When it comes to deciding how to consume cannabis, there are almost a dozen different methods to choose from, so how do you know which one is the best for you? They aren’t all the same! So we wanted to explain the main ways of consuming cannabis so you can make an informed choice for your needs.

Smoking: The Traditional Way to Consume Cannabis

Cannabis smoking remains a classic choice among enthusiasts. The user lights cannabis flower or another burnable cannabis product and inhales the smoke. It’s popular because it causes an immediate high and it’s easy to control how much you inhale with some practice.

Smoking cannabis is popular because it causes an immediate high. You don’t have to wait for it like you do with edibles. All consumption methods use heat at some stage to activate the cannabis.

Some users appreciate the ritualistic aspect of smoking and enjoy the various flavors and aromas that different strains offer. Furthermore, the act of sharing a joint or passing around a bowl not only enhances the social aspect but also fosters a sense of camaraderie among cannabis enthusiasts.

Vaporizing: A Healthier Way to Enjoy Cannabis

Vaporizing is a very popular alternative to get the speed of a cannabis high without the dangers of smoking. It’s smoother and more flavorful as well; it’s easy to flavor the cannabis concentrate with many flavors.

Using a vaporizer is useful for medical cannabis users because you can control dosages. Another benefit of vaporizing is that you can control the temperature. Enthusiasts find they can make certain components of cannabis more or less prevalent based on the temperature, especially flavor and scent compounds.

However, to vape cannabis you’ll need specialized products. You’ll need vape juice and a vape that can handle cannabis products. You cannot vape the cannabis flower on its own.

Dabbing: An Intense Way to Consume Cannabis

You may see products labeled as wax, shatter, budder, and other strange names. These are cannabis concentrates used for a consumption method called dabbing. This is the strongest way to get a high, but it’s only for experienced users. Unlike the other methods we’ve talked about, dabbing is used for recreational reasons.

Dabbing is done by heating a cannabis concentrate over a hot surface and inhaling the vapor. You will need a dab rig and a torch to use them. If you’re interested in this method, we recommend speaking with an experienced budtender first. We do not recommend dabbing for someone who has never been high!

 

Edibles: Experience the Effects of Cannabis in a Delicious Way

Edibles is the term cannabis used for any form of cannabis that’s eaten or drunk. The classic pot brownie is a baked good edible, but many other foods and drinks can be infused with cannabis.

Eating edible is a much more discreet way to consume cannabis than smoking or vaping, but they have a much different effect than smoking. It can take up to two hours to affect you, and when it starts it hits hard and lasts longer than smoking. This is because the cannabinoids have to pass through the liver instead of going straight into the bloodstream through the lungs.

Once you have your edibles dose dialed in though, it’s an excellent way to get a long high or to get longer medicinal effects. Chronic pain sufferers may use an edible at the start of the day for pain control, then use a vape whenever the pain spikes.

Tinctures and Oils: Speed and Accuracy

Cannabis tinctures and cannabis oils are used similarly. They’re liquids applied under the tongue for absorption into the body. A tincture is made from soaking cannabis in alcohol or glycerin. This pulls out the right components. Oils are similar, but use an oil as a carrier instead and they may be more concentrated than a tincture.

A few drops under the tongue is all that’s needed and both act very quickly. By measuring drops, users can get a very precise dose. This may be especially helpful if you need to stay within a certain range to avoid getting too high.

Be careful with oils though. They are often much more concentrated than other cannabis products. Start with a low dose and go up slowly.

Topicals: Get the Benefits of Cannabis Without Ingestion

Topicals are any cannabis product applied to the skin, like a cream, balm, lotion, or massage oil. They’re mostly used for muscle pain and skin irritation. The skin cannot absorb THC into the bloodstream, so it’s safe for people who don’t want to get high.

They’re easy to use. Just apply them to the skin and rub it in! Applying CBD topicals is much more discreet compared to smoking and vaping, but they’re best for skin problems and muscle pain.

