Category: Cannabis

Smoking is arguably the most popular way of consuming marijuana. Since this activity can be done with the company of friends and other like-minded people, blazing up cannabis can also be one of the most enjoyable methods out there.

Indeed, smoking pot has always been considered a social occasion and an opportunity to mingle. As such, you may be wondering exactly how your newly-bought weed seeds could affect and contribute to your social circle. If so, you have come to the right place.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the effects of smoking cannabis on your social life and relationships.

Cannabis, Sociability, and Relationships

The effects of smoked marijuana take hold quickly. Within a few minutes after inhalation, you will begin to feel a lot more relaxed and euphoric, putting you at ease in social settings, whether in the company of friends or strangers. It is also not uncommon for you to fall into a fit of laughter or giggles. All of these, in turn, can increase your sociability, helping expand your social circle.

But, smoking cannabis can also harm your social life, especially when done in excess. When a person abuses weed, their interpersonal relationships may suffer. As a result, the addicted individual may become estranged from their family, close friends, and colleagues.

Below, we’ll explore both the positive and negative effects of cannabis on your social life.

The Good

When smoked responsibly, cannabis can shower plenty of benefits to your social life. This includes lowering stress and anxiety, improving mood, and expanding your social circle.

1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Many people smoke cannabis to ease their anxiety and lower their stress levels. It can usher in a sense of calm and deep relaxation, putting you in the right mental state to interact with other people. After all, when you are less anxious and self-conscious, your inhibitions significantly lower, making it easier for you to have the time of your life in social situations.

But, take note that the effects of weed on anxiety may depend on the type of cannabinoid you blaze up.

First, let’s take a look at cannabidiol or CBD, the plant’s primary non-psychoactive compound. Studies have shown that CBD has powerful anxiolytic or anti-anxiety properties, making it a potential treatment for anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder (SAD) (Blessing et al., 2015).

SAD is more than just shyness. Also referred to as social phobia, it is marked by an intense, nagging fear of being watched, judged, and negatively perceived by others. This can be incapacitating, interfering with your ability to act properly in certain or all social situations.

In one study, social phobia patients were treated with a single dose of either CBD or placebo before a simulated public speaking test. Results showed that the participants who received CBD experienced a significant reduction in anxiety, discomfort, and cognitive impairment during their speech performance (Bergamaschi et al., 2011).

As for THC, research reveals that it has a biphasic effect on anxiety (Rey et al., 2012). In other words, the psychotropic compound may relieve anxiety at low doses, but worsen it at higher doses.

2. Improves Mood and Depressive Symptoms

Depression is a mental condition characterized by a low mood, constant feeling of sadness, emptiness, and loss of interest in activities. It can be debilitating, impairing your daily functioning. This includes your capacity to connect with others.

Studies show that people with depressive symptoms are associated with negative social interactions (Steger & Kashdan, 2009). They are also more likely to experience isolation within their social networks (Elmer & Stadtfeld, 2020).

The greater the depressive symptoms, the more often these individuals would experience unpleasant social situations, and the more strongly they would react to them. Interestingly, they also reacted just as strongly to positive social interactions.

Researchers found that people with depressive symptoms appeared to have more satisfying, more meaningful lives when they experienced a sense of belongingness (Steger & Kashdan, 2009). This indicates that healthy social relationships can help boost well-being in depressed people.

This is where smoking marijuana can help. As previously mentioned, getting high on weed is associated with increased mood and a rush of euphoria, which can make you more inspired to interact with other people. Although the research on the link between cannabis and depression is still in the early stages, some of the findings already show promise.

In one study, researchers recruited severely depressed individuals who also happened to use cannabis (Denson & Earleywine, 2006). Their goal was to analyze the link between marijuana use and depression. Data showed that daily users had a better mood and more positive affect than non-users. They also experienced fewer bodily complaints. This suggests that the plant may help reduce the symptoms of depression.

The antidepressant effects of cannabis can be attributed to both THC and CBD.

THC, for one, binds and activates the cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptor. Experiments performed on rats indicated that activating this receptor could produce antidepressant-like effects (Hill & Gorzalka, 2005). Meanwhile, a review of animal models found that CBD exerted antidepressant-like effects, most likely due to its interaction with the 5-HT1A receptor (de Mello Schier et al., 2014).

3. May Increase Your Social Circle

Smoking marijuana is a social experience first and foremost. Although blazing up solo can be relaxing and rewarding, there is something inherently special about smoking in the company of friends, laughing together as you pass around a joint, blunt, bong, or even a dab rig.

Thanks to the legalization of marijuana in Canada, the cannabis community is steadily growing. This has also given birth to myriads of virtual and face-to-face gatherings, including summits, conferences, workshops, and other networking events. In other words, there is never a shortage of opportunities for you to meet other canna-enthusiasts and widen your social circle.

The Bad

As with any other substance, smoking cannabis can also be harmful when done in excess. For one, it can exacerbate or increase the likelihood of mental troubles, including anxiety and depression.

Also, remember that marijuana can be addictive. With heavy and repeated intake, you may develop dependence and addiction to the plant. This is also referred to as Cannabis Use Disorder (Patel & Marwaha, 2020).

When this happens, problematic and compulsive marijuana use becomes your number one priority. Your life will revolve around obtaining and using the drug or recovering from its effects. This, in turn, causes you to:

Isolate yourself
Drift apart from your friends and family
Give up key social, occupational, or recreational activities
Fail to meet major obligations at work, school, or home

To make matters worse, you also won’t be able to control your consumption patterns, which means that you will keep on smoking the bud despite the health and relationship problems it brings. You will also develop unpleasant withdrawal symptoms that can only be relieved by taking cannabis. As a result, your attempts to stop or reduce your intake often fail.

The adverse effects are even more severe among individuals who started smoking cannabis as adolescents (Feeney & Kampman, 2016). For example, they may be more prone to psychological problems and impaired social functioning. As a result, they may struggle to execute their social responsibilities, as well as have compromised relationships with other people (National Academies of Sciences, 2017).

Becoming More Sociable and Outgoing With Cannabis

Smoking cannabis can affect several aspects of your day-to-day existence – and that includes your social life. Thanks to the plant’s stress-relieving, mood-elevating, and euphoric effects, it can help you become more sociable. This, in turn, can make it easier for you to connect with others, make meaningful connections, and widen your social circle.

But to make the most out of the positive effects of cannabis, it is important to smoke responsibly. The last thing you want is for the plant to take control of your life, ruin your relationships with your loved ones, and invite a slew of adverse health and social ramifications.

Citations

Bergamaschi, M. M., Queiroz, R. H., Chagas, M. H., de Oliveira, D. C., De Martinis, B. S., Kapczinski, F., … Crippa, J. A. (2011). Cannabidiol Reduces the Anxiety Induced by Simulated Public Speaking in Treatment-Naïve Social Phobia Patients. Neuropsychopharmacology, 36(6), 1219–1226. https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2011.6

Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M. M., Manzanares, J., & Marmar, C. R. (2015). Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 825–836. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1

de Mello Schier, A. R., de Oliveira Ribeiro, N. P., Coutinho, D. S., Machado, S., Arias-Carrion, O., Crippa, J. A., … Silva, A. C. (2014). Antidepressant-Like and Anxiolytic-Like Effects of Cannabidiol: A Chemical Compound of Cannabis sativa. CNS & Neurological Disorders – Drug Targets, 13(6), 953–960. https://doi.org/10.2174/1871527313666140612114838

Denson, T. F., & Earleywine, M. (2006). Decreased depression in marijuana users. Addictive Behaviors, 31(4), 738–742. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2005.05.052

Elmer, T., & Stadtfeld, C. (2020). Depressive symptoms are associated with social isolation in face-to-face interaction networks. Scientific Reports, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-58297-9

Feeney, K. E., & Kampman, K. M. (2016). Adverse Effects of Marijuana Use. The Linacre Quarterly, 83(2), 174–178. https://doi.org/10.1080/00243639.2016.1175707

Hill, M. N., & Gorzalka, B. B. (2005). Pharmacological enhancement of cannabinoid CB1 receptor activity elicits an antidepressant-like response in the rat forced swim test. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 15(6), 593–599. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2005.03.003

National Academies of Sciences. (2017, January 12). Psychosocial. The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425739/

Patel, J., & Marwaha, R. (2020, November 29). Cannabis Use Disorder. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/nbk538131/

Rey, A. A., Purrio, M., Viveros, M.-P., & Lutz, B. (2012). Biphasic Effects of Cannabinoids in Anxiety Responses: CB1 and GABAB Receptors in the Balance of GABAergic and Glutamatergic Neurotransmission. Neuropsychopharmacology, 37(12), 2624–2634. https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2012.123

Steger, M. F., & Kashdan, T. B. (2009). Depression and everyday social activity, belonging, and well-being. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 56(2), 289–300. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0015416

The Wide World of Weed Types

Whether you’re new to cannabis or new to having access to an entire menu of weed products, you likely have one central question. What is a marijuana strain, and what makes these weed types different? We’ll answer this question and explore the key facts you need to know to make an informed cannabis purchase.

