all about the leaves: intro to cannabis

Smoking cannabis can be an infinitely beneficial and enlightening experience. It can turn into a lifelong passion and even a lucrative career if one pursues the cannabis industry. Before taking that first toke, there are a few things first-time users might want to acquaint themselves with, however, for instance, the differences between THC and CBD. Check out this handy guide, as an introduction to the herb, before deciding to puff, puff, and pass. We hope that you enjoy this all about the leaves: intro to cannabis post.

A Woman's Guide to Cannabis

Terms to Know

Cannabis has gone by a wide variety of different names and labels over the years, especially during prohibition, when it garnered a plethora of nicknames. Common names for marijuana include:

• Grass
• Reefer
• Pot
• Weed
• Ganja
• Devil's Lettuce
• Mary Jane
• Dope
• Chronic
• Broccoli
• Trees

Some of the labels commonly used to refer to marijuana can be quite comical and are ever-changing, deriving themselves from aspects of popular culture, like movies, television, and rap music. It's important to know some of the various terms in case someone tries to hand you something that isn't weed.

Green: A Field Guide to Marijuana

There are nearly endless terms to remember when it comes to the subculture surrounding smoking. Consumers of marijuana are commonly called stoners, smokers, tokers, ents, potheads, Buddha-heads, space cadets, and so on. Likewise, there are a number of words for different types of smoking apparatus, euphoria or sensations while high, and descriptions for the pot, itself. The following are words referring to different tools used for consuming marijuana:

• Bowl
• Bong
• Pipe
• Joint
• Blunt or Swisher
• Rig
• Roach

In addition to the types of tools used for consumption, there are also different methods of consuming marijuana, such as the spliff, which is a mixture of herb and traditional tobacco, and dabs, which are essentially wax or oil extracted from the bud.

Common words associating with different experiences while smoking are as follows:

• High
• Stoned
• Faded
• Lifted
• Elevated

Other terms regarding various sensations include “the fear,” cross-faded, and the munchies. Whenever you start feeling something you can't explain, just look back over this list until you find whatever suits the feelings you might be experiencing.

Indica Strains VS. Sativa Strains

There are a lot of differences between indica strains and sativa strains of marijuana, but the most notable are in how each makes the user feel. Indica strains are generally associated with physical or bodily highs, resulting in “couch-lock” and overall relaxation. Sativa strains, on the other hand, are known to induce more mental or emotional responses, like feelings of happiness and uplifted moods, and increased energy and motivation. Take some time to try out both before deciding which strain is best for you.

Where is Weed Legal?

With Cannabis becoming legal in many new states, both recreationally and medically, it can be a bit confusing to keep track of. So far, 33 states, including the District of Columbia, have legalized marijuana, in one form or another. The following states have legalized marijuana for recreational use:

• California
• Colorado
• Nevada
• Michigan
• Washington
• Oregon
• Massachusetts
• Asaska
• Vermont

While these states are have only legalized medical use:

• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Maine
• Maryland
• Minnesota
• Montana
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• West Virginia

The list is always expanding with every year, so be sure to stay updated on recent marijuana-related laws and legislation.

How Can Weed Be Consumed?

Marijuana can be consumed in a lot of different ways, but the most common form of ingestion if by smoking it. Edible marijuana is becoming more popular, taking the form of brownies, candy, butter and other cooking materials, candies, and so much more. Vaping marijuana is another common practice. In recent years, it can even be drank, as teas, wines, and beers infused with THC or CBD are emerging on the market.

How Much Weed Can I consume?

While seasoned cannabis smokers can put away ounce after ounce in a relatively short amount of time, a beginner or “fresh-head” should probably start with only a few grams. While there are no real side effects to smoking a ton of marijuana right off the bat, the euphoria can be overwhelming for some. It is best to start with a smaller amount at first.

What Can I Expect With Weed?

You should expect feelings of happiness or gettiness during your first smoking session. You'll probably laugh a lot and feel very hungry as you come down. Some first-time smokers experience paranoia, but this can be supplemented by surrounding yourself with good friends and participating in proper moderation. There have been a few occasions where smoking has caused nausea or dizziness, but these feelings will subside as your high fades with time.

Why Use Marijuana?

Marijuana has proven healing properties and can help with multiple both physical and mental diseases and disorders, including PTSD, seizures, depression, and anxiety. Aside from the medical benefits of smoking, marijuana can also give users a great way to blow off steam and deal with stress. It is arguable a better alternative to alcohol, which sometimes results in disaster when too much is consumed in a sitting. Some people smoke to achieve some level of spiritual enlightenment, while others simply smoke to wind down at the end of the day. Whatever the reason, smoking marijuana is an experience that everyone should try at least once.