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On a Roll: Best Practices for How to Roll a Joint

How to Roll a Joint

Before, there was one way to enjoy cannabis—to smoke it. You could put it in a pipe, stuff your bong, or roll a joint. Now it feels like there are countless ways you can access the benefits of the cannabis plant. At the same time, sometimes the simple joy of rolling a joint is the most desirable solution for dosing. Here’s what you should keep in mind to master the age-old art of how to roll a joint.

What to Know Before Rolling a Joint

While rolling joints is considered an honored pastime within the community of cannabis consumers at large, there are many recent innovations that have transformed the practice. The most notable of these innovations is the widespread popularity of flavored rolling papers which allow you to better customize the taste of your joint. Banana kush bud with strawberry rolling papers? Sounds like a win to us.

How to Roll a Joint 1

In addition to a massive selection of flavors now available, rolling papers can also come in various sizes. Large rolling papers are ideal for robust blunts that are intended to be passed around with friends or other groups of cannabis enthusiasts, whereas smaller rolling papers may be suited for individual joints that can compliment a night by yourself. 

Finally, some rolling paper brands are known to be of higher quality than others. Test out a few so you can find the ideal ones for your needs.

The Proper Method for How to Roll a Joint

Joint rolling requires practice before mastering, but it can become an exceedingly satisfying endeavor. The first step in any joint-rolling session is to grind your flower into a fine form. You don’t need to grind the cannabis into a powder, but it should be fine enough to smoothly fill out your joint. 

How to Roll a Joint 2

Once you have your cannabis, carefully set a filter at one end of the joint. This filter will end up forming the base of your joint. Next, distribute your cannabis throughout the rolling paper, taking care that you pack the joint evenly. Uneven joints can result in poor airflow and pockets that can create a messy, lopsided burn.

Finally, hold each end of your joint with the tips of your fingers and begin to roll it, folding one end of the paper into the other. When your joint has been cinched up properly, simply seal it with one lick across the top. Leaving some breathing room at the end of your joint is recommended to produce the smoothest possible smoking experience.

Tips and Tricks for How to Roll a Joint

When rolling joints, it’s important to keep in mind that there are many time-honored methods that may work for different individuals. Experimenting with the exact style that works for you can be a lucrative experience, as the best joint rollers are able to work in their own unique rhythm. 

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Likewise, joint rolling has a long history as a virtual art form within the world of cannabis. There are numerous creative style of rolling a joint that have been described in detail on the Internet and other sources of marijuana knowledge, providing ample opportunities for impressing attendees at your next cannabis get-together.

Don’t want to roll your own? We carry pre-rolls to make life easier. Check out our online menu to see what’s available or stop by our Columbia dispensary to learn more.

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How To Come Down From A High

How to Come Down From a High

Sometimes too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Even cannabis! Have you ever been so high that you wished you weren’t so high anymore? Ever wondered how to come down from a high? No problem, it can happen to even the most experienced cannabis connoisseur! Check out these 5 tips to help you come down from a high next time you’ve smoked a little too much. 

How To Come Down From A High: Try Some CBD

Studies show that CBD may have serious potential as an anti-anxiety compound, making it perfect for when you’ve ingested too much THC. Not only that, but CBD has been shown to counter many of the psychoactive (read: anxiety-inducing) effects of THC. A dose of CBD will immediately begin to work towards balancing your buzz and dampening any sensations of anxiety or paranoia. CBD won’t instantly kill your buzz, but it will make it dissipate more quickly. 

How to Come Down From a High 1

Eat Some Food And Drink Some Water

Who doesn’t love to eat when they’re high? Eating a good meal will not only engage your senses but will also completely distract you from your anxiety and paranoia. If you really want to distract yourself with food, go cook something. Just remember to turn the oven off! 

Staying well-hydrated can also help keep you grounded and comfortable. Consuming cannabis will quickly dehydrate you leading to dry mouth and dry eyes. Keeping some cold water on hand will quench that thirst and keep you feeling refreshed. Just remember to stay away from alcoholic beverages as they will only enhance and intensify your buzz.