There is a big wide world of cannabis strains, with over 700 unique varieties in existence. These strains result from selectively breeding one or more of the three cannabis subspecies together. Specifically, sativa, indica, and ruderalis are the three subspecies that have been bred for decades to produce the strains we now enjoy (Gloss, 2015).

As far as strains go, there are three major weed types you’ll find online, sativa, indica, and hybrid. The ruderalis subspecies is rarely ever sold on its own. Nonetheless, ruderalis strain genetics play an essential role that we’ll explore soon. To start, let’s discover why you should pay close attention to cannabis strains.

Let’s get started!

1. Why are Strains Important?

The marijuana strain is a critical factor because it impacts the outcomes of your smoking experience. Sativa, indica, and hybrid strains have different chemical characteristics (called phenotypes) that impart unique therapeutic and recreational outcomes. When it comes to buying the right strain for you, learning these differences makes all the difference.

Generally speaking, sativa and indica strains impart unique effects that can directly influence your experience. Sativa strains are known for producing a head high, which many people label as cerebral. Inspiring deep thoughts, creativity, social communications, and a more active high experience are all trademarks of sativa genetics.

On the other hand, indica strains produce a body high, leading to relaxation and sleepiness. Melting away muscle tension, sinking into the couch, and stimulating the munchies are all typical results of smoking an indica strain. So, what about hybrids?

As the term hybridization suggests, these strains are a combination of different plant genetics. Hybrid strains contain genetics from both sativa and indica subspecies, along with possibly some ruderalis. When you see hybrid strains on the cannabis market, they will often be identified as sativa- or indica-dominant. While the effects of hybrid strains can be more unpredictable, the dominant genetics give you a good hint of what to expect.

Now that we understand why these strains are so important, you can decide which sounds better for you. Maybe you’ll be a fan of Sativa strains?

Suggested Sativa strains:

2. Cannabis Strain Characteristics

The full name for the cannabis plant is Cannabis Sativa L., but this does not mean all plants are sativas. Since this can be confusing, we often shorten the name to cannabis when referring to the entire plant population. Within this single plant, three subspecies developed over thousands of years. We know these subspecies as sativa, indica, and ruderalis.

Sativa plants are tall, growing to 5-18 feet tall. These plants have only a few branches and narrow leaves. Buds produced by sativa plants are generally smaller and more fluffy. This variety grew tall in the search for sunlight in more northern-latitude climates (Gloss, 2015).

Indica plants, on the other hand, are short and bushy. These plants grow only 2-4 feet tall but are tightly branched. Indica plants produce buds that are bigger and denser than sativa plants. Indica plants developed in the high-altitude plains of Asia, where they got all the sun they could want. Because of this, they were able to stay short and stocky (Gloss, 2015).

Ruderalis plants are like the runt of the family, the runaway child. This strain emerged from cannabis plants that broke away from human captivity and spread like weeds. And so, you had a domesticated variety of cannabis plants that spread in nature. In the case of ruderalis, these plants literally grow like weeds. They can pop up in a ditch or the side of the road, for example. (Gloss, 2015)

You certainly won’t find many ruderalis strains on the market! Although ruderalis genetics are used for autoflowering seeds. The most common type of cannabis products you’ll find come from Indica strains. Are these strains right for you?

Suggested Indica strains:

3. How Do Strains Impact THC and CBD content?

We learned that sativa and indica plants tend to produce different effects in humans. You may be wondering if this is due to differences in delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) levels. Unfortunately, the answer is not so simple. There are high-THC and low-THC options for each strain – sativa, indica, and hybrids. The same goes for CBD content.

Novice consumers of cannabis should not seek out the highest THC percentage possible. Instead, you should focus on strains that contain higher CBD levels. Doing this helps to avoid some of the possible side effects of not starting low and going slow. Many new consumers of cannabis find balanced strains, which have a 1:1 ratio of THC:CBD, as a perfect launching point.

The THC content will impact how intense the effects are of the buds you smoke. In the case of sativa and indica strains, this heightens the inherent qualities of each. In other words, a high-THC indica strain will produce more relaxation than a low-THC strain. But, this can also lead to adverse events. If you want to stay awake while smoking an indica, a lower THC percentage is the place to start.

Same goes for sativa strains. While many cannabis consumers love the cerebral effects produced, newer consumers may find high-THC options too intense. Anxiety is a common side-effect of consuming THC beyond your tolerance level. And so, you should strive to match your tolerance and your goals to both the strain type and THC/CBD levels.

Now, you may be wondering about terpenes? There are specific terpenes more likely to be found in Sativa or Indica strains, but the same can’t be said for hybrid strains. There is plenty of variety in hybrid strains, which can make it hard to know where to start.

Suggested hybrids:

4. How Do Terpenes Impact Strains?

Terpenes are aromatic compounds that produce the scent of cannabis we all know well. You’ve likely noticed how each strain can smell completely unique. This results from the wide variety of terpenes found in cannabis and all the different ways to combine them. There have been over 200 different terpenes found in cannabis plants (Russo, 2011).

When looking for the right strain for you, your considerations should include the strain, the THC/CBD content, and the terpenes present. Terpenes are essential to consider because they also play a role in the outcomes of your smoking experience (beyond smelling good). According to the entourage effect, terpenes combine with cannabinoids (THC, CBD, and others) to produce synergistic outcomes (Russo, 2011).

In other words, the therapeutic and recreational benefits of cannabis are strongly influenced by the terpene content. It can be hard to predict these effects ahead of time, so there is a certain level of trial-and-error that all cannabis consumers must go through. This work is worth the effort, as once you find the right terpene(s) for your goals, you can continue to seek them out.

Bringing the conversation back to strains, there is an important topic to discuss. While every sativa, indica, and hybrid may have a unique terpene profile, there are similarities between the strains. Indica strains are world-renown for their musky and skunky aroma, while sativas are more commonly associated with floral and fruity scents.

More broadly, there are two general clusters of terpenes that tend to go together. The result is two major themes, as far as terpenes go. The first theme is described as earthy, woody, and herbal. The second theme, however, is characterized as sweet and pungent with lemon and citrus scents. The first group tends to be more common with indicas, while the second is found in sativa plants (Sommano, Chittasupho, Ruksiriwanich & Jantrawut, 2020).

Wrapping Up Our Complete Guide to Cannabis

Well, there you have it. Whether you believe it or not, you now know everything needed to be an informed buyer of cannabis. We learned that there are three marijuana strains, sativa, indica, and hybrid. You understand that these hybrid strains can lean toward sativa or indica, with an incredible variety in between. Furthermore, we discussed how the THC/CBD content impacts each strain’s intensity and why more is not always better. Finally, we rounded out our conversation by exploring terpenes and the role they play.

Now, you can take this understanding and use it to find the perfect strain for you. By removing the uncertainty, you can understand the jargon and find the strains that match your goals. We learned how the THC/CBD content and terpene profile combine to produce each one of the over 700 unique cannabis strains. Start your journey today, and find your perfect strain!

Citations

Gloss D. (2015). An Overview of Products and Bias in Research. Neurotherapeutics : the journal of the American Society for Experimental NeuroTherapeutics, 12(4), 731–734. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-015-0370-x.

Russo E.B. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. British journal of pharmacology, 163(7), 1344–1364. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x.

Sommano, S.R., Chittasupho, C., Ruksiriwanich, W., & Jantrawut, P. (2020). The Cannabis Terpenes. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 25(24), 5792. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25245792.

Buying legal cannabis online in Canada now comes with clarity, certainty, and security. You can explore your options, find perfect products, and get them shipped straight to your door. By the time you’re done reading this article, you’ll know how to buy weed online with confidence.

Buying Weed Online in Canada

Do you want to order weed online? Whether you are new to cannabis or an experienced connoisseur, navigating the online marketplaces can seem daunting at first. Thankfully, it has never been easier to get legal weed delivered straight to your door.

Since the legalization of cannabis in Canada on October 17, 2018, Canadians have gained access to buying it online. No matter which province or territory you reside in, there are online options to get weed delivered.

Legally buying weed online is easier than it has ever been. The online marketplaces are constantly expanding into new strains and new product types. This scenario makes it impossible for recreational consumers to get bored or deal with going dankrupt.

Here are the tips to help you confidently buy cannabis online.