If you’re unsure of what method is best for you, contact our cannabis dispensary in Portland for advice. Our budtenders can teach you which products and consumption methods are best for your needs. Whether you’re a recreational user or a medicinal user, we can help you!

A lot of people are talking about HHC, or hexahydrocannabinol. Some are calling it “THC lite” or “synthetic THC,” and there’s a lot of interest in how this relatively new and very interesting cannabinoid could be used as an alternative to THC. But how true are those claims? And how do THC and HHC compare? This HHC vs THC guide will explain it all.

What Are Cannabis Plant Cannabinoids?

Before we get into the specifics of THC vs HHC and the specific difference between THC and HHC, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what cannabinoids are.

In a nutshell, cannabinoids are natural compounds found within the cannabis or hemp plant. They occur naturally, and there are over 100 of them in total. Examples include CBD, CBG, CBN, and, of course, THC and HHC, too.

When consumed in various forms, like cannabis oils, flowers, or specific HHC products, these cannabinoids can interact with a part of the human body called the endocannabinoid system, or ECS.

The ECS has its cannabinoid receptors, called CB1 and CB2 receptors. Cannabinoids like THC can interact with those receptors, triggering certain effects in the body, like a change in mood, appetite, tiredness, and so on.

THC: How It Works

Next, let’s look at what is HHC and THC, starting with THC. THC, which can come in various forms, like Delta-9 THC and Delta-10 THC, is a potent cannabinoid. It’s famed for being the psychoactive part of the cannabis plant, capable of making people feel “high”. It works by binding with the cannabinoid receptors to trigger a sense of euphoria, among other effects.

Benefits

There are lots of possible benefits associated with THC, especially from a medical perspective. Thanks to its potency and power to help people feel happier, as well as easing pain, inflammation, and other issues, it can be used as a supplementary treatment option for various conditions like depression, inflammation, insomnia, MS, migraines, nausea, and PTSD.

Uses

Some current uses for THC include:

• Helping people relax
• Stimulating the appetite
• Easing nausea and vomiting
• Improving sensory perception
• Soothing pain and inflammation

HHC: How It Works

Next up in our HHC vs THC guide, we have to focus on HHC. So, what is HHC? Well, HHC is one of the “minor cannabinoids” and doesn’t appear much in the cannabis plant. So, when it comes to the HHC products you’d find in your local Portland cannabis dispensary, most of them are made with synthetic or man-made HHC.

Back in the 1940s, a chemist called Roger Adams figured out that he could add hydrogen to THC to create this new cannabinoid: HHC. Like THC, it’s capable of binding with cannabinoid receptors in the body, along with pain receptors, to trigger certain effects.

Benefits

One of the big benefits of HHC is its stability. The hydrogenation process used to make this cannabinoid makes it more stable and strong compared to THC, so it can last longer and won’t break down as easily. It also is said to offer a milder high compared to THC, so it may not be quite as dangerous if used irresponsibly and may offer certain medical benefits and uses.

Uses

The uses and effects of HHC include:

• Potential for pain management and relief
• Easing symptoms of anxiety and depression
• Soothing inflammation
• Treating insomnia and sleep problems
• Easing vomiting and nausea

HHC vs THC: What’s the Difference?

So, is HHC stronger than THC? And how do the two compare? Well, firstly, HHC isn’t stronger. Of the two, THC is more potent and packs more of a punch. Indeed, many people call HHC “THC lite” as it feels a little less powerful and doesn’t cause such strong intoxicating effects or high sensations.

The two also have different chemical structures, different legal statuses, and slightly different effects, too. Does HHC get you high? Yes, just like THC, but it doesn’t do it quite as strongly. The lists of effects and benefits for each cannabinoid also have some notable differences, with HHC having less severe overall effects.

The Chemical Structure Differences

One of the key areas in which THC and HHC differ is in their chemical structure. They’re almost identical, except HHC has been hydrogenated, giving it an extra hydrogen atom compared to THC. That atom not only changes the chemical structure but also makes HHC more stable and resistant to UV radiation.

