It can be a little bit overwhelming to navigate the vast world of cannabis-infused products, but with a few basics and general advice, you can find a product that works for you and use it safely.

Choosing the Right Cannabis-Infused Product

First, you should decide what kind of effect you’re seeking from cannabis products. Different types of cannabinoids impact the body differently, so you might want to try out a few different products and see which one you prefer. The two most common cannabinoids are THC and CBD. In general, choose a product with THC if you’re looking to experience the psychoactive effects that people usually have in mind when they think of marijuana. A CBD product is the better choice if you want to experience the anxiety or pain-reducing effects without affecting your mental state. Both of these cannabinoids can be found in an assortment of edibles, infusions, and other products.

Chocolates

Perfect for chocoholics, cannabis-infused chocolates typically kick in relatively quickly, in about 30 minutes to two hours after consumption. Producers make them by combining chocolate with THC or CBD extracts for an even dosing experience that remains predictable.

Gummies

Similar in process and effectiveness to cannabis chocolates but great for those who prefer a fruity sweet treat to a chocolatey one, gummies are an excellent alternative for those seeking an easy way to dose THC or CBD.

Baked Goods

Made by infusing butter or oil with cannabis, baked goods come in a wide variety, including brownies, cookies, cakes, granola bars, and more. These products come in varying sizes, which means that their total cannabis content differs as well. It’s critical to pay attention to the milligrams of THC present in each product and eat an appropriate amount for your tolerance. Baked goods can take a little longer to take effect, which can fool people into ingesting more than they should. Be patient and take it slow to safely enjoy the best of these decadent products.

Beverage Additives

If you’re not a big snacker, you might prefer a THC or CBD beverage or beverage additives. These products offer precise dosing with minimal calories and sugar, but as with edibles, you should carefully inspect the product’s labels to determine how much you should consume at once. Because cannabis is insoluble in water, it is made through new emulsification technologies that allows cannabis to be effectively mixed with liquid. Beverage additives are more concentrated versions, allowing you to add them to whatever drink you like (in measured amounts) and make your own cannabis beverage!

Dabs

Dabs go by many names, including shatter, resin, honeycomb, and more. Simply put, they are a highly concentrated form of cannabis that is made from leftover pieces of the cannabis plant that remain after the larger flowers are used. Producers extract a concentrate using butane, creating a product known as butane hash oil. Users can then smoke or vaporize it. These products typically result in a more intense experience than other cannabis-infused products, and you should use them with caution. Do your research before experimenting with dabs to make sure you’re taking them correctly and in the right amounts for you.

Cannabis-infused products are easily accessible in many states and come in a wide variety that allows just about anyone to find something that works for them. With some research and sampling, you can determine which type of cannabinoid you’re looking for and what the best delivery method is for you. If you’re new to cannabis, take it slow and figure out the best dosages in the products that interest you.

Tinctures vs. Traditional Edibles 

Although cannabis tinctures are an edible form of marijuana, they work a bit differently than pot brownies or THC gummies. You can feel the effects of a tincture within 15 minutes of ingestion. In contrast, traditional edibles can take an hour (or longer) to take effect. The sublingual tissue underneath your tongue gives the cannabinoids direct access to your bloodstream. With that being said, tinctures tend to lose their effect quicker than edible baked goods.

You take tinctures using an eyedropper, so they’re easy to dose, meaning you won’t be left guessing how much is too much. (This is a big plus for those who are new to cannabis or sensitive to the mind-altering effects of THC.) 

Benefits of Cannabis Tinctures 

One of the most apparent benefits of cannabis tinctures is their ease of use. Still, the benefits of tinctures go far beyond convenience. 

• Precise dosing: Thanks to drop-by-drop dosing, you’ll never have to worry about getting “too high.” 
• Low-calorie: If you can’t have THC-infused treats due to a medical condition or dietary restriction, tinctures offer a tremendous low-cal alternative. 
• Discreet: Tinctures are smokeless (almost odorless) and come in small, portable bottles that you can easily fit in your pocket or purse. Just squeeze a drop or two underneath your tongue, and you’re good to go. 
• Fast-acting: If taken sublingually, tinctures are fast-acting. You can usually feel the effects within 15-30 minutes. 
• Long shelf life: Tinctures can stay fresh for years if kept in a cool, dark place.  