1. How Do I Buy Cannabis Online legally?

When it comes to buying marijuana online, it all depends on where you are in Canada. Depending on the province or territory, there are minor differences in the online experience and process. The first consideration is the age of access for your jurisdiction. In Alberta, for example, you must be at least 18 years old. As for Quebec and every other province and territory, you must be 19. As long as you meet the legal age for buying weed, you are good to go.

The next question you may have is, ‘where can I buy weed online?’ The answer to this also depends on where you are situated. Each province and territory has determined the precise rules for themselves. That said, every jurisdiction must offer Canadians access to buying cannabis online, wherever people live.

Each province or territory controls wholesale cannabis purchases, and many also host government-run online marketplaces. For example, Ontario has the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS), British Columbia operates BC Cannabis Stores (BCCS), Alberta runs Alberta Cannabis (AC), and New Brunswick operats Cannabis NB CNB .

The first thing you’ll notice when reaching any of these online marketplaces is that you’ll be asked to confirm your age. If you are not asked to do so, you are likely looking in the wrong place.

Manitoba and Saskatchewan are the only provinces that allow private companies to sell cannabis online. These marketplaces are regulated and approved by the provincial governments. Specific companies have been approved to sell cannabis online. If you’re wondering how to find these official stores, keep reading.

Where do I go for more information? A quick google search can help you find the official government page for cannabis information in your jurisdiction. These are the best resources for official details specific to that province or territory. You can use these resources to answer all the exact questions you may have about cannabis rules that matter to you.

2. What Cannabis Product Types are Available Online?

When it comes to buying cannabis online, you have hundreds of options to explore and consider. The only limitation you’ll have to keep in mind is that your purchase has a cap on it. Generally, it is either 28-grams or 30-grams of THC. Each purchase cannot go over that limit. All products that are not dried flowers will present an equivalency amount for this quota. So what products are offered?

In Canada, you can legally buy an array of different product types. You have the option of buying seeds, plants, dried flowers (buds), edibles, infused beverages, extracts, and topicals. Extracts include vape carts, concentrates like shatter, and THC oils. Since legalization, there has been an explosion of product offerings in all domains. You now have more options for topical products, infused beverages, and concentrates than ever before.

While going with the standard dried flower is never a bad idea, take your time and explore the other product offerings available to you. Due to the limitations on how much you can buy, sometimes the process is a bit of a mix and match to find the perfect combination.

3. Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid Strains?

Like with the different product types, the choice of cannabis strains is entirely up to you and your goals. Whether you go with sativa, indica, or hybrid strains depends on what you want to get out of your high. That said, every product is unique, and each person reacts differently to cannabis products. No matter what you decide, always start low and go slow.

Generally, there are typical effects associated with indica and sativa strains. Indica strains produce a body high, complete with sedation, relaxation, and appetite stimulation. On the other hand, sativa strains lead to a head high, inspiring creativity, socialization, and physical activity. Broadly between the two, sativa is better for daytime, and indica is better for promoting couch-lock and sleep.

As you can see, which strain you buy will depend on what your goal is. When it comes to hybrid strains, they tend to fall somewhere between the two types. A sativa-dominant hybrid may act more like a classic sativa. An indica-dominant hybrid acts more like a classic indica. When it comes to your exact reaction, there are many variables at play, so there is a bit of trial-and-error needed to find that perfect strain for you.

Related article: Your Beginner Guide to Marijuana Strains

4. What Factors Should I Consider Before Buying Cannabis?

When exploring the different products, you should review the THC/CBD content, terpene content, production practices, and price. Newcomers to cannabis should look for strains that have at least some CBD content. It would be even better to seek balanced strains with equal THC/CBD percentages. More experienced consumers can seek out as high THC content as they find appropriate for your tolerance level.

Terpenes should not be forgotten, as they provide the aroma and flavor behind strains. If you are new to cannabis, you may not yet know much about terpenes beyond these facts. When it comes to terpenes, it is all about personal preference. Some people enjoy the citrus scent of limonene – others like the pine aroma of alpha-pinene. Find the terpenes you enjoy and use them as a guide to finding the perfect strains.

For dried flowers, you can also explore where and how the plants were grown and produced. There are large differences between small-batch and greenhouse-sized grow operations. Furthermore, hand-trimming and proper drying/curing are essential to creating the best bud possible. Generally, you’ll pay more for this quality, but you get what you pay for.

For infused edibles and beverages, the critical factor is the THC content. By law, edibles can contain no more than 10mg of THC per package. And so, there is not much variability in the market at this point. Still, there are delicious cookies, gummies, seltzers, and more.

5. How does the shipping Work?

Depending on where you are located, shipping can range from being free to $6-8. On delivery, you must verify your age with a piece of ID. Another member of your household can accept the package and show their ID instead.

During the COVID-19 crisis, there have been some changes and adaptations that may alter the situation. For example, Ontario started providing free delivery. At the same time, BC stopped delivering to houses (you have to pick it up at your nearest Canada Post). Refer to your specific online retailer to learn about shipping policies.

6. Security

The best part about buying legal cannabis online in Canada is the security:

You can be assured that everything you are doing is legal.
These official sources take privacy very seriously.
You no longer have to deal with shady back-alley deals and random bags of weed.

Taken together, you can get the exact product you want, legally, while resting comfortably that your data is secure.

Becoming an Expert at Buying Weed Online

While the process may seem daunting, it only takes a little bit of effort to open the wide world of legal cannabis in Canada. We discovered how easy it is to find a safe and secure online retailer for your province or territory. Once you find the correct source, you’ll gain access to a vast assortment of different products. This array of choices is fantastic for consumers, so take the time to explore all the options available to you. Use the tips provided here to find the perfect strain and product for you and your goals.

Choosing among hundreds of strains is one of the most exciting things beginners can do while discovering the many benefits of cannabis for the first time (or only recently). Before going on ahead, it is best to delve deeper into the different species – Sativa, Indica, and Ruderalis – for each produces varying effects. Moreover, many of the most popular marijuana strains available in the market are creations of master breeders. These are hybrids that contain the genetics of two or more species, which also means they also possess properties of the parents.

Some people choose strains by trial and error. Not only is it costly, but also frustrating. In some instances, it may lead to either an underwhelming or overbearing experience.

Medical marijuana users, in particular, have pressing needs. It is already bad enough that a chosen strain could not provide such benefits. The wrong one can also aggravate medical conditions. As for recreational use, each person has a distinct preference. More than merely choosing between a euphoric or relaxing high, there are other considerations such as intensity and flavours.

Although this beginner’s guide to marijuana strains benefits users mainly, it can also help you in the future – should you decide to grow cannabis yourself. Growing your own medicine – as some people like to put it – is a rewarding experience. A better understanding serves as a foundation for successful cultivations and harvests.

Guide to Marijuana Strains

Cannabis is an annual flowering plant and is dioecious – which means each of them is either male or female. In nature, male plants pollinate females. In turn, the females produce seeds containing the genetics of both parents. A small percentage of cannabis plants, though, are hermaphrodites. Due to genetic predisposition and growing conditions, hermies have male and female reproductive organs and can self-pollinate.

Species

Most people who looked into and used cannabis should recognize the two main species – Sativa and Indica. Not many people, however, realize there is a third one – Ruderalis. Within the scientific community, there is a debate on the categorization of these three. Some consider them as three distinct species. On the contrary, others deem them as one species with three subspecies (Gloss).

Cannabis Sativa

Sativa plants originally came from locations where the climate is hot and dry with long sunny days – Southeast and parts of Western Asia, Central America, and Africa. Because of the abundance of sunlight, they evolved to have thin, light green leaves. These plants, though, can stretch upwards, reaching for the sun – which is why they have a tall, slim structure.

Outdoors, Sativa plants can grow up to 12 feet or taller. They need generous vertical space indoors, with most strains averaging 4-6 feet tall. Upon transitioning to the flowering period, they take their sweet time lasting up to 12 weeks, with some requiring up to 16 weeks. The extended time it takes also means they generally produce high yields of fluffy and popcorn-sized buds.

Recreational effects:

Feeling euphoric
Relaxed
Changes in perception (colour, time, and space)
Increased appetite
Energetic and talkative

Medical effects:

Alleviate chronic pain
Mitigate nausea and vomiting resulting from chemotherapy
Relieve some multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms
Boost appetite
Relieve anxiety

Sativa strains are excellent for daytime use, and some people use a tiny dose to enhance productivity. It helps unleash creativity, which musicians and artists have taken advantage of in creating their masterpieces. Medical marijuana users can, for sure, benefit from its therapeutic properties (Andre et al.). An excessive dosage, however, is counterproductive. For some people, it might even become overbearing. Instead of melting away stress or easing anxiety, for example, it may worsen the condition.

