Raw flower, pre-rolls, vapes, edibles, tinctures, topicals — there are more cannabis products available than ever before.
The downside of all these options is finding the right product can feel overwhelming at times. Blue Oak is here to help.
This guide is designed to help you identify and determine the most important factors for you when it comes to cannabis product selection, so you can bring something home that you truly love from the dispensary.
Understanding Your Needs: What Are You Looking For?
The first thing to understand about cannabis product selection is that every consumer is different. Just because your friend is absolutely raving about a particular product doesn’t mean it will be your new favorite.
Before you even set foot in a dispensary or peruse an online menu, take some time to consider what it is you’re looking for in a cannabis product (and what you aren’t, too!)
Here is a non-exhaustive list of some of the common reasons people consume cannabis — do you see any that resonate with you?
- Pain relief
- Stress relief
- Appetite stimulation
- Relaxation
- Creativity
- Energy/Focus
- Sleep
- Being social
- Meditation
- Exercise
You may have noticed that some seemingly opposite effects are included on this list. Energy and sleep? How could those two appear side by side?
It’s because cannabis is a diverse plant, and different strains, cannabinoids, terpenes, and product types offer a variety of experiences. This means there’s something to suit everyone’s needs — you just need to know how to find the right cannabis product for you.
Understanding Cannabis Strains and Effects
The first place to start is to explain what the terms “indica,” “sativa,” and “hybrid” really mean.
Most cannabis products refer to these terms on the packaging. Historically, consumers have considered sativa varieties of cannabis to be more energizing and uplifting, while considering indica varieties more soothing and relaxing. However, these terms actually describe the plant’s genetics and what they physically look like before they’re harvested and processed for consumption.
It’s important to understand that these generalizations are just that: generalizations. A much better way to determine how a strain might affect you is to consider the cannabinoids and terpenes the strain or product contains.
Cannabinoids are compounds like delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which produces the plant’s “high” effects, and Cannabidiol (CBD), which does not make you feel “high” but promotes balance in your body and mind. Terpenes include aromatic compounds like myrcene, known for relaxation and pain relief, and limonene, known for its energy and mood-boosting qualities. These are what make you feel a certain way, not the plant’s genetics.
Another key part of cannabis product selection is to understand that your experience may differ from that of other consumers. Just because most consumers report a strain as uplifting and euphoric, for example, doesn’t guarantee you’ll have the same experience.
There’s no better way than trying a strain or product for yourself to determine how it affects you.
Here’s a closer look at some popular sativa, indica, and hybrid strains of cannabis that you may encounter in the dispensary, and what you might expect from them.
Sativa Strains
Sativa strains, such as the pure sativa Durban Poison which evolved naturally in South Africa, are known for their energizing effects.
This has contributed to the common cannabis myth that all sativa strains will produce a burst of energy, sometimes referred to as the “viva sativa” experience.
The reality is that this common anecdote is likely due to the low amounts of the terpene myrcene, known for its relaxing and sedative effects, found in most sativa strains. Sativa strains also commonly contain higher levels of terpenes like limonene, known for lifting spirits and energy levels.
There are certainly sativa strains that are the exception to the rule, like Harlequin, which is high in CBD content, low in THC content, and contains significant levels of myrcene. This results in a relaxing experience, despite the strain’s sativa genetics.
Beyond these effects, sativa strains generally grow tall and stalky with thick, fibrous stems and branches.
Indica Strains
Indica strains, such as Hindu Kush which evolved naturally in the Hindu Kush Mountains, are generally associated with deeply soothing, relaxing, and sedative experiences.
This has contributed to the myth that all indica strains will result in a couch-lock experience or make you fall asleep, often referred to as the “in-da-couch” experience.
Many indica strains do indeed have higher levels of myrcene and lower levels of terpenes associated with energizing effects, though this is not always the case. Moreover, before there was more selective breeding of cannabis plants, Indica strains tended to have the highest levels of THC. This may account for some of the stories about drowsiness or deep relaxation.
In addition to these effects, indica plants generally grow shorter and bushier, yielding highly potent buds.
Hybrid Strains
Most strains you’ll find in a dispensary are hybrids that contain some sativa genetics and some indica genetics. That’s where the terms “sativa dominant,” “Indica dominant,” and “balanced” come from — they’re a reference to how much of each variety’s genetics are present in a product.
This is where paying attention to cannabinoid content like THC, Cannabidiol (CBD), Cannabigerol (CBG), and Cannabinol (CBN), as well as terpene content, becomes very important.
Hybrids can have a wide range of effects and genetics aren’t always the best way to predict them.
A sativa-dominant hybrid may have a significant amount of myrcene, caryophyllene, and CBN, which could leave you feeling deeply relaxed and sleepy. On the flip side, Indica-dominant hybrids may contain high levels of limonene, pinene, and CBG, which all may lead to uplifting and euphoric experiences.
In other words, don’t judge a strain by its genetics. Always take a careful look at the compound profile, including all the cannabinoids and terpenes.
Not sure what to make of the compound profile? No problem! At Blue Oak, our expert budtenders can walk you through what a product’s compounds may mean for your consumption goals.
