Those who are new to medical marijuana consumption in Massachusetts are sometimes overwhelmed by the new technologies, and many forms cannabis can take. If you’re a beginner to high-quality medical marijuana here’s a quick overview of what you should know to be a patient at Revolutionary Clinics and enjoy the best medical marijuana in the Boston area.
Marijuana Isn’t Just For Joints Anymore
Cannabis has come a long way in the last 30 years. MMJ patients in the commonwealth have a variety of options available for getting therapeutic relief from cannabis depending on their preferences. They are best divided into four principal groups: Flower, concentrate, topical and edible.
Flower
Flowers (known colloquially as buds, nuggets, weed or herb) are the most familiar form of marijuana. They are merely the reproductive portions of the female cannabis plant grown without seeds, cured and packaged for purchase. Flowers are the base for all other MMJ products.
Flowers are heated and inhaled to provide immediate therapeutic effects. There are many methods of doing this:
Joints (sold as “pre-rolls” at our premium medical marijuana dispensary) are flowers that are ground up and rolled in cigarette papers. Joints are lit and smoked like a cigarette.
Pipes come in many forms, from the smallest and simplest to the largest and most complex. Flowers are pressed into the pipe and burned with a lighter while the user inhales from the mouthpiece. Our staff can assist you in using your preferred pipe.
Vaping involves using a particular device to heat flowers to release their active compounds without combusting the plant material. The user inhales vapor, rather than smoke, making vaping a favorite for those who fear the health effects of smoking.
Concentrate
Concentrates are extractions of the active compounds (cannabinoids) from cannabis flowers without any plant matter or foul-tasting chlorophyll. Concentrates can take many forms by many names including “wax,” “shatter,” “budder,” and others.
Concentrates can be smoked alone (in MUCH smaller amounts) or mixed with a flower. They can be consumed in all the same methods as flower and a few more:
Dabbing Is a process wherein a surface of a special water pipe called a “dab rig” is heated with a blowtorch. The concentrate is then touched to the heated surface and the resulting vapor is inhaled.
Cartridges are devices filled with concentrate that is attached to a mini vaporizer or e-cig battery and then vaped.
Topical
Topicals are patches, salves, lotions or oils that are applied directly to the skin at the site of discomfort. Topicals are unique in that the active ingredients are absorbed through the skin but do not enter the bloodstream. This means there are no euphoric (“high”) effects associated with using topicals.
Edible
Edibles are rapidly becoming the most popular method for consuming medical marijuana for those suffering from chronic pain. The active compounds of cannabis (THC and CBD) are extracted and infused with food items, beverages or oils known as tinctures.
Edibles are taken orally, and there’s usually a delay of between 20 and 90 minutes before effects are felt. The results can be incredibly intense and body heavy when compared to smoking cannabis and can last for up to 6 hours depending on the amount consumed and the consumers metabolism.
Tinctures can be taken sublingually (under the tongue) and can affect the user more quickly than other edibles.
Start Low and Go Slow
Although it’s true that you cannot overdose on marijuana, overconsumption can lead to a very unpleasant experience including paranoia, panic, heart palpitations and anxiety that can last for several hours. Always begin with a small dose and do not take more until you understand how it affects you.
Revolutionary Clinics wants you to enjoy our cannabis products responsibly and safely. Our staff is available to answer your questions about our products and how to best consume them.
