why it’s one of the most popular cannabis products out there.
Pre-Rolls
While many people roll their own weed flower to smoke, you can also buy your smokable cannabis in ready-to-use pre-roll form. These products are often cheaper than weed flower, and of course quicker and easier to use.
Not only are pre-rolls convenient and time-saving, but they’re also helpful for people with limited dexterity or conditions like arthritis that make rolling difficult and/or painful.
Cartridges, Concentrates, & Extracts
Extracts and concentrates are made by isolating and removing cannabinoids and other components from the weed flower or other parts of the plant, either with or without the use of chemical solvents. Types of concentrates and extracts include cannabis oils, rosin, and kief.
A cartridge is a small container of cannabis oil designed to fit into a vape pen. Depending on your preference, you can buy cartridges in a variety of flavors, potency levels, and cannabinoid content.
Hash
Hash, also known as hashish, is a type of cannabis extract derived from the trichomes, or resin, of the cannabis plant. Being a concentrated form, it’s much more potent than weed flower.
While there are a few different varieties of hash, it typically comes in a hardened brown or green block. It can be smoked with weed flower or tobacco or consumed orally.
Edibles
As the name implies, edibles are food products — such as baked goods, gummies, beverages, etc. — containing cannabis. They can be purchased or homemade, and as such, their potency and dosage levels vary greatly.
Edibles may be especially appealing to those who don’t enjoy smoking weed flower, are new to cannabis, or prefer a more discreet consumption method.
Topicals
Topicals are products such as lotions, creams, gels, or ointments that are applied directly to the skin. Though cannabis topicals may contain THC, they typically don’t produce psychoactive effects. Instead, these products are often used to treat pain, skin conditions, and inflammation.
However, each person’s body responds differently. How quickly you feel the effects — and how long they last — will vary from person-to-person.
Something for Everyone
From oil concentrates to loose weed flower, cannabis products come in all shapes, sizes, and textures. Whatever your medical, spiritual, or recreational reasons for exploring cannabis, you can find a quality product that suits your needs and preferences.
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