HHC vs THC: Legal Statuses in the US

THC and HHC also have different legal statuses at this time. THC is completely illegal at the federal level and in many states, but HHC operates in more of a legal gray area. It can be made from hemp, which is perfectly legal due to the 2018 Farm Bill, and it is therefore legal on a technical level. However, as more is discovered about this cannabinoid, we may see states introducing new laws to control it. Contact us to stay up to date on the legal situation in your state.

Clearly, HHC and THC have a lot in common, but also differ in key areas, like legality, use, benefits, and so on. More research is needed in areas like “Is HHC safe?” to figure out the potential advantages and uses of this cannabinoid instead of or alongside THC.

In recent years, CBD products have become hugely popular and more accessible than ever, and it’s easy to see why. CBD oils and edibles offer many benefits, from soothing pain to helping people sleep. However, if you want to get the best and safest results with CBD, you need to use the right CBD dosage.

This CBD dose guide will show you how to calculate dosage and explain what kinds of effects you can expect at different CBD oil dosage levels.

Factors that Can Influence CBD Dosage

When trying to decide on the right CBD dosage for you, it’s important to take a few different factors into account:

• Desired Effects: Think about why you’re taking CBD and what you want to get out of it. Typically, If you’re looking to treat mental health conditions like anxiety disorders, smaller doses may be needed when compared to someone taking CBD to manage the symptoms of something like cancer or Parkinson’s, for instance.
• Type of Product: You also need to consider what kind of CBD product you’re working with. There are lots of CBD options in the average Cannabis dispensary in Portland, and they can have different concentrations of CBD and different speeds of action. Check the labels and know how much CBD is in your oil or gummies to calculate the right dose.
• Weight, Age, and Sex: Physical factors such as your age, weight, and sex can all have an impact on your ideal CBD gummies dosage or CBD oil dosage, too. Typically, older individuals tend to need smaller doses than young people. Men also need bigger doses, on average, and heavier people also need more CBD to feel the effects.
• Tolerance and Sensitivity: You’ll also need to take your own tolerance levels into account to figure out the ideal dose for you. Those with a history of CBD and cannabis usage will typically be more tolerant and need higher doses, while those who are new to CBD products should start off with a small dose.

Is It Possible to Take Too Much?

Yes, it’s possible to take too much of almost everything in life, including CBD. Studies have suggested that doses up to around 600mg are safe, but anything over that could be risky and would increase your chances of having unwanted side effects. However, there’s still a lot we don’t know about CBD and more research is required to figure out the true maximum dose.

Different CBD Dose Levels

Next, let’s take a look at some common dose levels, ranging from a small dose of 25mg up to a very large dose of 2,500mg to see what each one can do.

CBD Dose At 25mg

25mg is a common low dose of CBD. It’s often recommended as a good starting point for those who are new to CBD products, as it is enough to produce effects, but not too much to propose any notable risk. Low doses like this could be useful for pain relief or anxiety, and many CBD gummies and capsules contain 25mg of CBD each.

CBD Dose At 100mg

100mg is a more moderate CBD dosage compared to 25mg. It’s aimed at those who are seeking to alleviate or soothe mild to moderate symptoms, where 25mg just isn’t enough. This is a good option for those who are using CBD for sleep, and it might be just right to put you in a more relaxed and calm state to rest at night.

CBD Dose At 300mg

300mg is classed as a relatively high dose of CBD and is mainly suited for people who are dealing with more serious and severe health issues that cannot be alleviated with smaller, milder doses. At this level, you can expect to enjoy more intense pain relief and a notable change in mood, feeling calmer and less stressed. Such a dose can also have sedative effects.

CBD Dose At 500mg

500mg is one of the highest doses that a person can be safely recommended to try. It’s mainly used in patients with severe mental health issues, like anxiety disorders and PTSD, or those dealing with chronic pain conditions or pain associated with terminal diseases. This kind of dose should provide very powerful and potent effects, regardless of a person’s tolerance levels.