Recommended Sativa strains:

Cannabis Indica

Indica cannabis species originally came from places where the climate is often windy, cold (but not freezing), and dry, like Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. Because they need to withstand the harsh conditions, Indica plants are shorter and sturdier than Sativa, growing 2-4 feet tall. They have more branches with broad, dark green leaves to give them a compact, Christmas tree-like structure.

The leaf size and bushy shape are necessary for these plants to collect light energy where the sun doesn’t shine as much as in warm, tropical regions. Many people prefer growing Indica strains because they are not as delicate as Sativa strains and naturally resistant to pests and diseases. More importantly, their flowering time lasts only 7-9 weeks while still producing generous yields of dense buds.

Recreational effects:

Calming
Physical and mental relaxation
Sedating
Sleepy

Medical effects:

Reduce anxiety
Relieve muscle pain
Alleviate muscle spasms

Indica strains are excellent for late afternoon to evening use when there are no other things to do. For one, it is relaxing and a great way to de-stress from the hassles of the day. Not to mention, it may help relieve pains and symptoms of glaucoma, neuropathy, spasticity, and more (Pearce et al.). Another reason is that at peak intensity, most people feel lazy. If the strain is highly potent, the numbing, sedating body high can lead to couch-lock.

Similar to Sativa strains, too high a dosage can lead to a mind-bending experience. Furthermore, it may lead to unpleasant effects like increased anxiety, staying true to the biphasic nature of cannabis.

Recommended Indica strains:

Cannabis Ruderalis

Most recreational and medical marijuana users are not aware of Ruderalis because it has no benefits to offer. Instead of being insignificant, this species is why there are now many auto-flowering seeds for sale.

Ruderalis thrives even in extreme conditions where Sativa and Indica plants cannot grow. In particular, these locations include Russia and Eastern Europe (Wikipedia Contributors). In these places, the growing season is short, and sunshine is limited. These plants have adapted to such conditions by flowering automatically after 2-3 weeks from seeds.

Ruderalis plants are small, averaging only 1-2 feet tall. Their small stature results from a rapid growth cycle in which they reach maturity in 2 months or less. Unfortunately, they do not produce significant amounts of THC and CBD.

For breeders, the auto-flowering trait of Ruderalis proved invaluable. By crossing this species with Sativa or Indica strains, they produced new hybrids which no longer rely on light cycles to transition. Auto seeds appeal to home growers who want quick turnaround time or have tiny growing space. Although the first generations of auto-flowering strains were underwhelming, new breeding methodologies paved the way for modern autos that boast 20% or more THC.

Hybrids

Landrace strains (pure Sativa or pure Indica in their native form) are rare. Most marijuana strains today are, in reality, hybrids. These are strains that have both Sativa and Indica genes. On appearance, looks can be deceiving. For example, some strains may have Sativa-like leaves but grow like an Indica.

Hybrids, in a sense, may very well be designer strains. In creating hybrids, breeders can pick desired traits from each of the parent strains. As you browse the catalogues of marijuana strains, you would see some as Sativa-dominant, Indica-dominant, or Balanced. Apart from effects, breeders can also customize their flavours and aroma.

Hybridization is also an excellent way of eliminating weakness in strains. For example, Sativa strains take a long time to grow. By adding Indica genetics, breeders created Sativa-dominant hybrids that grow like an Indica – sturdier, more resistant to pests and diseases, and flowers faster.

Breeders also boost desired traits by hybridization. Realizing the importance of terpenes, they are now creating more flavourful, more aromatic hybrids. They can also create high-yielding THC-rich or CBD-rich varieties.

Recommended hybrids:

Choosing Marijuana Strains

The choice of marijuana strains comes down to the desired effects. For daytime strains, choose Sativa. These are the types of cannabis strains that produce a mentally stimulating high. Think of it as an upper, in which you feel uplifted and energetic.

If you are in for a relaxing time, especially in the evening, Indica strains are your choice. These strains can quickly calm you down, and depending on the dosage, lock you on the couch.

Hybrids offer a combination of Indica and Sativa. Usually, these strains are 50% Sativa, 50% Indica. The onset of the effects may be more cerebral, but a physically soothing body high follows after some time.

Once you have decided between Sativa, Indica, or hybrids, the next is choosing a specific strain. To this end, you may opt for flavours and aromas, which you can see in the product information.

Lastly, take note of the THC concentration. As someone new to using weed, you want to choose cannabis strains for beginners. Usually, they would have less than 15% THC. Anything more, especially in the 20% or more range, can be too intense.

Citations

Gloss, David. “An Overview of Products and Bias in Research.” Neurotherapeutics, vol. 12, no. 4, 23 July 2015, pp. 731–734, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604179/, 10.1007/s13311-015-0370-x.

Andre, Christelle M., et al. “Cannabis Sativa: The Plant of the Thousand and One Molecules.” Frontiers in Plant Science, vol. 7, 4 Feb. 2016, 10.3389/fpls.2016.00019.

Pearce, Daniel D., et al. “Discriminating the Effects of Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica: A Web Survey of Medical Cannabis Users.” The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, vol. 20, no. 10, Oct. 2014, pp. 787–791, 10.1089/acm.2013.0190. Accessed 19 Mar. 2019.

Wikipedia Contributors. “Cannabis Ruderalis.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 18 Dec. 2019, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_ruderalis.

An improperly rolled joint – too tight or too loose – does not deliver the best experience. You can learn how to roll the perfect joint by trial and error. However, it is not a process you want to go through. By following our guide, you will soon be rolling joints like a pro. It is easy, and the reward is a gratifying smoking session where you can reap the best your chosen strain has to offer.

The Quick and Easy Way to Roll a Joint

Rolling a joint can feel daunting for those new to this combination of art and skill. After gaining experience, however, joint rolling becomes second nature. By following the steps provided here, anyone can gain expertise around rolling joints. No longer will you have to rely on a friend as you learn how to roll the perfect joint yourself.

There is no “cannabis unit,” so you can make your joints as small or as large as suits your needs. In Europe, joints and spliffs are essentially synonymous terms. They both describe the combination of tobacco and cannabis inside a rolling paper. Here in North America, a joint commonly describes a cannabis-only joint (Hindocha, Freeman, & Curran, 2017).

It is strongly advised that you do not consume tobacco at any point but especially combined with cannabis. Tobacco comes with “dramatic negative consequences” and causes millions of deaths worldwide each year (Melamede, 2005).

There is nothing wrong with rolling a more giant-sized joint, even if you are by yourself. That said, you do not ever need to consume an entire joint in one session. You can put joints out and relight them later. Doob tubes are small cylinders used as airtight storage for joints. They provide quick and easy storage for joints of all kinds. The best part about these tubes is how they limit the scent produced by your cannabis joint.

As you’ll soon discover, rolling a joint is not a complicated ordeal. Instead, it is a skill that anyone can learn relatively quickly. All you need to do is be prepared, practice, and enjoy the rewards of your effort. Before we get started on the step-by-step instructions, you’ll want to make sure you have all the supplies you need.

Rolling Materials

Here is the most basic list of rolling materials you’ll need, with a few optional additions. Essentials include:

Grinder or busker
Rolling papers (any size and style, up to you)
Filter paper
Something to poke and compress the bud
Rolling tray

Learning how to roll a joint is a process. At the start, you test out any paper wrap you have available. Over time, you’ll find the perfect rolling paper for you. Likely, that will become your go-to option after that. It can be challenging to assess papers before you try them out. Once you do, you’ll discover whether they have the right size for you and whether they burn properly.

The filter paper is used to create a crutch or filter that prevents you from breathing in loose and burnt materials. It also provides for more straightforward handling of the joint. That said, not everyone uses one, so consider it a personal preference. Some people use business cards or other thicker pieces of paper, but you can also buy proper filter papers.

A grinder quickly becomes an essential item for anyone rolling joints. Unless you buy milled bud, you will need to break apart and grind up the buds before rolling. This process can be tremendously arduous by hand and becomes a breeze by using a simple device. If you have the funds, go with a 4-chamber grinder that collects kief in the bottom chamber.

Now that you understand what supplies are needed, it is time to get to the fun part. Follow our step-by-step guide for rolling to become an expert joint roller.

1. Grind the Weed

If you don’t have a grinder, a set of scissors can help make this job more manageable. Preferably, you’ll use your grinder to grind the correct amount of bud quickly. To produce the best smoking experience, you’ll want to remove the stems before grinding. It takes a bit more time, but it creates a smoother smoke. For those who like to grind more than they need in one session, store the ground bud in an airtight container.

