Highlights:

• Cannabis is a complex plant made up of hundreds of powerful chemical compounds including cannabinoids and terpenes.
• You may consume cannabis by smoking, vaporizing, or ingesting it in oils or capsules. Choose a method that suits you best.
• When consuming cannabis for the first time, it’s important to start low, go slow.

Now that legalization is here, you may be curious about cannabis and want to know more about safe ways to experience it. Here at BC Cannabis Stores, we have created ways to guide you through the information found in-store and on this site.

When deciding on a product, it’s important to consider whether a strain comes from the plant species indica or sativa, along with its percentage of cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), and its verified terpene concentrations.

Combined, this will give you the most accurate idea of how you might feel after consumption. Our in-store cannabis consultants are on-hand to offer expert advice and guidance through four categories of experiences (RELAX, UPLIFT, BALANCE and FOCUS) that can help you find your way. (Just keep in mind that cannabis effects every user differently. We’ll get to that shortly.)

Why are cannabinoids important?

Cannabinoids such as THC and CBD are the chemical compounds that interact with receptors in our brain and body, in a regulatory system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS).  These compounds may trigger a host of effects and feelings, ranging from euphoria to relaxation and more.

Although CBD is still considered psychoactive, it is not thought of as intoxicating in the way that THC is. It doesn’t deliver a euphoric feeling unless in the company of other euphoria-causing compounds. Generally, the higher the percentage of THC in a product, the more intense the effects of euphoria. For this reason, high-CBD strains(our FOCUS category) may be more suitable for newcomers to cannabis.

What are terpenes?

Terpenes are the aromatic compounds that give many plants their distinct aromas, such as the uplifting qualities of citrus, or the cleansing scent of pine. Terpenes in cannabis are thought to work together with cannabinoids, interacting with one another to create what scientists call “the entourage effect”.

Consumption method and amount

It’s important to consider how much you’re consuming, but also how you’re consuming it. Vaporizers offer an alternative to smoking, while oils and capsules offer another smoke-free way to consume. With every method, the key is to start low, go slow: begin with a small amount low in THC, and wait before consuming more. Smoking or vaporizing cannabis produces fairly rapid effects (usually within 15 minutes) as compounds quickly enter the bloodstream via the lungs,  but oils and capsules may take longer (at least 30 to 90 minutes) to produce an effect because they must first be digested.

Creating a comfortable environment

Every individual will experience cannabis in a uniquely personal way, since body mass, tolerance, and metabolism also have an influence on the potential effects you might experience. Setting is important, too. Create a comfortable environment for your first experience. Your own home is probably the best place to feel safe. Clear your to-do list so you can fully relax. Enlist the support of a more experienced friend to guide you, if possible. 

Possible side effects

Cannabis can cause a dry mouth, so make sure you’re well-hydrated. Avoid alcohol and check with a medical professional if you’re taking any prescription medicine, as cannabis may interact with your medication.

Educate yourself as much as possible before making the choice to consume cannabis. Start low, go slow, and be patient when trying it for the first time, paying close attention to how you feel.