Photo: Amax Photo via gettyimages.com

How to Make Cannabis Tinctures at Home 

Not all tinctures are made the same. Even so, the list of base ingredients is pretty short. Here’s what you’ll need to make a basic cannabis tincture: 

• 1 cookie sheet (you can also use aluminum foil or a glass baking dish) 
• 1 glass jar
• 1 glass tincture bottle with eyedropper
• 1 small kitchen funnel 
• 1 strainer (you can use a coffee filter) 
• Cannabis (about an eighth) 
• High-proof, food-grade alcohol (Everclear should work) 

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients and supplies, making the tincture is easy. 

• Step 1: Decarboxylate your cannabis. You can do this by breaking it up and popping it in the oven at 230 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. Note: If you’re using flower, be sure to grind it beforehand. You’ll want it to be super-fine.) 
• Step 2: Once your cannabis cools down, place it in a glass jar. Then, add your Everclear (or whatever alcohol you choose). Be sure to submerge the cannabis completely. 
• Step 3: Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place. For the best results, this mixture should sit for 21 days. If you can’t wait, shake the jar for three minutes and move on to the next step.
• Step 4: Once the 21-day period is up, you’ll need to strain the cannabis-alcohol mixture. You can use a coffee filter and a small kitchen funnel to do this. Strain the mixture into your tincture bottle, and leave room for the eyedropper. 

Remember, not all tinctures are created equally, and there are hundreds of recipes out there to experiment with. The above steps will yield one bottle of basic cannabis tincture. 

The Bottom Line 

Cannabis tinctures are perfect for people who are new to consuming cannabis. With just a few ingredients, you can have a bottle of your own within 30 minutes to an hour. Cannabis tinctures also have a long shelf life, meaning you can make a batch and be set for years to come.

By Rebecca Olmos | TheCannifornian.com Correspondent

Cannabis topicals are creams, lotions, or oils that can be applied directly to the skin without causing any intoxicating effects. Many people use cannabis-infused topicals to alleviate pain, arthritis, joint issues, and muscle aches. But this study from The Journal of Clinical Investigation found that cannabis may also help with other skin conditions like acne, eczema, and aging.

According to the British Journal of Dermatology, at any given time, a third of the world’s population is dealing with some skin issue. Skin is the body’s largest organ. It is one of the leading medical concerns in all communities, and topicals are one of the fastest-growing categories of cannabis infusion, expected to reach 4.5 billion in sales by 2025, according to a survey by CWI Consulting Services.

So how might cannabis help with your skin?

The two most well-known cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), both antioxidants. Antioxidants are beneficial for the skin because they protect from free radicals like pollution and UV rays.

THC and CBD are also anti-inflammatories which may be helpful when addressing issues like acne, wrinkles, and psoriasis.

Dispensary or beauty store?

Skincare products are no different than other cannabis-infused products in that they can be cannabis-derived, found in dispensaries, or hemp-derived and found on any health and wellness shelf.

Which one you choose to apply will depend on the issue you’re trying to address and your comfort level. Products higher in CBD might be better for managing any conditions related to inflammation and pain, while THC will be better for skin concerns like wrinkles and dark spots.

Like any new addition to your skincare regime, be mindful of all the ingredients in any product you choose. Start by using a small amount on your skin to see any adverse reactions before committing to a complete application.

By Rebecca Victoria Olmos | TheCannifornian.com Correspondent

What are topicals?

Cannabis is beneficial for our bodies through traditional ingestion methods like smoking or eating and when applied to the body externally through topicals. Topicals are cannabis-infused lotions, creams, oils, or balms that are applied directly to the skin. Since they do not cause any psychoactive effects, they are mainly used in an attempt to help with localized pain, inflammation, and some skin conditions.