2. Create Your Filter or Crutch

While some people wait till later for this step, doing it now makes your life much easier. Take your filter material, ensure it is the right size, and then roll it up. You can make a few ‘accordion’ folds and then roll up the rest of the filter. Crutches vary from person to person, so be creative. Experience will help you create better filters and prevent the trim from reaching your mouth.

3. Prepare the Rolling Papers

Some people like to give the paper a little bit of love before getting started. It can be as simply removing the creases and rolling the paper between your fingers. This step helps to smooth the folds and prep the paper to be rolled. Also, make sure the adhesive portion is on the far edge, facing you.

4. Fill the Rolling Paper

Once you have prepared the rolling paper, form it into a canoe shape. Hold the paper between your thumb (nail facing your body) and fingers (generally, your index and middle finger) of one hand. You may want to try this process using either hand until you determine which one works best. Use your other hand to fill the paper with cannabis. You’ll determine exactly how much bud is needed with experience, so don’t worry too much the first few times. If you use too much weed, it will often fall out while finishing the joint.

5. Pack the Cannabis

Using your finger or the rolling paper package, press down on the cannabis. While this step may seem minor, doing it well makes the rest of the process much easier. The hand holding the joint can use the ring finger and pinky to support the paper to maintain the weight. Your other hand presses down on the bud. Use a gentle but firm pressure to compress and form the bud inside the paper. At the same time, you can roll the paper in your hand just a little to start rounding the joint. Once finished, use both hands to cradle the joint.

6. Roll It Up

If you have pressed the bud down well enough, this next step will be easy. Use both hands with your thumbs leading the process. Press the near-edge of the rolling paper down over-top of the weed. You want to get the near edge to fold over and line up with the other side of the paper. If you do this step correctly, all you’ll need to do is roll up with your thumbs to create the joint. Once you have the tube formed, you should only have a small amount of far-edge paper still free. That is also where the adhesive strip should be. And so, give the glue a quick lick from end-to-end and then finish rolling the joint up with your thumbs.

7. Finish the Joint

At this point, you should have a round-shaped joint that is open on both ends. It is common for some trim to fall out from either edge. Take a finger and block the end where you want to put the filter. Use a poker to compress the bud at the other end of the joint. After that, twist up the joint paper to seal that end. Now, you can flip the joint and remove your finger. Use the poker to compress the bud inside the joint once again. It should provide enough space to get your filter inside. The filter may need a quick touch-up to make it small enough to fit inside. Once it fits inside, press it down until it lines up with the edge of the paper.

8. Enjoy Your Joint

Now that the hard part is done, the rest is easy and enjoyable. With time, the whole process can become rewarding and entertaining. That said, if you find the process difficult at first, you are not alone. Reward yourself for your efforts by enjoying the joint! All you need to do is light up the twisted end until the joint is burning.

Joint Rolling Is Easy

As we stated at the start of this article, rolling a joint is both a skill and an art. For beginners, focus on developing the skill and dexterity to create joints quickly and easily. Once you become accustomed to rolling joints, this is where the art can take over. Knowing how to roll a basic joint can allow you to progress to more complicated and fancy styles. If you want to roll a cross-joint or a blunt, you start with a simple joint described here for you.

After just a few tried, you’ll modify and perfect the process for your needs as joints become easier to roll. Don’t feel bad if the joints are not perfect to start. It takes time to develop the dexterity needed to roll a joint without creasing the paper. But you can get there! You have taken the first steps in your joint rolling career here today. Be patient, practice your crap, and most-of-all enjoy the spoils of your efforts.

Citations

Chandni Hindocha, Tom P. Freeman, and H. Valerie Curran (2017). Anatomy of a Joint: Comparing Self-Reported and Actual Dose of Cannabis and Tobacco in a Joint, and How These Are Influenced by Controlled Acute Administration. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 217-223. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2017.0024.

Melamede, R. (2005). Cannabis and tobacco smoke are not equally carcinogenic. Harm Reduct J 2, 21. https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7517-2-21.

Buying weed in Canada has never been easier. There are a variety of ways to access the full array of legal products now available. In the following article, you’ll discover all the rules and regulations surrounding the purchase of cannabis in Canada.

How to Buy Weed in Canada

Since October 17, 2018, Canadian adults have gained access to recreational cannabis. The medical cannabis program continues to operate in a parallel framework. Any adult in Canada can purchase cannabis, but accessing medical cannabis requires medical professional authorization.

You must be an adult, although the exact age varies by province or territory. The minimum age for cannabis access is 18 in Alberta, at least 21 in Quebec, and 19 in other provinces and territories. You can buy cannabis in-person or online, while the specifics vary by region. Since this is a critical consideration for buying cannabis legally, we’ll explore the key details below.

All Canadians have access to cannabis online. The sale of cannabis online is through provincially-controlled entities in the majority of provinces and territories. Manitoba and Saskatchewan are the only two regions to permit private online sales. These online retailers are named after each province and territory, such as British Columbia Cannabis Stores (BCCS), Ontario Cannabis Stores (OCS), and Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC).

You can purchase cannabis in-person at licensed retail stores in every province and territory. Retail stores can be provincially operated or privately operated. The regions with government-operated retail stores only include Quebec, Prince Edward Island, Nunavut, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, New Brunswick, and British Columbia.

Alberta, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Yukon have private-operated retail stores. The names can vary dramatically, but you can find official lists of legal stores in each province.

Whether you buy cannabis online or in-person, you will have to prove you are of age with an official ID. When it comes to cannabis delivery, the person who receives the package must present proof of age. Many retail stores check for age at the door, so you still need ID if you plan on window shopping.

Now that you have a solid understanding of the rules behind the cannabis industry, we’ll explore some of the top questions you may still have.

1. How do you know the cannabis you buy is legal?

All legal cannabis in Canada will come with an excise stamp on the outer packaging. Each stamp is slightly different, but they all follow the same format. They come with securities features images that will remind you of Canadian currency.

2. How much weed can you possess?

No matter where you are, you can only carry 30 grams of dried cannabis or equivalent on you. Each region has different rules around how much cannabis may reside in your home. Still, the public possession limit does not change.

3. How much Cannabis can I buy at a time?

The exact limit on how much you can buy depends on the region. There is no retail store or online provider that will sell more than 30 grams per purchase due to the possession limit. Some regions lower that number slightly to 28 grams per purchase.

4. Can I buy cannabis as a tourist?

Yes, in Canada, all adults can buy recreational cannabis. There is no limitation around buying cannabis as a non-citizen. That said, keep in mind that cannabis can not legally leave Canada. Before exiting Canada, ensure you finish or toss all cannabis products.

5. Should I Buy a Sativa, Indica, or Hybrid strain?

Personal preference is king. If you enjoy certain strains, then they are right for you. Once you discover strains you enjoy, use them to find other strains with similar compositions.

Generally speaking, Sativa strains produce more of a head high with higher energy levels. Conversely, Indica strains tend to deliver a body high with more sedation and relaxation. Finally, hybrid strains can be Sativa- or Indica-dominant. Depending on the dominant genetics, hybrids can fall on either end of the high spectrum.

6. What types of Cannabis products can I buy?

There is a full assortment of delivery methods and product types that you can buy in Canada. These weed products include dried flowers, seeds, plants, infused beverages, edibles, capsules, cannabis oil, and cannabis concentrates.

7. How do I determine product potency?

When it comes to buying cannabis, one major factor is the potency of THC and CBD. There is one term you need to understand to help you read cannabis labels. The term is ‘total THC’ or ‘total CBD,’ and it tells you the key number you’re likely seeking. This term describes how much THC and CBD will be found in the product when it is used as intended.

Without diving into details, many of the actual compounds in cannabis exist in an acid form. These acids must be heated to convert the compounds to what we all know as THC and CBD. And so, if you smoke or vape dried flowers, the total THC is the expected potency of that product.

Products do not generally list the number as a percentage instead of providing the total milligrams per gram of THC or CBD. Keep in mind that there are 1000 milligrams in a gram. You can determine the percentage by doing the math or take a shortcut by cutting off the last digit. Doing so will describe the potency as a percentage.

8. How do I determine the quality of products?

While the only way to assess products honestly is by trying them out, some considerations are worth noting. When it comes to the quality of dried flower, here are some topics to review in the product description:

What was the growing method? Indoors, outdoors, greenhouse, small-batch, and more.
How was it trimmed? Hand- or machine-trimmed?
What terpenes does it contain? And the percentages if listed.
What is the price per gram?
How much CBD does it contain? While we focus on THC, more CBD is often better.

Discovering how to buy weed in Canada

You now know all the essential facts behind buying weed in Canada. With this information, you can now research the specifics for your local region. Whether you buy cannabis online or in-person is your choice, although some remote areas may still be lacking physical stores. We also answered the broad questions that you likely had.