How to Come Down From a High 2

Relax

Sometimes simply taking a time out can be enough to get your mind back to a safe and comfortable place. Lie down on your bed or on your favorite sofa and close your eyes for a while. A quiet, safe, comfortable space can help you to quickly decompress and get back to a pleasant state of mind. 

Distract Yourself

If you are feeling overwhelmed, a good strategy is to distract yourself so you are no longer thinking about it. Watch some tv, take a shower, grab something to eat, or even just step outside for a few minutes. Thinking about something else or simply moving into a new environment can work well to calm you down and shift your focus towards something more positive. 

Get Some Exercise

Exercise is the ultimate distraction for when you get too high. Go for a run or even just a nice leisurely walk. Usually, the combination of fresh air and an elevated heart rate will get your mind to a better place. 

How to Come Down From a High 3

Take A Nap

One of the best ways to wait out an unpleasant high is to simply take a nice refreshing nap. Going to sleep will let your brain rest and work its way through the high while you sleep peacefully. Cannabis simply has to run its course, and sometimes a nap is the best way to let it do that. 

If that doesn’t work then try some caffeine. A jolt of energy may be just what you need to pull you out of that ‘couchlock’ effect that some strains of cannabis are notorious for. 

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Most importantly, don’t panic. Try some of these strategies next time you’re wondering how to come down from a high. Most symptoms of being too high will dissipate within an hour or two at most. Look at the bright side, at least now you know your limit!

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Cannabis Capsules And Other Discreet Dosing Options

cannabis capsules

Sometimes the stars just don’t align to provide you with the privacy to consume cannabis. Thankfully, there are several discreet dosing options that will let you consume cannabis discreetly and privately. From cannabis capsules to transdermal patches, check out these discreet dosing options that can help you to enjoy cannabis without alerting anyone else. 

Edibles And Cannabis Capsules

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Edibles and capsules are some of the most popular discreet dosing options on the market. Edibles are a great way to snack on some cannabis without raising too much suspicion. However, be aware that some edibles can still smell when you open the package and handle them. As such, edibles are certainly discreet but perhaps not as much as some of the other options on this list. 

Cannabis capsules are very similar to edibles. They’ll produce the same kind of heavy, long-lasting buzz, but are even more discreet than edibles. Cannabis capsules are typically odorless and flavorless, making them harder to detect. Capsules are even easier to consume. No chewing involved! Just swallow a capsule with some water and wait for the effect to kick in!

Tinctures And Oral Sprays

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Tinctures and other sublingual dosing options are the next best thing when it comes to discretion.

Tinctures are typically applied sublingually where they can be absorbed by membranes under the tongue and inside the cheeks. This allows them to reach the bloodstream quickly and begin producing effects within minutes. To apply a tincture, simply load up the dropper and squirt the contents under your tongue.

Tinctures can also be swallowed to produce effects more similar to those of an edible. However, be aware that the bioavailability of cannabinoids will be lower due to the first-pass effect. As such, if you are looking to maximize your buzz in a discreet fashion, sublingual application may be a better option. 

Oral sprays are similar to tinctures but utilize a slightly different delivery method. If you don’t have the privacy to use a dropper than a quick spray may be just what you need.

Transdermal Patches

cannabis capsules 3

Transdermal patches are an excellent discreet dosing option for consumers of medicinal marijuana. While a transdermal patch will never deliver enough THC at once to get you ‘high’, it can deliver a steady dose of cannabinoids to provide long-lasting relief. Cannabinoids are time-released slowly in order to provide a steady dose over the course of a day. Some transdermal patches can last for up to 12 hours.

Simply peel a patch and apply it to your body. Some popular spots to apply transdermal patches include the arm, upper chest, lower abdomen, and hip. Just remember to clean your skin well before application to ensure maximum absorption.

Discreet Vape Pens

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Vaping is much more discreet than smoking. While it isn’t quite as discreet as some of the other options on this list, some vapes can allow you to vape quickly and discreetly without arousing too much suspicion. 

Vape pens are a great way to vape quickly and discreetly. They can be quickly disassembled into two pieces for easy carrying and storage. Simply attach the cartridge to the battery and vape away!