How do they work?

Cannabis topicals come in various ratios of cannabinoids like THC and CBD. When applied to the skin, these cannabinoids bind to the cannabinoid receptors in the skin, nerves, and muscles. These receptors are part of an extensive endocannabinoid system that helps to regulate various biological functions throughout the body, like sleep, appetite, pain, and inflammation.

Topicals do not penetrate through the skin to enter the bloodstream, so they do not cause the user any psychoactive effects. It’s important to note because topicals can be confused with transdermals which may cause psychoactive effects. Transdermals contain skin penetrating enhancers that help push the cannabinoids past the epidermis or first layer of skin into the bloodstream.

What might they help?

People have used cannabis-infused topicals for things like arthritis relief, muscle soreness, tension, cramps, psoriasis, eczema, and even headaches. Since cannabis receptors are all over your body, you can even use cannabis topicals for sexual enhancement through infused lubricants.

THC or CBD?

You can be purchase topicals in hemp varieties at health stores or cannabis-derived ones at your nearest dispensary. They will all have different dosages of THC or CBD. Remember that everyone is different and what works for one might not work for you. A good rule of thumb is that if you’re looking for relief from muscle-related issues, steer towards THC-rich products. For joint pain or inflammation, try CBD-rich.

Don’t get discouraged if one product doesn’t work for you. Be open, and experiment with different brands, cannabinoid ratios, and ingredients. And if all else fails, you can always try and make your own infused topical!

By Rebecca Victoria Olmos | TheCannifornian.com Correspondent

Using cannabis for period pain isn’t anything new. There’s a long history of doctors using ganja to help relieve menstruation-related issues dating back to Queen Victoria’s time. Since then, scientists have learned that cannabis is naturally anti-inflammatory and can help reduce pain, which may be why it became an alternative form of pain relief.

So how does one start to use cannabis to help alleviate period pains?

• CBD or THC?

The time of the month affects a woman’s cannabis tolerance. Tolerance in women tends to be much higher in general, so I’d amp up the dosage a bit during your period. Both are CBD and THC can be effective, start where you’re comfortable.

• Stay Classic

Smoking cannabis flower is know as the quickest way to experience relief. You’ll should feel the effects within 10 to 15 minutes. If you haven’t tried smoking CBD flower or prerolls (preferably bought a dispensary over the hemp variety), I highly recommend it.

• Make it self-care

Try a cannabis-infused bath bomb! These are a fantastic way to enjoy a soothing bath. Soak your lower half in some lavender, THC goodness and ease those lower body aches and pains.

Topicals can be a great way to experience relief without the commitment to getting high. I like to lather my lower back and belly with a combo THC/CBD lotion or balm.

• Don’t be afraid of suppositories

Let’s get the cannabis directly where it needs to be. Cannabis-infused suppositories can help alleviate painful cramps. I have tried these, they are a bit messy but adequate for my cramps, and I slept comfortably. I didn’t get high, but some people report feeling intoxicated.

• A little treat might do the trick

Don’t forget about our good friend, edibles! If you’re already prone to chocolate cravings, try out one with some mary jane in it to ease some of your discomforts.

One study of women surveyed found that 85 percent said they had used cannabis for menstrual pain. Almost 90 percent of these women said it was effective at relieving the pain. So if you’re looking for some extra relief during that special time of the month, give cannabis a try.

By Rebecca Victoria Olmos | TheCannifornian.com Correspondent

A tincture is a liquid made by dissolving a drug, or cannabis into alcohol or oil. Sometimes tinctures are referred to as drops because they are packed in bottles and come with a measured dropper or pipette. You pull the liquid into the dropper to get your desired dosage and dispense it under your tongue.

There are two main reasons a budtender would recommend tinctures as a great way to consume your cannabis.

1. Onset time

Since tinctures dissolve under your tongue the cannabinoids are absorbed directly into bloodstream, allowing you to feel the effect within 15-45 minutes. Depending on the dosage, the effects can last anywhere from 2-4 hours.