CBD Dose At 2500mg

2,500mg is an exceptionally high amount of CBD. This is not recommended for the average person to take and may not even be safe for human consumption. Such a high dose has almost never been used in studies, and the highest doses used for research purposes tend to be closer to 1,500mg.

Find the Best CBD Dosage for You

As explained above, the ideal dose for you will depend primarily on what kind of symptoms you’re hoping to treat and what effects you want. Here are some example conditions and appropriate doses for each one.

• CBD Dosage for Pain: CBD has powerful pain-relief potential as it interacts with the endocannabinoid system. If you’re looking to soothe pain, it really depends on how much pain you have. Doses from 50mg up to 500mg can all work.
• CBD Oil Dosage for Anxiety: CBD also works wonders for people dealing with anxiety, and smaller doses tend to work best. Anywhere from 50mg to 100mg is a good option per day for dealing with anxiety.
• CBD Oil Dosage for Sleep: Another of CBD’s health benefits is its power to help people sleep and rest. Around 50mg to 70mg should be enough to help you rest, although more may be needed for cases of serious insomnia.
• CBD Dosage for Acne: CBD may also assist with skin health and acne. A small dose is all you need, of around 20mg per day. CBD topicals can also help with acne problems. Contact us to learn more.

What Dosages Are Safe?

In general, studies carried out by leading researchers and authorities like the Food and Drug Administration suggest doses of anywhere up to 1,500mg may be safe, although 600mg is usually the top-recommended dose for most people.

How to Calculate Dosage

A lot of products, like gummies and pills, tell you exactly how much CBD is in each serving, so it’s very easy to control your dose. For other products that are a little less clear, you may have to use a CBD dosage calculator to assist you.

CBD Dosage Chart

The chart below shows average doses for people of different weights:

• 80-100 lbs: 180-450 mg
• 100-120 lbs: 225-545 mg
• 120-140 lbs: 272-636 mg
• 140-160 lbs: 318-727 mg
• 160-180 lbs: 363-818 mg
• 180-200 lbs: 409 mg-909 mg
• 200-220 lbs: 454 mg-600 mg
• 220 lbs +: Up to 600 mg

CBD can be a wonderful and life-changing cannabinoid for those with pain, inflammation, stress, and more. But you have to use the right dose. Use calculators and check the labels of your favorite products to make sure you’re taking the correct amount.

If you’re a fan of cannabis or enjoy the unique effects and medicinal benefits it can provide, you might like to take an active interest in cannabis concentrates. But, if you’re new to the concept of concentrates of cannabis, it can all feel a little overwhelming.

There are lots of different types of marijuana concentrates to consider, and each one is a little different. There are also multiple ways of consuming weed concentrate, from vape pens to dab rigs, and more.

This comprehensive guide to cannabis concentrates will cover all you need to know.

What Are Cannabis Concentrates?

Let’s kick off with the simple question that most beginners have: what is a concentrate?

Well, marijuana concentrates are highly concentrated (hence the name) substances that are made by processing cannabis plant matter in specific ways to extract and distill all the very best and most important parts of the cannabis plants, like cannabinoids and terpenes.

They can come in many forms and are often gold or amber colored, made up of lots of condensed cannabinoids, with high levels of potency in every single drop or piece.

Difference Between a Concentrate and an Extract

It’s quite common to hear people refer to weed concentrate and extract as the same thing, or use the two terms interchangeably. However, there is a slight difference between the two.

To put it simply, extracts are a type of concentrates, made in a specific way. Extracts are always made with the help of solvents, while other types of concentrates can be made using solventless methods. In other words, every extract is a concentrate, but not every concentrate can be classed as an extract.

How Are Concentrates Made?

Just like cannabis edibles, cannabis topicals, and all the other many products you can find in your local marijuana dispensary in Portland, cannabis concentrates have to be made using precise, established processes.