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How To Use RSO (Rick Simpson Oil)

How To Use RSO

Rick Simpson Oil is a medicinal cannabis concentrate that has great therapeutic potential. However, its unusual thickness and stickiness may leave some people wondering how to use RSO. Thankfully, RSO can be used in a variety of convenient ways that can help you medicate quickly and effectively.

What Is RSO? 

Rick Simpson Oil is a concentrated cannabis oil known for its high THC content. The oil is named after its creator, Rick Simpson, a Canadian cannabis activist that created and used the oil after his cancer diagnosis in 2003. After treating his skin cancer, Rick committed himself to spreading info about the benefits of medical marijuana and to bringing RSO to the public. 

RSO is a full-plant extract that is typically made from indica strains of cannabis that are prized for their analgesic, anxiolytic, and sedative properties. 

How To Use RSO

How To Use RSO

There are several different ways to enjoy the benefits of Rick Simpson Oil.

Apply It Directly To Skin

Applying the oil topically to the skin can work to manage the symptoms of certain skin conditions. Mixing RSO with a bit of coconut or olive oil will make it much easier to spread on the skin. After applying the oil, the area can be covered with a bandage that can be changed with every new application.

Apply It Sublingually

If you don’t mind the taste, RSO can be applied sublingually (under the tongue) for quick psychoactive effects. The medicinal contents of the oil are absorbed through membranes in the mouth and carried into the bloodstream where they can produce therapeutic effects. The extract can also be placed between the gums and the cheek where it can dissolve over time. It may be a good idea to keep a glass of water or soda on hand in order to chase the oil’s bitter taste after it has dissolved.

Eat It

If you can stomach the taste, RSO can also be eaten to produce effects more similar to edibles. Swallowing RSO will result in longer-lasting, though potentially less potent, effects as the oil is slowly digested.

However, the RSO tends to be rough on the throat for many people, leading some to seek alternative ways of ingesting it. Some alternatives include simply spreading it on a small piece of bread or fruit, or inserting the oil directly into an empty gelatin capsule that can be swallowed more easily. 

It’s important to note that the smoking, vaporizing, or dabbing of Rick Simpson oil is not advised.

How Much RSO Should You Consume?

How To Use RSO

A beginner dose of RSO should be no more than half the size of a grain of rice, up to three times a day. As your body builds up a tolerance to THC with continuous usage, you may want to consider slowly increasing the dosage if you believe you need to.

When discontinuing use, it may be a good idea to slowly wean off the oil, rather than stopping cold turkey. Suddenly stopping use may lead to THC withdrawal, resulting in sleep problems, anxiety, and irritability.

What Are The Effects of RSO?

Because RSO contains such high levels of THC, the risk of experiencing THC’s side effects is much higher than with other cannabis products. For most people, the most commonly experienced side effect is sleepiness. However, there are a number of other side effects you may experience, including anxiety, paranoia, irritability, dry eyes, dry mouth, impaired memory, and slowed reaction time. 

To learn more about RSO and whether it’s a good choice for you, make an appointment at Remedy Columbia!

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How Terpenes Can Fight Pain

Terpenes for Pain
Terpenes for Pain 1

There’s no question that pain sucks. But the good news is that cannabis is proven to help manage chronic pain—and it’s not just THC and CBD that are providing relief. The greatest pain-fighting players in cannabis are cannabinoids, but did you know terpenes can also help? If you’re curious about the power of terpenes for pain management, keep reading because this article is for you.

Terpene Basics

Terpenes are a diverse class of organic compounds made by plants, including cannabis. They’re the chemicals that give the plant world its variety of scents and flavors. If you’ve ever enjoyed herbs or essential oils, you’ve already reaped some of their many benefits. In fact, essential oils largely consist of terpenes. And while these tiny molecules stimulate the senses, they also have the power to help ease our pain.

Terpenes for Pain

People have been successfully using herbs (including cannabis) to fight pain for centuries, and today we have the science to back it up. While most cannabis studies focus on cannabinoids like CBD and THC, scientists have begun looking at non-cannabinoid elements of cannabis like terpenes for anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing properties. A recent study on mice found that terpenes from cannabis can help guard against oxidative stress, inflammation, and pain.

