It might not seem like it, but cannabis is one of the most versatile plants out there. You can roll it and smoke it, you can vaporize it, you can ingest it, filter it, make concentrates out of it and drink it too.
Each way has its own perks and unique benefits that people choose based on their own tastes and preferences. This guide by Aura will break down the science behind how cannabis affects your body and which type of cannabis product to choose based on what you like.
Let’s dig in!
Cannabinoids, Terpenes & The Human Body
Cannabis compounds, known as cannabinoids, interact closely with your biology once consumed. Our body has an entire specialized system made for processing cannabinoids, known as the endocannabinoid system.
This system also helps us regulate mood, sleep and appetite. THC and CBD both interact with the endocannabinoid system to produce effects within the body like elevated mood, better relaxation and improved focus.
Terpenes, on the other hand, are the aroma compounds found in many plants, fruits and insects. There are over 150 terpenes that can be found in cannabis, with terpenes influencing the flavor, aroma and how aromatic and smooth your cannabis strain feels.
When terpenes interact with cannabinoids, the combined therapeutic effect of the two is greater than the effect of terpenes and cannabinoids individually. This is called the entourage effect.
Cannabis Flower
Cannabis flower is still one of the most classic and popular ways to enjoy weed for a good reason. It works, it is versatile, and it is a really great way to hang out and share a session with friends.
One of the best perks of smoking flower directly is that it kicks in within just a few minutes, making it much easier to control your dosage. You can smoke it however you like, roll it into a joint, take a bong rip or a pipe hit. Each has its advantages and disadvantages: joints are a classic, great for sharing and lasts the longest, but it requires more flower and can be difficult to roll for beginners.
Bongs are convenient, require less flower and hit hard, but they require upkeep, can feel harsh and the high doesn’t last very long and pipes are similar. If you really want to dial things in, choosing between different strains like sativa, indica, or hybrid gives you total control over the kind of high you are looking for.
Vapes
Cannabis vapes are some of the most popular products at any cannabis dispensary. They offer excellent portability, are discreet and are super easy to use. There’s nothing to figure out or learn like with rolling joints. Just purchase a vape, unbox it and get started, because you’re ready to go!
Vapes are similar to smoking flower, but they’re not the same. Like flower, vapes kick in pretty quickly. A huge advantage is that they’re virtually smokeless and produce little odor. Since every vape is precisely measured, you know exactly what you’re getting with each puff.
You can find vapes in three main formulations that are tailored to various experience levels. There’s distillates, which are a refined oil, full-spectrum, which maintains the natural profile of the flower, and finally, live resin. Live resin options capture a higher amount of the plant’s natural terpenes, resulting in enhanced flavor and a much more balanced high.
Edibles
For those looking for a strong, long-lasting high, cannabis edibles are perfect. They have a much higher concentration of cannabinoids like THC and CBD compared to smoking flower.
Because there is no inhalation or extra equipment needed, you simply have the edible and wait for it to take effect, making it a lung-friendly option for people who want to avoid smoking or vaping. While the onset takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, the eventual effects are much more powerful than smoking/vaping and stick around significantly longer than inhaled cannabis. This is because when THC is ingested, your liver turns it into 11-hydroxy-THC, which is stronger than regular THC.
For beginners, cannabis gummies are an excellent starting point because they offer easy dosing, reliable consistency, and a wide variety of THC to CBD ratios alongside different terpene profiles. Edibles are the best option for deep relaxation, sleep support, or any time you have a clear schedule to fully settle in, relax and unwind. But anytime you are trying a new edible, we recommend you go low and slow. Start with a low dose and see how you feel. It’s best to start with half an edible or less than 5mg to test it out.
Concentrates/Wax
Concentrates are some of the strongest, most potent cannabis options out there. They’re significantly stronger than edibles and the effect is almost immediate after consumption. Concentrates are not for the faint hearted, and only seasoned cannabis consumers who know what they’re doing should go ahead with concentrates. If you’re a beginner, please consult a budtender or a friend who knows what they’re doing.
The most popular concentrates can be found in two forms – Live resin and rosin concentrates. Both are prized for their terpene density and rich flavor, and it’s consumed via a dab rig or a concentrate-compatible vaporizer. Concentrates need specialized equipment and the right setup. Wax, shatter, badder, or rosin each have a slightly different texture and consistency, but all deliver at a high level
Choose Aura
For all your cannabis needs, Aura is the place to be. We have a large variety of products that are catered to beginners and experts alike.
Choose Aura for a premium, satisfying and relaxing shopping experience. Stop by our Fall River, MA dispensary or our Central Falls, RI location and our knowledgeable team will point you in the right direction to experience a better way to shop!
