How To Choose The Right Cannabis Product For Your Needs
The best method for consuming cannabis is one that provides the optimal dose for the duration you’re looking for with minimal unwanted side effects. This is a very personal decision, so how do you choose? Let’s explore the options together.
Cannabis flower for smoking or vaping is available in many states through cannabis dispensaries, in addition to various smoke-free products made from cannabis extracts that some customers prefer. How long it takes for the effects to set in and the duration of those feelings will vary depending on the method of ingestion you choose.
Cannabis oil products are typically taken as a tincture or drops, ingested (in a gummy or soft gel), or applied topically. The effects of orally administered cannabis oil can last four hours or more, but the onset of effects is much slower (usually within 30-90 minutes).
Concentrated cannabis oil extracts may also be heated and inhaled using a vape pen. Some prefer this method because the effects can usually be felt within a minute or two and typically lasts for a couple of hours.
Finding The Right Dose
Interest in cannabis dosing is huge, and the conversation continues to grow, particularly among new consumers who want the potential benefits without the traditional psychoactive high.
It’s best to begin with a small dose of high CBD/low THC oil, especially if you have little or no experience with cannabis. Take a few small amounts over the course of the day rather than one big dose. Use the same quantity and ratio for several days and keep a journal to observe the effects as you adjust the ratio or amount. It’s important not to overdo it in the beginning.
Cannabis compounds have biphasic properties, meaning that low and high doses of the same substance can produce opposite effects. “Less is more” is often the best advice with respect to cannabis initiation.
How to Know You’re Buying a Trustworthy Product?
Look for products with clear labels showing the quantity and ratio of CBD and THC per dose, a manufacturing date, and a batch number (for quality control). Choose products with quality ingredients that never contain corn syrup, GMOs, artificial additives, or thinning agents. Trusted cannabis products should be lab tested for consistency and verified as being free of mold, bacteria, pesticides, solvent residues, heavy metals, and other contaminants.
If vaping, be sure to find a product with 100% pure cannabis oil and no diluting agents such as Vitamin E oil. Many cannabis vape oil products include a thinning agent to dilute the cannabis oil so companies can make a more affordable product (but at what cost to your health?). Definitely beware of vape pen oil that contains propylene glycol. When overheated, this chemical additive produces a carcinogen byproduct. And although it goes without saying, you should never purchase products from the non-legal market.
Care By Design products are always lab tested and formulated, and never contain harmful ingredients, so you know you can trust what you put in your body!
What Ratio of Cannabinoids Should I Take?
There’s no single ratio that’s right for everyone. You’ll want to find the balance of CBD and THC that works for you. A person’s sensitivity to THC is a critical factor in finding the right ratio and dosage. Many people enjoy the cannabis high, while others find the effects of THC unpleasant. CBD may lessen the mind-altering results of THC, so a greater ratio of CBD-to-THC (40:1) means less of a traditional high.
As more adults experiment with the right ratio and dose of cannabinoids, patterns are beginning to emerge. Some people use cannabis products with different CBD:THC ratios at different times of the day; for example, using more CBD in the early hours of the day can promote productivity, while more THC at night can help with relaxation.
Care By Design offers multiple ratios of CBD:THC so you can adjust or eliminate psychoactive effects as you prefer.