Terpenes work for pain in a similar way to cannabinoids—by activating the CB1 and CB2 receptors—without getting you high. If you suffer from pain, navigating the 200+ terpene varieties can seem overwhelming. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with the most effective terpenes for pain. Ask your budtender about some of these on your next trip to the dispensary.

Myrcene

Myrcene is the most common terpene found in cannabis. It has an earthy, fruity, citrus-like aroma and provides a variety of beneficial qualities. It’s an antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and potent pain reliever. Myrcene works more powerfully in combination with THC, zapping depression, boosting mood, and squashing pain.

Eucalyptol

There is a reason the word “eucalyptol” sounds like “eucalyptus.” This well-known Australian tree is one of the primary sources of eucalyptol, and it can also be found in tea tree and bay leaf. While it works as a powerful insecticide and antifungal, eucalyptol is primarily useful for relieving pain and swelling, especially when applied topically or inhaled.

Pinene

Terpenes for Pain 2

Pinene has a woodsy, piney scent, and is naturally sourced from conifer tree resin. It gives cannabis a fresh scent along with powerful healing properties. Studies have shown that beta-pinene acts as a mood stabilizer and a potent antimicrobial, helping to bring relief from pain and inflammation. Pinene has also been shown to be particularly effective in easing pain associated with MS, arthritis, and cancer. It can also help counteract the short-term memory loss associated with THC.

Caryophyllene

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Caryophyllene is found abundantly in cannabis, with the distinctive flavor that gives black pepper its kick. You can also find it in hops, cloves, and rosemary. It was the first non-cannabinoid compound found to activate cannabinoid receptors and works as a powerhouse to reduce inflammation and lessen pain.

Linalool

Linalool has a beautiful floral aroma that promotes relaxation and a sense of calm. It’s found abundantly in over 200 plants like lavender and birch bark. While plants use it as an antimicrobial, humans have been using it for ages for its sedative, antidepressant, and pain-relieving properties. It also makes your immune system more resilient to the effects of stress, which can help relieve stress-induced pain.

Final Thoughts

While terpenes can be effective on their own, they are more powerful when combined with cannabinoids like CBD and THC. Why? It’s thought that terpenes can modulate the effects of the individual cannabinoids, so you can combine them to target specific issues like pain. This synergistic power is known as the entourage effect and allows your body to maximize the benefits of both cannabinoids and terpenes for potent anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving benefits.

Want to explore terpenes in cannabis? Stop by our Columbia dispensary to get some terpene-rich strains, or order online now!

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Separating Fact from Fiction: Is Cannabis a Gateway Drug?

gateway drug

For decades, cannabis has been denounced as a “gateway drug,” a relatively “soft” drug that inevitably leads to harder and more harmful ones such as cocaine, meth, and heroin (most recently by a presidential candidate). Now that a majority of U.S. states have legalized medical cannabis (and the trend towards allowing adult-use or recreational  legalization will likely continue, if at a slower pace), is this argument still valid? Was it ever? We’ll dive into the latest research and attitudes towards cannabis and try to separate fact from fiction as it pertains to this important and still-relevant question. 

Cannabis as a Gateway Drug: Changing Times, Changing Laws

A society’s laws, of course, are merely a reflection of what a community holds to be true, of its professed values, and of its aspirations. When marijuana was prohibited on the federal level in 1937, there was a widely held belief that it had no medical value and that it generally contributed to “low morals.” Less explicit was the sense that it was associated with Mexican immigrants in specific and people of color in general. Prohibition was, in part, a racist act.

gateway drug 1

The term “gateway drug” dates from the early 1970s and the early years of the “War on Drugs.” It was coined by Dr. Denise Kandel, a researcher who first tackled the question in 1974. Interestingly, although she was tasked with studying the potential links between cannabis and harder drugs, she went off-script and found that nicotine, not marijuana, was the most reliable path towards more harmful substances.

But because marijuana was illegal—and nicotine was not—the preponderance of anti-drug efforts was deployed against cannabis. And it turns out the question of legality is an important one when we try to untangle the question of whether or not cannabis actually serves as a gateway drug.