By knowing the options, you can find the right place to buy weed near you. Furthermore, you learned what key factors to consider when assessing different types of dried flowers. There is a large assortment of cannabis products now available to adults in Canada. While the first purchase may bring a bit more stress, you’ll be buying cannabis confidently with ease in no time.

Citations

(Government of Canada (2021). Cannabis in the provinces and territories. Retrieved from: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medication/cannabis/laws-regulations/provinces-territories.html.

The Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS)

The Ontario Cannabis Store, or OCS, is the provincial wholesaler of cannabis in Ontario. Retail stores are run by private companies and must purchase all cannabis through the OCS. Individuals in Ontario can buy cannabis online through the OCS.ca website. The OCS is the primary source of online sales of cannabis in Ontario. Retail stores have gained the ability to do curbside pickups and deliveries during the COVID-19 crisis but might be banned again in the future.

Because all legal cannabis in Ontario must pass through the OCS’s hands, they are the primary source for cannabis sales information. The OCS releases quarterly and annual ‘insights reports’ that provide factual details around cannabis sales in Ontario.

1. 2019-2020

The OCS has released its first annual report for the 2019-2020 period. This report provided the first extensive overview of the progress of legalization in Canada. Ontario has a population of around 14.5 million people, making it the largest province by population. Citizens of Ontario represent approximately 38% of the entire country. This province’s trends help provide a decent estimation of Canada’s overall situation (Ontario Cannabis Store, 2021).

In 2019, Canada completed its first full year of recreational cannabis sales. Between April 1, 2019, and March 31, 2020, 27.8 million grams of cannabis were sold online and in-store in Ontario. That equates to 27,800 Kilograms, nearly 61,300 pounds, and over 30 tons.

In the same timeframe, Ontario increased the number of retail stores from 22 to 53. As we’ll see later, this initial rate would be considered slow compared to the growth we are currently seeing in the province.

As a central pillar of the Canadian legalization strategy, the price of cannabis was considered to be an essential variable. The goal of the Canadian government was to convert grey market consumers to the legal cannabis industry.

The illegal market dried the OCS reported flower average price as $8.23.Compare this to the average price of OCS sales of dried flowers at $8.56. Retail stores in Ontario sold dried flowers at an average price of $10.84.

The OCS reported that consumers are drawn to lower-priced products, but there is interest at all price-points. The critical factor for selling these products appears to be meeting customer expectations around product quality.

The OCS reported the velocity of sales growth across different price points. The $5-8 range grew by nearly 5-times, the $8-12 range grew by 3.5-times, and the $12-15 range grew by 2.5-times. There were smaller increases in higher price ranges.

2. A Year of Growth: 2020

While we await the second annual insights report, we can look to the most recent quarterly report for sales information leading up to the end of 2020. In this latest quarterly review, the OCS provided further updates to the cannabis sales trends in Ontario.

Retail store growth expanded at an increased rate in 2020. By the end of the year, there were over 324 stores opened. These numbers have continued to proliferate in 2021. Considering how few stores were open by the start of 2020, this retail store growth rate has accelerated dramatically.

The growth in sales by price levels demonstrated some exciting trends. Between October 1 and December 31, 2020, the average cost of $3-6.50 grew by 4.6-times. That said, the price ranges of $6.50 through to $20.50 saw similar increases of around 1.4-2-times. As you can see, there is a wide range of price-points for dried flower cannabis products. From budget ounces to premium bud, consumers in Ontario can take their pick.

By the end of 2020, the grey market prices decreased to an average of $7.76. However, in the same timeframe, sales on OCS.ca dropped to an average of $6.24. The legal cannabis industry attained a lower average price per gram average at the start of 2020, representing a substantial achievement. The average price of dried flowers decreased in retail stores as well. By the end of 2020, retail stores reached an average price per gram of $9.13.

The subcategories of cannabis products saw a wide range of average prices-per-gram in the last quarter of 2020. Creams and lotions saw the highest average, reaching $60/gram. Capsules saw an average of around $35/gram, and cannabis oils averaged nearly $2.50/gram.

On the lower end of the spectrum, cannabis beverages cost around $2/gram, and baked goods and chocolates were around $5.50/gram. Hash, kief, and sift had a slightly lower average than dried flowers, around $6.15/gram.

As you can see quite clearly, the price-per-gram of cannabis varies substantially depending on the product subcategory. Keep in mind that these numbers are focused solely on cannabis. Other factors also impact the prices of subcategories of cannabis products.

2021 and Beyond

The start of 2020 saw the legal cannabis industry gain a competitive price advantage over the illicit market. By the end of 2020, dried flowers dropped to a price per gram average of $6.24. Consumers also enjoyed the increased variety in both quality and price of dried flower options.

In 2021 and beyond, we expect to see trends continue to progress. Consumers should continue to see more affordable options while continuing to have access to higher quality bud. Based on this and the fact that legal cannabis is now cheaper than illicit bud, cannabis legalization appears to be a success so far.

Citations

Ontario Cannabis Store (2021). Insights Publications. Retrieved from: https://ocs.ca/pages/insights-publication.

We have all heard the phrase, ‘best of both worlds’ at least a few hundred times in our lives. It is an apt representation of hybrid strains, which have both sativa and indica genetics. What can you do when you are high on hybrids?

Hybrid strains offer incredible diversity and versatility. Hybridization is the term used to describe the blending of sativa and indica species through selective breeding. While master growers continue to experiment on new strains to offer consumers and patients, we can focus on what these hybrids can do for us.

Top 10 Things You Can Do While High on Hybrids

The world is your oyster when you are high on a hybrid strain. These activities are by no means the only things you can do. That said, we hope you find the activities interesting and fun to do.

1. Watch TV or a Movie

Hybrid strains provide the perfect balance of sedation and stimulation to get you in the mood for watching some TV. You can pick whatever you want to watch. Just be sure to have some healthy snacks and water nearby, as you may not want to get up for a while. While this should not be the only activity you do, it is a solid option for just about any quiet evening.

2. Treat Yourself, Get Pampered

Who doesn’t need a little self-care? There are so many ways to spoil yourself while enjoying the high that hybrid strains can provide. A few ideas here include getting a massage, facial, or foot massage. Each of these activities is immensely enjoyable on its own but gets even better when paired with a high-quality hybrid. We don’t need to sell you on pampering yourself, but we encourage adding a hybrid strain to the mix.

3. Do Some Gardening

Creating a garden can be wonderfully enjoyable and rewarding. There is something special about making something grow from a seed into an entire plant. While growing cannabis plants may not be everyone’s cup of tea, every person can benefit from adding a little more green to their day. It’s ok to start simple and small, grabbing a small herb or potted plant. All you need to worry about is sunlight and watering, and there are plenty of instructions online to guide you.

Spending time working on your garden while high on a hybrid strain makes everything that much more enjoyable. There is a simple pleasure in the act of gardening. Enjoying this activity while also getting high on a plant can compound the benefits of this activity. Do a bit of research, and find the right plants for your home and your limitations. If you’re wondering how to enjoy this combination, it’s simple. Go and smoke a hybrid strain and then spend some time caring for your plant.

4. Get Cooking

Many of us now get a large percentage of our food from restaurants. We get it. Restaurants make awesome food that is hard to avoid. That said, there are numerous benefits to cooking for yourself. Learning how to cook healthy meals that suit your needs is one of the best ways to empower yourself. Cooking also happens to pair perfectly with hybrid strains. Here’s a quick tip, get all the supplies you need and go through the tricky stuff like peeling and cutting. After that, go out and enjoy your weed. This gets you in the perfect mood to finish up your cooking and, onto the most enjoyable part, eating the food.

5. Have Sex

Early research has shown that using cannabis before sex can lead to an assortment of benefits, including better odds of great orgasms. More specifically, women reported not only an improved orgasm but also an increase in sex drive, decreased pain, and no change in lubrication. While this study included 127 weed-consuming women and 373 female participants in total, it presents some fascinating findings (Lynn et al., 2019). Anecdotal reports from men and women have supported these findings for decades.

Cannabis consumers may discover that a hybrid strain is perfect for sex. Some individuals find that sativa strains give them a bit too much psychological tension or anxiety to get in the mood. Conversely, an indica strain may get you too couch-locked to get in the groove. And so, hybrid strains can balance out these two effects to provide the optimal conditions for some sweet (and safe!) love-making. Generally, the results are best if you are comfortable with the person, so this suggestion is more catered to couples.