The extraction methods involved can be divided into two distinct groups:

• Solvent: As the name implies, solvent-based extraction involves the use of a solvent of some kind, with common examples including butane, ethanol, and olive oil. The cannabis plant matter is exposed to the solvent in some way, and the solvent breaks down the trichomes and draws out the contents of the cannabis.
• Solventless: There’s also the solventless approach, which doesn’t require the use of any solvent at all. With this method, water is the main liquid used to essentially separate the trichomes from the plants and draw out the key cannabinoids and terpenes. Heat can also be used, as well as simply physically shaking the cannabis flower.

Types of Cannabis Concentrates

There are many varieties of cannabis tinctures, oils, extracts, and concentrates. Some of the most popular and well-known examples include:

Shatter

Shatter is a very thin, brittle kind of concentrate that can break (or shatter) into lots of little pieces quite easily, under very little pressure. It can have very high THC levels of up to 80%.

Budder & Batter

Budder, batter, and badder are all terms used to refer to the same kind of concentrate. This one feels very buttery, which is where it gets the name from, and its more solid consistency often allows for easier handling compared to other cannabis concentrates.

Live Resin

Live resin is a concentrate famed for both its high levels of concentrated THC (up to 70%) as well as its rich smell and taste. It’s a very popular choice with purists and is made with very freshly harvested or frozen plants.

Rosin

Rosin is a very runny concentrate made using the solventless method. It has a big flavor, and many fans of cannabis concentrates enjoy debating the merits of rosin vs. resin.

Sauce

Sauce, just as the name suggests, is a very gooey, sauce-like concentrate with very high levels of terpenes. It can be a little tricky to handle, but has really tasty flavors.

Honeycomb

Honeycomb is so-called due to the fact that it truly looks and feels a lot like a real honeycomb, straight from a bee hive. It’s a versatile concentrate, you can use for dabbing marijuana or in a vape pen.

Kief

What is kief? This concentrate is one of the simplest. It’s made up of trichome crystals that have been shaken free from the cannabis flowers and then collected together. It’s easy to add to joints or pipe bowls.

Hash

Hash is a thick, brick-like concentrate made up of trichomes. It can come in various forms and is one of the oldest examples of cannabis concentrates.

Diamonds

Diamonds are a crystalline concentrate left over once all the terpenes and runny sauce have been moved. Flavor tends to be quite low with diamonds, but they’re very potent.

How to Consume Cannabis Concentrates

There are lots of different ways to work with and consume cannabis concentrates, including:

• Dabbing: This involves the use of a “dab rig”, torch, nail, and other equipment to heat the concentrates to extremely high temperatures and effectively vaporize them for rapid, easy inhaling.
• Smoking: Concentrates can also be smoked. They can be mixed in or used to infuse or “top off” pipe bowls and joints.
• Vaping: Various vape pens and vaping devices are also compatible with concentrates, allowing the user to vaporize waxes, oils, and more.
• Making edibles: Another great way to use cannabis concentrates is to use them for making tasty edibles, like cannabis cookies, brownies, cakes, and more.
• Making topicals: Cannabis concentrates like wax and oil can also be used to make topical cannabis creams and lotions.
• Making tinctures: Concentrates are essential ingredients when making cannabis tinctures and oils.

Contact us to find out more about how to use concentrates.

Benefits of Using Marijuana Concentrates

Some of the benefits of concentrates include:

• Versatile: There are lots of different forms of concentrates and ways to use them.
• Potent: Concentrates have high levels of cannabinoids for potent effects.
• Fast-acting: You can usually feel the effects of concentrates very quickly.
• Health: Concentrates can offer certain health benefits, like pain relief.

While concentrates can be a little confusing for first-time users, they’re a great choice for people who want to broaden their cannabis experiences, enjoying a wide range of consumption methods, tastes, aromas, and effects.C

There are so many different cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, with CBD and CBN being two of the most talked-about. But what is the difference between CBD and CBN? And how do the two compare in terms of effects, potency, and usage? Well, this guide will answer all of those questions and more, covering everything you need to know about CBN vs CBD.