Cannabis as a Gateway Drug: Cracking the Data

A more recent study attempted to answer the question more authoritatively by studying data on drug use collected between 2001 and 2005. It found that cannabis use contributed to a significantly increased chance of hard drug use, although it should be pointed out that over 95% of those who reported using cannabis frequently never went on to abuse those harder substances.

But it’s the time period in which the data was collected that is potentially problematic. Because only nine states had approved medical cannabis in 2005, nearly everyone who participated in the study was breaking federal law. As some researchers point out, this behavior—breaking the law—can itself be a sort of “gateway.” Not only does buying black-market cannabis put one in touch with criminals, but it normalizes the act of law-breaking in and of itself, a predictor of future acts of criminality.

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That’s not to say that using cannabis doesn’t entail a risk. It’s estimated that roughly 9% of those who use regularly use cannabis will develop a cannabis use disorder characterized by a strong desire to use cannabis, difficulties in controlling their use, an increased tolerance, and other side effects.

These symptoms all have serious implications, especially for adolescents, and we want to be clear that the staff here at Remedy Columbia is wholly committed to the safe, legal, and sustainable use of medical cannabis.

But that said, it’s important to separate fact from fiction. And when it comes to the notion of cannabis being a gateway drug, we believe that it’s more a reflection of antiquated biases than a sober examination of the facts.

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How to Store Your Cannabis Medicine

storing cannabis

There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to storing cannabis. The first, of course, is safety. If there are children in your home, it’s crucial that you keep your cannabis out of their reach to avoid accidental ingestion. Keeping your cannabis in a secure box or hidden on a high shelf can keep little hands away.

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The second thing to consider when it comes to storing cannabis is keeping your buds fresh and your capsules, oils, and tinctures potent. Here’s what you should watch out for.

Storing Cannabis: Stay Away from These Conditions

Heat

Heat is crucial for transforming THCa to THC, which is what happens when you vaporize, decarboxylate, or ignite flower. Heat, though, also degrades flower, oils, and tinctures. To keep your cannabis potent, store it in a cool place that doesn’t experience wide temperature swings. That means the kitchen probably isn’t the best place to store your buds.

Humidity

Humidity can cause your capsules to stick together or your flower to grow mold or mildew. Find a nice dry spot for your cannabis to reduce the chances of this happening. While we’re used to keeping meds in a bathroom medicine cabinet, when it comes to marijuana, it’s better to steer clear of the bathroom unless you have some sort of fan or dehumidifier that removes excess water from the air. 

Light

You know how you need to store your olive oil in a dark place? This is because light can cause the oil to degrade and go rancid more quickly. The same is true for cannabis oils, vape cartridges, and tinctures.

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Buds don’t like the light either, so find them a dark spot too.

To sum it up: your cannabis should be out of reach for little ones and in a dark, cool, and dry spot. Some possible suggestions include on a shelf in a closet, in a filing cabinet with a key, or, if there aren’t children in your home, in a desk drawer.

Best Containers for Storing Cannabis

When it comes to an actual container for storing cannabis, there are a couple of good options and at least one not-so-great option.

First, the not-so-good. While plastic bags are convenient, they don’t do much for flower. Plastic won’t contain the smell of your flower or protect it from getting damaged from handling.

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Glass is great since it’s a non-porous material that will keep out moisture while helping lock in some of that great cannabis aroma. Of course, most glass containers like mason jars are clear, so you’ll still want to store them in a dark spot.

Aluminum containers are quite in vogue for storing cannabis since they can lock in smells and reduce light.

Vape cartridges, oils, and capsules can be stored upright in their original packaging, as long as they’re in a dark, dry space.

Now that you know how to keep your cannabis stored for maximum freshness and safety, why not stock up on some new items? Stop by Remedy Columbia today or place an online order now.

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How Long Does Being High Last?

How Long Does Being High Last

Feeling good right now but have some stuff to do later? 

You may be wondering how long does being high last. 

The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors and can greatly differ from person to person. In theory, your high will last as long as THC is interacting with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). Factors such as personal tolerance, metabolism, method of consumption, and potency of the product can all affect how long your high will last, and even how strong it will be.