Which Consumption Method Is Right For You?
Start with your goals. Understand why you’re consuming before your session. That’s because each product type elicits a different effect and duration.
Your preferences also matter. You may not want to smoke, which could make vaping a good alternative, for example.
Here’s a closer look at consumption methods and some of the product types you’ll find associated with each:
- Inhalation: Inhalation includes the traditional approach of smoking cannabis flower or concentrates like hash, as well as the more modern method of vaporizing flower and concentrates. Generally, inhaling cannabis products results in fast, potent effects that wear off quickly. This makes them effective for quick relief in short bursts.
- Oral ingestion: Orally ingested cannabis products include infused edibles, beverages, capsules, and tinctures. These products generally have a slower onset of effects than inhaled cannabis (though exactly how long varies from product to product), with longer lasting effects. This makes them suitable for longer-term relief throughout the day or night.
- Topical application: Apply these products to a specific area of your body. Most topicals do not result in a high of any kind, but instead deliver relief to a localized area. This makes them effective for managing joint or muscle pain. There are some topicals which offer “transdermal” effects, meaning the cannabinoids will penetrate into the bloodstream and create a full-body relaxing effect, though these will be clearly labeled.
There are many different product types that fall into each of these categories, and even some niche consumption methods like suppositories that are completely distinct. Talk to a budtender about your goals and which options are best for you.
Cannabinoids and Terpene Profiles: Why Do They Matter?
Possibly the most important element of determining how a cannabis product will affect you is understanding the cannabinoid and terpene profiles.
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids include compounds like THC, CBD, CBG, and CBN. Each has its own set of properties and can influence your consumption experience when present.
While studies into cannabinoids and how they affect the human mind and body are ongoing, consumers often report these four to contribute the following characteristics:
- THC: This cannabinoid is known for producing a cerebral high when consumed. It also influences pain perception and promotes relaxation. When consumed in higher doses, THC may exacerbate symptoms of anxiety, so it’s best to start with a low amount of THC and only gradually increase how much you consume over time. [See our guide on responsible cannabis use for more tips to ensure your session is a good one!]
- CBD: This cannabinoid has become a household name. Folks use it to help manage pain and anxiety, and it may also temper the “high” caused by THC. Although CBD products are available outside of licensed dispensaries, you should only purchase from a licensed dispensary to ensure products are high quality, safe, and tested.
- CBG: This minor cannabinoid is often associated with feelings of euphoria, happiness, and laughter. So, if you’re looking for a session filled with giggles, consider a cannabis product high in CBG.
- CBN: This minor cannabinoid is typically associated with relaxation and drowsiness. If you’re looking to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, a high-CBN cannabis product may be just the ticket.
There are more than 100 total cannabinoids found in cannabis plants, and when they’re present together in various proportions, they can have very different effects. If you come across a cannabinoid you haven’t heard of before when reviewing a product’s label, ask a budtender to explain how it works.
Terpenes
Terpenes are the compounds that give cannabis its smell and taste. Some of the most common terpenes you’ll find include myrcene, caryophyllene, limonene, pinene, linalool, and humulene.
- Myrcene: This is one of the most common terpenes found in cannabis. It has an earthy, musky scent similar to cloves. Myrcene is believed to have relaxing effects and may contribute to the “couch-lock” feeling some people experience with certain cannabis strains.
- Caryophyllene: This terpene has a spicy, peppery aroma. It’s unique among terpenes because it can interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Some people believe caryophyllene may help with reducing stress and inflammation.
- Limonene: As the name suggests, limonene has a citrusy scent like lemons or oranges. It’s found in many cannabis strains and is thought to potentially elevate mood and reduce stress. You might notice its bright, fresh scent in certain cannabis varieties.
- Pinene: This terpene smells like pine trees, hence its name. It’s found in many plants, not just cannabis. Some users report that pinene may help with alertness and memory. It’s often present in strains that people use for focus or creativity.
- Linalool: If you’ve ever smelled lavender, you’re familiar with linalool. This terpene has a floral, slightly spicy scent. In cannabis, it’s believed to have calming properties and might help with relaxation and sleep.
- Humulene: This terpene has an earthy, woody aroma similar to hops (used in beer). It’s found in many cannabis strains and some believe it may have appetite-suppressing effects, unlike the stereotypical “munchies” associated with cannabis use.
Researchers suspect that terpenes may offer therapeutic effects of their own, but studies are ongoing. More than 200 terpenes have been identified in cannabis, though most appear in trace amounts only.
Choosing What’s Best For You
As you explore your options, you may find that more than one product works for you.
That’s perfectly normal. A go-to cannabis product for relaxing, going out, getting creative, or enjoying a nice meal can be four different items. Selecting a cannabis product to match the mood is one of the most beautiful things about the plant.
At Blue Oak, we aim to make your cannabis journey fun, easy and comfortable. Our expert budtenders are here to help walk you through our menu and find the perfect match for your needs.
So, if you know you want to try a new cannabis product but aren’t sure where to start, we’ve got your back. Stop by Blue Oak in Bloomfield, NJ to see how we’re elevating the Garden State’s cannabis experience one customer at a time.