2. Accurate dosage

With other forms of consumption, like edibles or flower, it can be hard to get your dosage just right. Sometimes you don’t need 10 milligrams. Sometimes you need 7. Tinctures allow you to get this specific and also try a variety of different dosages depending on the results you want.

Tinctures come in all kinds of different ratios of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids. 1:1, 5:1, 3:1, etc. It can be overwhelming. Just remember we’re all different, and any combo of cannabinoids can be beneficial.

Try a CBD-rich tincture if you’re looking for relief related to things like inflammation, anxiety or if you’re having difficulty falling asleep. You can also start with CBD if you’re trying to ease your way into consuming THC.

Tinctures higher in THC can be more helpful for things like muscle pain and to help stay asleep.

Ask your budtender how tinctures with different cannabinoid combinations can help you to achieve your desired results.

If you keep up with what’s new in medicine, you’ve likely heard about the excitement surrounding cannabidiol, known also as CBD. This highly popular oil is produced from cannabis plants, but unlike other cannabis products such as THC, is non-psychoactive and doesn’t cause any of the same side effects. So far, scientists have only begun to scratch the surface of all that CBD might be able to do for our health, but what we do know is that CBD is proving promising for dozens of ailments ranging from seizures to tumors.

If you’re just beginning to learn about CBD oil, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up 10 fun facts about CBD oil in order to summarize just what it is, what we know about it, what it does and what we think it might do.

Cannabidiol is just one of more than 85 ingredients in cannabis plants.

Most people know that CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the ingredients in cannabis, but some mistake that fact to mean that CBD is always associated with cannabis as a recreational drug. In fact, cannabidiol is one of more than 85 ingredients of cannabis that have varying effects on the human mind and body.

CBD oil is one of the two most prevalent ingredients in cannabis plants.

CBD, along with THC, is one of the two main ingredients in both hemp and cannabis plants. CBD is found throughout the seeds, stalk, and flowers of the plant, and is therefore easily extracted.

CBD oil works naturally with the body.

Cannabidiol, along with a number of other chemicals found in cannabis plants, work naturally with a mammal’s cannabinoid receptor sites, which make up the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and which are found primarily in the brain and central nervous system.

The list of things CBD could potentially benefit is a long one.

The body’s endocannabinoid system is a massive network of cell receptor proteins that deal with just about anything the body is or does, including mood, memory, motor control, immune function, reproduction, pain perception, appetite, sleep, and bone development, to name but a few. Because CBD oil works naturally with the ECS, the list of things CBD could potentially benefit is huge.

CBD might react with other systems in the body as well.

Though research on this topic is still underway, scientists know that cannabinoid receptors aren’t the only receptors with which CBD can engage. So far, scientists know that CBD will engage either directly or indirectly with vanilloid receptors, adenosine receptors, and serotonin receptors, which could mean even greater effects on things like pain management, sleep-wake cycles, and mood and stress management, respectively.

CBD interacts with, but does not bind to, CB1 receptors.

The health benefits and other effects of CBD are able to occur because CBD interacts with the CB1 receptor (found on neurons and glial cells in the brain) and the CB2 receptor (found in the immune system). Unlike THC, CBD does not actually bind to these receptors, which leads us to our next fact:

CBD won’t make you high.

CBD, along with THC, is a main component of the cannabis variant marijuana, but it’s THC that gives marijuana users their high. CBD is non-psychoactive in nature, and therefore cannot make you high.

In fact, CBD can negate the effects of THC.

While THC has been known to cause anxiety, paranoia, and increased levels of stress along with a high, CBD actually brings about the opposite. For this reason, CBD is being used more and more to treat anxiety and depression.

It is impossible to overdose on CBD.

CBD is non-toxic, so it is not possible to overdose while taking it.

You can take CBD any number of ways.

There are many different ways to consume CBD. Once extracted from the plant, CBD oil can be used as a topical that is absorbed through the skin, taken orally through drops, cooked into food or other edibles, or vaporized for smoking.

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