Conversations around cannabis are similar to when people are talking about coffee, wine, or fitness routines. Everyone has their own preferences, experiences, and goals. No matter your tolerance level, knowing how to discuss your consumption can help you make informed choices and deepen your connection with the plant.
You can confidently find the products you want for your specific needs and enjoy them responsibly. Talking about consumption extends past knowing the basics of cannabis terminology. It’s about knowing what to ask and how to figure out what works best for you.
From our trusted dispensary, consider this your guide to learning how to navigate conversations about cannabis.
Know Your Consumption Methods
Cannabis is a dynamic plant. Different methods can totally change your experience. Here are the most common ones and what to keep in mind when discussing them:
- Smoking – Inhalable cannabis brings on a fast onset of effects. On the flip side, it can be harsh on the lungs, and the smoke lingers with a strong aroma.
- Vaping – This inhalable cannabis option requires no flame or smoke. It offers smoother inhalation and controlled temperatures to prevent harsh inhales or burning.
- Edibles – Since edibles are digested like food, there’s a longer onset and duration of effects. Depending on your metabolism and external factors, edible products can take up to 2 hours before being felt, which can be risky for impatient consumers who eat more before feeling the effects.
- Topicals – Great for localized relief without the high, especially if you’re seeking relief from chronic pain or muscle aches.
Track & Share Your Intentions
Before you walk into a dispensary or start picking your products, think about your intention: Why are you consuming? Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Are you looking for something to help you calm down and take the edge off?
- Are you looking for a social buzz that’s not too heavy or overwhelming?
- Do you need something to help with soreness after workouts or physical activity?
- Are you curious to try experiencing the benefits of microdosing cannabis?
Sharing your goals makes it easier for a Kind Love budtender to point you toward the right type of product, strain profile, or cannabinoid ratio.
Set & Setting Matter
As you may have heard before, “set and setting matter.” Your mindset is considered the “set” you’re in, and your environment, or setting, can make or break your experience. Choose a comfortable, familiar space full of music, art, movies, or activities you love, and be around people you trust, especially if you’re trying a new cannabis product type or dosage.
This way, you can focus on enjoying the effects instead of feeling uneasy or uncomfortable in your environment.
Be Honest About Dosing
Cannabis affects everyone differently, so it’s important to not only be truthful about the dosage you’re taking but to fully understand the difference in these amounts. When determining your tolerance and cannabis dosing preference, consider:
- Experience level (how often you consume, and at what dose?)
- Preferred effects (do you want to feel a light buzz, balanced high, or couch lock effects?)
- Sensitivity to other substances (like caffeine or alcohol)
For most newcomers, “start low and go slow” is the golden rule. Remember, you can always take more, but you can’t take less.
- 1-2.5 mg for edibles or a single small puff for inhalables is considered a small, microdose.
- A moderate, standard dose can be anywhere from 5-10 mg.
- A stronger, more potent dose of cannabis would be considered 15mg-25mg.
Any dose larger than that should be consumed with caution and left for very experienced consumers!
Learn the Language of Effects
Another important detail to remember about cannabis is that the product and its effects go way beyond THC percentage. Remember to ask your Kind Love budtender about:
- Cannabinoids: Cannabis compounds like THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, and THCV
- Terpenes: Aromatic compounds found in cannabis that each carry a unique set of effects, like limonene for uplifting energy or myrcene for relaxation
These particular compounds in cannabis play a crucial role in the effects you feel, but when combined together, their influence and effects are even greater.
Keep a Consumption Journal
You don’t have to get too fancy with it, but jotting down your experience from a new cannabis product or dose can be helpful for future experiences and shopping. For instance, you can keep track of:
- What you consumed
- The amount you consumed
- How long it took to kick in
- The effects you felt during and after
Confident Conversations About Cannabis Consumption Happen at Kind Love
Talking about cannabis allows you to advocate for your specific needs, preferences, and boundaries with the plant in order to have the best and most optimal experience possible.
At Kind Love, our team of knowledgeable budtenders is passionate about helping you navigate the world of weed. We love these conversations about cannabis and are here to support you in finding your affinity with the plant.
Whatever your cannabis goals are for you, like refining your favorite consumption technique, exploring new products, or satisfying your canna-curiosities, Kind Love is here to confidently guide you every step of the way.
Browse our Alameda or Peoria dispensary menu to start shopping. Read our Blog for more cannabis consumption tips & education!
The content provided by Kind Love is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or opinions. Please consult with a healthcare professional for any medical concerns or questions.
