It’s come to my attention during my middle of the night pondering that not everyone knows the proper terms for “weed”. I went looking for a decent, comprehensive, easy to follow cannabis guide and wasn’t impressed with the options or lack of knowledge. So I’ve gone on to create an easy to follow, user-friendly guide!
With it being 2020, the word marijuana and weed are being phased out or considering more derogatory terms when it comes to describing cannabis and it’s use.
Why is this?
When the typical human thinks of weed, you automatically think of the stereotypical pothead, no ambition sits around all day getting “high”.
Where in reality, 90% of cannabis users are productive, successful, everyday members of society.
There is still a stigma with cannabis use among adults despite Cannabis becoming legalized recreationally in Canada on October 17, 2018. I believe the stigma is due to lack of proper information, underlying stigmas, and just an overall lack of accessible information that is user-friendly.
Here are some of the top questions I get asked regularly regarding cannabis use.
What is a cannabinoid?
These are the active chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. The two most prominent cannabinoids are THC and CBD. These compounds are secreted in the cannabis plant and provide different mental and physical effects felt when you use cannabis.
This is thanks to your Endocannabinoid system! We all have one in our bodies.
What is THC?
THC stands for Tetrahydrocannabinol one of many active cannabinoids identified in the cannabis plants. The THC binds to the receptors in your brain and body and produce those happy, euphoric, potential pain combatting abilities. THC is not as scary as people make it out to be and it has a plethora of benefits. I will be releasing a blog on the benefits of THC soon.
What does psychoactive mean?
The THC binds with the CB1 receptors in your brain that part of the endocannabinoid system and activate the happy and euphoric sensations in your brain. This doesn’t mean you’ll hallucinate, you’ll likely experience pleasant sensations as long as you don’t over-consume.
CBD is known to combat a too intense high and can help balance your mind if you find yourself feeling anxious or overwhelmed.
So despite their similar chemical structure, CBD does not bind to your CB1 receptors barely at all, thus why it can combat the effects of THC.
What is CBD?
CBD is short for Cannabidiol. This part of the cannabis plant has no psychoactive components and is known to induce relaxation and reduce inflammation in people who suffer from chronic pain or arthritis.
CBC comes in a wide array of varieties but I strongly suggest you research your options before you go out and buy just any CBD oil.
Please read this informative blog about Hemp vs CBD oil.
What is a Sativa and what is an indica? Why does this matter?
Sativa plants produce the strains that give you the uplifting, creative, focusing high. These strains typically give you the head high and are great for treating depression and providing you with energy and focus. These are strains you’d prefer for daytime use.
Indica plants are the strains that give you that relaxing sedating high that makes you sink into the couch, So when you think indica, think “ In da couch = Indica “. These strains are great for treating pain, anxiety, and insomnia.
If you want to kickstart your day and be focused, grab a Sativa strain.
When the evening rolls around, trade out your glass of wine for an indica edible or pre-rolled joint for a different experience and see how things affect you.
I don’t want to smoke cannabis, what can I try?
The government of Canada released the second phase of Legal Cannabis this past fall. Licensed cannabis producers are now making and selling **edible cannabis products, vape pens, and beverages. These come in a vast variety of options. From CBD only edibles to CBD/THC, to just straight THC. The maximum dose you can purchase at legal outlets is 10mg of THC, which is a perfect amount for those new to cannabis. It’s strongly recommended to only start with 2 mg of THC and go from there. The best advice I can offer for beginners is, Start low, Go slow. Wait the recommended two hours before you consume any more cannabis products. Everyone reacts differently.
Later this year as things develop we will be seeing cannabis topicals coming to the legal market.
This is what I’m most excited about! Topical cannabis is an incredible product that offers so many benefits. AND even if they contain THC, you will not get high from a topical application.
**I’ll be releasing an edible blog soon.
I don’t want to get high but I want to try THC, what can I do or try?
We are extremely lucky to have diverse options available at most legal cannabis retailers. Many carry Soft Gels, which are small soft gel pills filled with cannabis oil. They are discreet, odourless, and tasteless. They come in small microdoses, as in only 2-2.5mg of THC or lower. You can also purchase CBD rich ones and they offset the effects of the THC, so you’re still reaping the benefits of THC without the high.
You will still feel some feelings of euphoria or happiness/relaxation but the sensation should not be overwhelming and be a pleasant experience.
In this day and age, starting to use cannabis is extremely easy. We have so much knowledge at our fingertips and a vast array of strains, products, and accessories to tailor to your personal cannabis needs. I’m always open to questions and can offer my advice or knowledge to help you pick a cannabis product to suit your needs. Feel free to message me or email me at