What Are Cannabinoids?

Before we take a closer look at CBN vs CBD, it’s important to have a basic understanding of what cannabinoids, on the whole, actually are. So what are cannabinoids? Well, cannabinoids like CBD and CBN are naturally occurring compounds within the cannabis plant. When consumed, they can interact with the endocannabinoid system in the human body to produce certain effects and offer various potential benefits, too.

CBD: How It Works

CBD is the short name for cannabidiol. It’s one of the most widely used and popular of all cannabinoids, thanks to its great range of effects.
The way it works, just like many other cannabinoids, is by targeting a range of receptors in the endocannabinoid system. This can lead to multiple uses and benefits, which we’ll detail below.

Benefits

One of the best benefits of CBD is that it doesn’t have psychoactive effects, like THC. That means it isn’t capable of getting people high. Not only that, but, because of the way CBD works when combined with THC, it can actually soften some of the more potent effects of THC. It also has a huge range of possible medical uses, like as an anti-depressant, anxiolytic, or pain killer.

Uses

Some of the potential uses for CBD include:

• Relieving chronic pain
• Treating inflammation
• Reducing stress
• Calming anxiety
• Easing depression
• Soothing nausea and vomiting
• Helping with epilepsy and similar disorders
• Treating insomnia and similar sleep conditions

CBN: How It Works

So, what is CBN? Well, CBN stands for cannabinol. It’s one of the “big six” active cannabinoids, a group that also includes CBD and CBG, but it tends to appear in smaller quantities than the others.

It is believed that CBN is able to interact with the CB1 receptor cells in the endocannabinoid system. This can then trigger a range of effects. Scientists are unsure about the exact power, potency, and use of CBN, with some saying it’s quite powerful and even psychoactive, while others say it has no notable effects at all.

Benefits

For now, we can only talk about “potential benefits of CBN”, due to the fact that this cannabinoid has not been researched or studied as extensively as CBD, and scientists are still unsure about what it can do. Some believe that it may offer useful sedative or calming effects and is far less potent and overwhelming compared to other cannabinoids, such as THC.

Uses

• Easing insomnia and sleep disorders
• Treating chronic pain
• Soothing anxiety
• Promoting a healthy appetite
• Easing nausea
• Possibly treating certain bacterial infections

CBD vs CBN: What’s the Difference?

So, when it comes to CBN vs. CBD or CBD vs. CBN, what’s the big difference between the two?

Well, there are a few notable differences.

First of all, we know a lot more about CBD. It has been researched and studied much more extensively. This has led to the growth and development of an entire industry around CBD. There are many types of CBD products you can find and use. In contrast, CBN products are harder to source, even from a trusted cannabis dispensary in Portland.

There’s also a clear difference in terms of usage and benefits. The two cannabinoids share some benefits, like the power to soothe and calm people, giving them potential uses in treating stress, anxiety, insomnia, and so on. However, the effects of CBN are still a bit of a mystery, and CBD is generally much more useful and potent.

Can You Mix CBD and CBN?

Absolutely, it’s possible to mix lots of different cannabinoids, including CBD and CBN. This can produce unique effects and experiences as the separate cannabinoids work together in the body.

Research suggests that using CBD ad CBN together may actually be a good idea and could help the two work more effectively, through a phenomenon known as the entourage effect, which suggests that cannabinoids work better as a team, rather than on their own.
Contact us to learn more about this idea.

Are CBD and CBN Legal?

CBD and CBN are legal in some states, but not all. Each state has its own rules and regulations around cannabis products and usage, so it’s important to look up your local laws and see what rules are in place before seeking out any CBD or CBN products of your own.

Overall, CBD and CBN are clearly quite different, but still have a few things in common and can both prove valuable and useful for many people when it comes to easing pain and soothing common mental stresses. More research is clearly needed to find out what CBN is capable of and if it could ever be as useful and influential as CBD.