6. Get Up and Out

As the weather gets warmer, there is no better activity than a simple walk in nature. Find any green space you can and enjoy smoking your green outside. While it may sound overly simple, there is something incredibly uplifting about being in nature. There is evidence to support this idea as well. A growing body of evidence supports the claim that being in nature can provide substantial benefits. This includes reducing stress, promoting healing, lowering blood pressure, reducing feelings of isolation, and lifting your mood (Robbins, 2020).

7. Enjoy Good Music

Another classic suggestion, this one never gets old. As simple as it seems, finding a comfortable place to rest and putting on a great album is always a good time. You may find yourself selecting certain types of music for your hybrid high, and there is nothing wrong with going with the flow. And don’t just stick to the classics, as discovering new music can take the whole experience to a new level.

8. Visit a Museum

Where can you go to find an enjoyable indoor activity with few people around you? What buildings tend to have the largest rooms with plenty of empty space? The answer is museums! Getting high on a hybrid strain can set you up perfectly for this peaceful but stimulating activity. Whether you visit a science, art, or history museum, there are endless art pieces to view and facts to be learned.

The great thing about museums is that people tend to space out. If you can find a quiet time of day, you’ll likely be left to your own devices. This space is great for numerous reasons, including not bothering anyone near you with your cannabis aroma. Depending on your tolerance, a sativa-dominant hybrid will likely be your best bet to get into a state of awe.

9. Call a Family Member

When was the last time you called your mother, father, or grandparents? Just about everyone is experiencing more social isolation than ever before since March of 2020. There are likely people in your life who would appreciate a call from you. The best part about making a phone call is that you can get high on a hybrid strain, and nobody can smell it. Unless you are a complete novice with cannabis, people are unlikely to notice your change of consciousness. How often is it that we get to chat with family members without judgment for smelling like weed?

All it takes is a quick phone call. You do not even have to stand up. Getting high on a hybrid can help you relax just enough to be in an excellent mood for conversation. If the person you are calling can induce some stress, then getting high can counteract those effects before they happen. It may not sound all that enjoyable at first, but calling a family member and making their day can be immensely rewarding for yourself as well. Give it a try the next time you smoke a hybrid joint or bowl.

10. Let Your Creative Juices Flow

No matter how you exercise your creativity, adding a hybrid strain high to the mix can enhance the process. There is something about the physically relaxing and mentally stimulating nature of hybrid strains that supports creative ventures. Whether you are drawing, painting, writing, dancing, singing, or designing, you can find the right hybrid strain. Once you get in the right zone, just let the flow take over and enjoy yourself. Time will melt away along with your stress levels, and you’ll create something new and beautiful.

Safely Enjoying your Hybrid High

As you see, there are so many enjoyable activities perfectly suited for a hybrid strain high. The variety of hybrids out there is as wide as the activities you can perform. As always, ensure you stay safe by starting low and going slow. Furthermore, avoid driving or other dangerous activities while high. That said, there are myriad options left open for you and your time spent high.

Citations

Lynn, B., Lopez, J., Miller, C., Thompson, J., & Campian, E. (2019). The Relationship between Marijuana Use Prior to Sex and Sexual Function in Women. Sex Med, 7(2): 192–197. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6522945/.

Robbins, J. (2020). Ecopsychology: How Immersion in Nature Benefits Your Health. Retrieved from: https://e360.yale.edu/features/ecopsychology-how-immersion-in-nature-benefits-your-health.

Smoking is the most common way to consume cannabis. While joints, bongs, and other smoking devices never lose their utility, some people may find themselves seeking more creative ways to smoke weed. And, that is why we provide you with these unique and certainly fun ways of delighting in the effects of THC and CBD.

Unique and Entertaining Ways to Smoke Weed

There is, of course, absolutely nothing wrong with the way you use cannabis. On some days, though, wouldn’t it be more fun to try something new? Yes, some of these choices may seem better suited for special occasions. Still, you never know which of these smoking methods may turn out to be your new favourite.

Fruit Pipes

One of the genuinely entertaining ways to smoke weed is by using a fruit pipe. What fruits function well as pipes, you may be asking? You may be surprised to hear that just about any fruit can work. All it takes is a bit of ingenuity and creativity, and you can enjoy the novel experience of smoking out of fruit pipes.

An apple would be the classic example. With an apple, you rip out the stem and turn the top into the bowl. Then, form a tube going straight down from the make-shift bowl into the middle of the apple. A metal straw or pen with the ink and tip removed can work here. You should then create a hole from the side of the apple toward that center point.

The goal is to create a small channel for the cannabis smoke from the bowl. You can get extra fancy by adding a ‘choke,’ – an additional inlet that goes from the middle to the opposite side of an apple.

This will provide you with one hole to inhale from and one to be used as a choke. In other words, you cover the choke howl and burn some cannabis while inhaling. Once you get a solid amount of smoke inside, you can release your finger from the choke and let fresh air rush in as you inhale the smoke.

So, what other fruit can you use? Possible options include watermelon, banana, orange, lemon, and pears. In each of these cases, the principles are precisely the same. You will want to create a hole for the bud, which connects down into the middle of the fruit. From here, you make a hole for inhaling and one to act as a choke.

You may find yourself wanting to block the primary channel entrance so that your bud does not fall in. A filter works well here if you have one, but you can also just take a few small pieces of the fruit and create a screen that will prevent you from inhaling actual buds.

Twaxing a Joint

Another entertaining way to smoke weed is by creating and consuming a twaxed joint. The term twaxing a joint describes using cannabis extracts and concentrates to spice up a regular joint. This process can be as straightforward or as complicated as you’d like.

On the simple side, if you have some hash or dry sift, you can sprinkle a bit inside the joint to increase the potency. Make sure you still use dried flowers primarily, with these concentrates acting as the extra unique spice. The same process can be used with distillates and hash oils as well.

For a more complex option, you can even decorate the outside of the joint. Try dipping the entire joint in terp sauce or hash oil and then roll it in kief. This creates a beautiful appearance that is truly potent. Take it a step further by adding some distillate around the outside in whichever pattern you prefer.

When it comes to twaxing a joint, you can get as creative as you’d like. It all depends on what types of extracts and concentrates you have available to you. Even shatter, budder, caviar, and rosin can be added as well. These options can be sprinkled inside or stuck to the outside in the same way we described above.

Blunts

While on the topic of joints, you cannot ignore blunts. Quite simply, a blunt is a joint that is made using tobacco wraps instead of standard papers. These wraps come in a variety of flavours and can be purchased with or without tobacco inside. Typically, you’ll first want to remove the tobacco from inside the blunt (if not using rollable blunt wraps). After that, you fill the wrap with dried flowers and roll it back up.

There are two downsides to blunts. Firstly, they can be difficult to roll and do require a bit of extra work. Secondly, these wraps contain nicotine, an addictive and harmful substance (Government of Canada, 2018). Blunts are best left for special occasions instead of everyday use. This makes them perfect for a fun and creative twist to smoking weed this weekend. Keep in mind. You can also twax a blunt in the same way we described twaxing a joint.

Before you light up a blunt or twaxed joint, take a moment to consider the potency. Generally speaking, you should start low and go slow with any cannabis concentrate (Government of Canada, 2019). It is no different twaxxing joints, as the potency can quickly ramp up. Don’t be afraid to put it out once half-burnt to save the rest for later. Ideally, you would have a group of friends to help you enjoy these special treats.

Dry Herb Vaping

While this article focuses on smoking cannabis, we’re going to change things up a bit. Compared to smoking, an exciting and functionally versatile way to consume cannabis is vaping. We are going to focus on the vaping of dried flowers, called dry herb vaping. This is different from the cannabis oil vape pens.

Dry herb vaping involves filling a chamber with ground bud, then heating it to the point where the cannabinoids and terpenes turn to vapour. In this situation, no combustion occurs. Vaping produces less agitation to your lungs and throat, amongst other major benefits (Loflin & Earleywine, 2015). You can find both tabletop and portable versions of dry herb vapes to meet your needs. Portable vapes are best for personal use, while tabletop versions provide one of the best social vaping experiences.

Reinvigorating Your Cannabis Smoking Experience

If you find yourself seeking some novelty in your cannabis smoking experience, try any of the alternatives presented here. They are creative and exciting new ways to consume THC and other cannabinoids. Fruit pipes add a whole new level of flavour and fun. Twaxed joints and blunts are perfect for those special events where a regular joint just won’t do. Finally, you could avoid smoking entirely by giving dried herb vaporizers a shot. With these unique and fun ways to smoke weed, you’ll never find yourself getting bored with the same old joint or pipe.

Citations

Government of Canada (2018). Smoking and your body. Retrieved from: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/smoking-tobacco/effects-smoking/smoking-your-body.html.

Government of Canada (2019). Cannabis: lower your risks. Retrieved from: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medication/cannabis/resources/lower-your-risks.html.