Keep reading to find out exactly how these factors come into play and how they can best be managed!

How Long Does Being High Last?

For most people, a marijuana high lasts somewhere between 2-3 hours, but for others, it can last much longer.

How Long Does Being High Last 1

Your personal tolerance to cannabis is one of the primary factors in determining how long your high lasts. If you’re a regular user with a high tolerance to cannabinoids, you’ll experience a less intense, shorter high.

If you’re a beginner smoker, you may want to book a solid 5-6 hours off to enjoy your cannabis experience. Because your body has built up very little to no tolerance to cannabis, you should expect your high to be more intense and to last longer. 

Your Method of Consumption Will Affect The Length of Your High

Another very important factor to consider is how you’re consuming your cannabis. Each method of consumption has a different bioavailability rating that determines exactly how much THC actually makes it into your system.

How Long Does Being High Last 2

For example, when applying sublingual THC tinctures, roughly 40%-50% of the THC actually makes it into circulation. However, studies have shown that when vaping cannabis, something like 50%-80% of the THC consumed will enter your bloodstream to produce effects. As such, if you are truly looking to get as high as possible for as long as possible, a vaporizer or a bong may be a better solution than tinctures or even joints.

Consuming THC edibles will produce a much longer high than any other method. This is because edibles have to be digested and metabolized before they can produce effects. The digestion process can take a significant amount of time, leading to a slow-drip of THC into the circulatory system. Because of this, many people find that the effects of an edible high can last for over 6 hours. 

How Your Metabolism Affects The Length of Your High

A common misconception is that an individual’s weight will affect the intensity and length of their high. However, it’s actually their metabolism that affects the high. 

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Metabolization is how the human body processes ingested compounds (including THC), breaking them down for use and expelling what it doesn’t need. The speed at which this process takes place can differ from person to person. If you have a higher (read: faster) metabolism, you should expect that your high will be shorter since your body is processing THC more quickly. 

Want To Get High For Longer?

Buy more potent cannabis products! The cannabinoid content of your product can directly influence how much THC actually enters your system and how long it takes to process. Otherwise, you could also consider consuming more of a less potent product in order to load up on THC that way.

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High CBD Strains: When They May Be Right For You

High CBD Strains

If you’re a regular reader of our blog, you know that we’re big on CBD, the second most prevalent cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. While recent research suggests that it might not be as medically active as THC—the cannabinoid associated with the cannabis plant’s “high”—that’s not to say it’s not working on our behalf. 

Both anecdotally and as demonstrated by several studies, CBD helps us manage pain, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and other chronic symptoms and conditions. And a growing crop of high CBD strains is making it easier than ever to access those health benefits. Are they right for you? This quick guide should provide you with some solid and actionable information and answers. 

High CBD Strains: What Can Do They Do?

CBD—otherwise known as cannabidiol—is the second-most-common cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids, as you may already know, are a family of over 100 natural compounds found in the cannabis plant. Along with terpenes—fragrant oils that give cannabis and many other plants their distinctive flavors and aromas—cannabinoids are the most important “active ingredients” in the cannabis plant.

High CBD Strains 2

As we mentioned earlier, CBD is associated with a number of medical benefits. The FDA recently approved the first cannabis-derived medicine—Epidiolex—which uses CBD to help treat several types of epilepsy-like seizures. And rodent-based research indicates that CBD helps block pain by modulating the endocannabinoid receptors in our bodies, reducing inflammation among other hallmarks of pain. Of course, rodents aren’t people. While CBD shows significant promise in pain management, clinicians caution that further study is needed. 

Elsewhere, a high-CBD oil has been used to treat symptoms of PTSD, including insomnia and anxiety. In fact, CBD is probably most commonly used to treat anxiety. While some researchers caution there’s not enough solid evidence linking the cannabinoid to anxiety reduction, a large body of anecdotal evidence supports the claim—borne out by rodent-based studies—that CBD helps many people manage anxiety, stress, and depression.

