Don’t Shop For Weed Based On THC Alone
Here’s What Else You Should Be Looking For
When you walk into a dispensary, there are so many fascinating things that catch the attention of all your senses.
Of course, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the sheer smell of weed permeating in the air – as well as all the incredible choices of weed before you. Upon closer inspection of flowers and cannabis products, though, there are other details that can influence your purchase. Dispensaries these days highlight important information about strains, such as the concentration of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) versus CBD (cannabidiol), and the potential effects one can expect from consuming it. These may include ‘uplifting’, ‘sedating’, or others.
Most recreational cannabis consumers look for a high THC content when shopping around for weed strains. After all, THC is the main compound responsible for getting you high and making you feel euphoric! Additionally, high THC strains can be more cost-effective: a small dose might be all you need if intense effects are what you are after.
That said, it can be misleading to focus on the THC content of weed only. There are so many other factors that affect the experience and quality of your high, which are also found in weed. Read on to learn what else you should be looking for when shopping around for weed:
Why Are You Buying Weed In The First Place?
The most important question to ask yourself before you go to a dispensary is why you’re buying weed in the first place. People use and buy recreational weed for so many different reasons: to relax and obtain relief from stress after work, to socialize without alcohol, sleep better, unwind with video games, or enjoy other activities. Are you going to consume weed in the comforts of your home, at the beach, or while hiking?
The primary reason you want to consume weed should influence everything else while you’re shopping for it – whether online or at a physical dispensary. It will help you have a better idea of how much you’re going to purchase, based on how often you want to consume.
Of course, if you’d like to try weed in a new form or product, feel free to explore. Dispensaries these days are always full of exciting cannabis products that you can eat, drink, inhale, put under your tongue, and lather on your skin!
What Should You Consider Exploring?
Aside from the THC content of cannabis products, there are so many other factors you can consider when shopping around.
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What’s new? Ask the budtender about new and exciting products that have just been launched or stocked up. Remember that the cannabis market is always full of fresh and thrilling things, most of which are always worth trying.
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Cannabis product labels: Product labels offer a wealth of information for flower consumers. It contains the strain name, type of weed, and weight. Aside from telling you how much THC and CBD it contains, there are other things you can look out for.
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The name tells you the strain, and a budtender of quick Google search online can easily tell you if its effects veer toward indica or sativa. If you’re interested in uplifting or energizing effects, always go for sativa or sativa-dominant weed. On the other hand, if relaxation and sedation is what you’re after, opt for indica.
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Lesser-known cannabinoids: Each strain profile has its own minor cannabinoids, which more cannabis consumers are now considering when buying weed. That’s because we now know that the effects and overall experience of cannabis isn’t brought about by THC and CBD alone. There are minor cannabinoids at play too, and they work together synergistically through the entourage effect.
Even though you may be a recreational cannabis user, the presence of certain cannabinoids also helps make you feel good from the inside out. Many popular minor cannabinoids such as CBG, CBC, and CBN are now highlighted in product labels to help consumers make informed decisions. These very same cannabinoids offer a plethora of therapeutic benefits such as fighting inflammation, pain, anxiety, and so much more.
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Terpenes: Cannabis terpenes are the compounds that are responsible for giving the plant its aromatic characteristics. These are the very same constituents found in essential oils. Terpenes work with cannabinoids, also through the entourage effect, to demonstrate synergic benefits that are enhanced by the other’s presence.
While a myriad of terpenes are already naturally found in cannabis flower, the cannabis industry has gotten creative with the way it adds terpenes for extra flavor, aroma, and health benefits to various products. Also known as terps, are now being added into edibles and drinks more commonly. And since more consumers are become widely educated about the importance of terpenes, some shops and businesses even allow you to browse products online or in-shop according to terpenes; the terpene profile can also be found in some labels.
The most common terpenes you’ll encounter include myrcene, limonene, pinene, linalool, humulene, and terpinolene among others. Aside from contributing to the flavor and aroma profile, terpenes also possess important medicinal benefits. They are antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antimicrobial, some more than others.
Conclusion
Understanding what goes into each cannabis product you consume can help you tailor the overall experience and benefits you’re getting. Not only does it customize the flavor but it also helps increase the therapeutic and medicinal benefits you are enjoying even if you’re a recreational consumer. Try experimenting with these factors the next time you shop for cannabis and let us know what you think!