Loflin, M. & Earleywine, M. (2015). No smoke, no fire: What the initial literature suggests regarding vapourized cannabis and respiratory risk. Can J Respir Ther; 51(1): 7–9. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4456813/.

When buying cannabis, what are the most critical factors to consider? Without a doubt, one of the essential things to review would be the cannabinoid content. Furthermore, consumers are becoming more discerning as they compare strains, with terpene content gaining more attention. As a consumer of these products, you may have wondered how laboratories test for cannabinoids and terpenes.

One of the best features of the legal cannabis industry in Canada is the high testing standards. Each time you buy Canadian cannabis, you know that these products have been tested for optimal safety. As a consumer, you expect your products to be safe. Moreover, you also expect to see the terpene and cannabinoid content before you buy.

Licensed producers in Canada must send out samples of their products to third-party laboratories prior. The Cannabis Act and subsequent regulations dictate where, when, and how these samples must be collected. Furthermore, the rules specify from which part of the cannabis plant they must gather the sample. This is because the cannabinoid content varies between different parts of the cannabis plant. This standardization helps make the industry safer for consumers.

Third-Party Laboratories

What happens when a third-party laboratory receives a sample of dried flowers? The first thing they do is grind the bud to create a more uniform mixture with an even distribution of compounds. Second, the lab technology being used must be calibrated for the task at hand. Generally, the producer of the machine creates specific calibration standards to be used for particular tasks. Finally, the laboratory technicians combine the dried flower with a liquid solvent before placing the sample inside one of the machines to be discussed below.

The analyses are performed, and the results are tabulated before destroying the sample. Each step of this process follows strict regulations set out by Health Canada. These laboratories undergo an intense licensing process (under the Cannabis Act) to be awarded a cannabis testing license in Canada. The application requirements are stringent, ensuring only high-quality laboratories receive a federal permit. Labs cannot even begin the licensing process until the facility is fully built (Government of Canada, 2021).

Gas Chromatography

Gas Chromatography describes a laboratory technique involving the separation of a mixture to identify specific compounds. This analysis is generally used for volatile organic materials or gases. It is relatively well established that GC is one method of choice for terpenes, which are highly volatile organic molecules. Cannabinoid analysis can be performed by GC machines, although it is not the only popular method (Giese et al., 2015).

The machines described here use chromatography technologies, but the early stages vary based on the method. Each of the techniques described today results in the creation of a chromatogram. This is the visual output of the chromatography machine, which comes in chart form. Chromatography is an advanced technique that is like taking an electronic photograph of the different compound fingerprints. These fingerprints are analyzed using the specific calibration mentioned above to provide identification of compounds inside the mixtures.

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

Cannabinoids are also commonly measured through the use of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This machine utilizes a high-pressure chamber to separate a mixture of compounds and then measure them. HPLC cannabinoid analysis is used to determine the potency of the sample at hand. Laboratories can also identify terpene percentages with an HPLC.

In summary, cannabinoid analysis can be performed by both gas chromatography (GC) and HPLC. Both of these techniques involve complex machines capable of separating mixtures and measuring specific compounds through chromatography. Two further evolutions of the gas chromatography technology are described below.

Gas Chromatography with a Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID)

Terpenes are more volatile than cannabinoids, and so they are traditionally measured using Gas Chromatography with a Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID).

GC-FID takes the cannabis plant material and combines it with a liquid solvent. The commonly used compounds are butane, propane, CO2, or ethanol. This mixture is injected into a gas chromatography apparatus. As they move through the GC, cannabinoids, and terpenes are separated. They then move through the FID, where they are burnt to produce organic ions. A hot hydrogen-air flame is used within the FID to produce this terpene combustion. There are electrodes in this chamber that measure the current from the ions released. An analysis is performed to identify and quantify the terpenes found in the sample.

Moreover, GC-FID is also used to measure cannabinoids. Taken together, HPLC and GC-FID are two of the most common instrumental methods for cannabinoid analysis (Giese et al., 2015). It is also possible to determine terpene potency using an HPLC or a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) with headspace autosampler and spectral library.

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)

Similar to the other devices described, GC-MS involves two separate chambers. The first chamber is similar to the other GC technologies described above. It is the second chamber that makes this machine unique, utilizing Mass Spectrometry (MS) technology. The term ‘mass’ is describing weight. After the separation of compounds in a mixture, an MS can measure the weight of specific compounds.

A GC/MS is used to separate volatile organic compounds. Furthermore, it appears well-suited for investigating the potential presence of pesticides. While not as common as other methods described above, GC-MS has been used successfully to measure Cannabis constituents, including cannabinoids and terpenes. The process involves combining the dried flower with a solvent before applying a heating bath. This step causes the solvent to evaporate and decarboxylates the cannabinoids. The residue is then dissolved into ethanol and analyzed by the GC (Tayyab & Shahwar, 2015).

Cannabis Testing for Sure THC and CBD Content

In conclusion, legal cannabis products in Canada undergo third-party laboratory testing for cannabinoid and terpene content. These labs also ensure that the products are safe, free from heavy metals and pesticides. Health Canada mandated this process so that all Canadians can consume cannabis without fear. As consumers, you can rest assured that your cannabis is as safe as possible (Government of Canada, 2021).

But, this testing goes further. Consumers now get more information than ever before about the cannabis they look to buy. Cannabinoid and Terpene testing provide consumers with the key variables they need to know. Third-party laboratories use analysis technologies, including GC, HPLC, and GC-FID.

Citations

Giese, M., Lewis, M., Giese, L., & Smith, K. (2015). Development and Validation of a Reliable and Robust Method for the Analysis of Cannabinoids and Terpenes in Cannabis. Journal of AOAC International, 98:6, 2015. Retrieved from: https://cannabis.gentechscientific.com/files/Method-for-the-Analysis-of-Cannabinoids-and-Terpenes-in-Cannabis.pdf.

Government of Canada (2021). Application Requirements for Cannabis Analytical Testing. Retrieved from: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/drugs-health-products/cannabis-analytical-testing-licensing-application/guide.html.

Tayyab, M., & Shahwar, D. (2015). GCMS analysis of Cannabis sativa L. from four different areas of Pakistan. Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences, 5:3, 114-125, 2015. Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2090536X14000525.

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Category: Cannabis

Cannabis, Sociability, and Relationships

The Good

1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

2. Improves Mood and Depressive Symptoms

3. May Increase Your Social Circle

The Bad

Becoming More Sociable and Outgoing With Cannabis

Citations

The Wide World of Weed Types

1. Why are Strains Important?

2. Cannabis Strain Characteristics

3. How Do Strains Impact THC and CBD content?

4. How Do Terpenes Impact Strains?

Wrapping Up Our Complete Guide to Cannabis

Citations

Buying Weed Online in Canada

1. How Do I Buy Cannabis Online legally?

2. What Cannabis Product Types are Available Online?

3. Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid Strains?

4. What Factors Should I Consider Before Buying Cannabis?

5. How does the shipping Work?

6. Security

Becoming an Expert at Buying Weed Online

Guide to Marijuana Strains

Cannabis Sativa

Cannabis Indica

Cannabis Ruderalis

Hybrids

Choosing Marijuana Strains

Citations

The Quick and Easy Way to Roll a Joint

Rolling Materials

1. Grind the Weed

2. Create Your Filter or Crutch

3. Prepare the Rolling Papers

4. Fill the Rolling Paper

5. Pack the Cannabis

6. Roll It Up

7. Finish the Joint

8. Enjoy Your Joint

Joint Rolling Is Easy

Citations

How to Buy Weed in Canada

1. How do you know the cannabis you buy is legal?

2. How much weed can you possess?

3. How much Cannabis can I buy at a time?

4. Can I buy cannabis as a tourist?

5. Should I Buy a Sativa, Indica, or Hybrid strain?

6. What types of Cannabis products can I buy?

7. How do I determine product potency?

8. How do I determine the quality of products?

Discovering how to buy weed in Canada

Citations

The Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS)

1. 2019-2020

2. A Year of Growth: 2020

2021 and Beyond

Citations

Top 10 Things You Can Do While High on Hybrids

1. Watch TV or a Movie

2. Treat Yourself, Get Pampered

3. Do Some Gardening

4. Get Cooking

5. Have Sex

6. Get Up and Out

7. Enjoy Good Music

8. Visit a Museum

9. Call a Family Member

10. Let Your Creative Juices Flow

Safely Enjoying your Hybrid High

Citations

Unique and Entertaining Ways to Smoke Weed

Fruit Pipes

Twaxing a Joint

Blunts

Dry Herb Vaping

Reinvigorating Your Cannabis Smoking Experience

Citations