High CBD Strains: Understanding Ratios 

As we hinted earlier, one very significant characteristic of CBD is that unlike THC, it’s not intoxicating. That’s not quite the same as claiming it’s not psychoactive; while it’s true that many people don’t feel any effects from CBD, others notice a slight “buzziness” or gently energizing cerebral effect.

Of course, if you ingest a cannabis product that contains a high enough proportion of THC, you’ll feel the “high” associated with that cannabinoid. That’s one reason it’s especially important to understand the concept of ratios when it comes to cannabis strains.

High CBD Strains 3

Generally, cannabis products are labeled with a ratio denoting their THC content compared with their CBD content. A strain with a 20:1 ratio (20 parts THC to 1 part CBD) will be quite psychoactive. When the ratios are closer to 1:1, you’ll tend to feel a more balanced effect. And when the THC to CBD ratio reaches roughly 1:8 or greater, there will generally be little perceptible psychoactivity.

Which strain (or ratio) is right for you? Many researchers feel that THC and CBD work best in tandem. If you find the psychoactivity of THC distracting or unpleasant—for instance at the workplace—an increasing number of high CBD strains offer little to no THC.

As with all cannabis products, we recommend you try a small amount of any given strain and assess the results. With a little trial and error, it shouldn’t be challenging to find your optimal strain and optimal dose. And don’t hesitate to reach out; we’d love to be of help!

Check out our online dispensary menu to see what high-CBD strains we have in stock and order now!

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The Common Effects Of A Sativa Strain

effects of a Sativa

One of the first things budding cannabis consumers hear is that the effects of sativa strains are different from the effects of indica strains. Sativa is believed to give a “head high” while indica gives a “body high.” This “head high” simply means more cerebral effects as opposed to more physical effects (like couch-lock).

The cerebral sativa high is considered perfect for anyone who prefers to consume during the day. Some of the most popular sativas like Jack Herer, Trainwreck, and Green Crack are enjoyed for their strong mental stimulation. However, they may be overstimulating for those prone to anxiety. 

Seems simple, right? But is it accurate?

Seeking the Effects of Sativa: Not So Simple

Here’s the truth. Data collected by cannabis researchers suggests the categories of indica, sativa, and hybrid are actually meaningless and not a great way to make informed decisions about what to consume.

effects of a Sativa flowers

Yes, they certainly look different. Indicas are short and broad-leafed. Sativas are tall and narrow-leafed. But there’s little evidence to suggest one is always physically sedating and the other always a ticket to mental uplift. Cannabis is classified this way because it’s convenient, especially when there are so many strains, products, and new customers. 

So if the effects of sativa or indica are not guaranteed, how can we choose a strain? 

Cannabinoids and Terpenes

When you’re at a dispensary and want to make sure you’re getting the right product for your needs, instead of using the terms indica or sativa, break the plant down into cannabinoids and terpenes for a clearer picture. 

Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds secreted by cannabis flowers. THC and CBD are the dominant ones to check for.

effects of a Sativa cannabinoids

THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol)-dominant strains will get you high or, in other words, alter your mind. THC can help manage pain, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and more. It can also cause anxiety and is not ideal if you need to be clear-headed.

CBD (cannabidiol)-dominant strains often reduce anxiety and improve mental clarity.

Terpenes are aromatic compounds that are produced in many plants and fruits. They make cannabis smell like berries, citrus, pine, fuel, etc. Ask the budtender to let you smell the strains you’re considering. Find the aromas that you like and give them a try.

What’s Right for You?

When looking at strains that are labeled as high sativa or indica or hybrid, figure out the following instead:

  • What do you want to feel? Mellow, energetic, happy, focused? For example, if you want emotional uplift, strains across the board will help.
  • What methods of consumption are best for you? Do you want the effects to last a long time? Consider edibles. Do you want a short-term experience? Inhalants or a tincture may work best.
effects of a Sativa tinctures

Let your budtender know what you want and he or she will look beyond the assumed effects of sativa or indica to help you find the product that has the appropriate potency and composition of cannabinoids and terpenes. 

Also, always write down what you took, how much, and what it felt like. That tracking will help you when you go back to buy more. Eventually, you’ll know what works for you.

Ready to get started? Make an appointment today, or stop by our Columbia dispensary.