A Guide to Cannabis Product Types and Uses

Photo by Sharon McCutcheon from Pexels

There is no one size fits all fix in choosing the right cannabis product. Cannabis-based products rely on a variety of factors, such as your tolerance to it, how much your personal budget permits, how to use it, and the type of experience you want. Is it for recreational purposes, or to treat pain and an underlying medical issue?

The global wellness market is saturated with cannabis products because of its growing legalization so it can feel a bit overwhelming to choose what will best fit your needs. CBD oil for instance is a natural extract from the hemp plant that provides a multitude of health benefits minus the harsh side effects of pharmaceutical drugs. It is essential to understand how to use CBD oil to maximize its effectiveness in aiding chronic pain, inflammation, and other health issues.

A recreational user on the other hand will need to understand the varying strains, and quality of their weed to obtain the maximum effects for it to deliver the overall experience they are looking for. Top shelf weed, for example,  is slang for high-quality cannabis, which is often the most expensive on the menu list in a reliable dispensary due to its high cannabinoid content. The best smoking experience, edibles, concentrates, topicals, and CBD oil often come from the best source material or top-shelf bud.

To help we have listed below a guide to cannabis product types and uses to allow you to make an informed decision and reap the best cannabis benefits.

Photo by Kindel Media from Pexels

Top shelf weed

Top shelf weed is also referred to as “dank” or “loud weed” for its high cannabinoid content and potent fragrance. Stacked in a pipe, bong, or rolled as a joint, top shelf weed works best for those who prefer to smoke their cannabis for recreational purposes.

The bud or flower of the cannabis plant is cultivated, dried, and cured before it makes its way into the market or dispensary. The cannabis should exhibit a pleasant appearance and flower structure, desirable aroma, and flavor. This is the kind of bud you may have to pay a little more for but is definitely well worth it.

CBD oil

Cannabinoid, or more popularly known as CBD, does not give off the ‘high feeling’ often associated with cannabis. This healing oil offers relief to anxiety, sleep deprivation, and chronic pain brought about by medical conditions.  The end goal is to absorb a specified amount that works best for your body to reap its full potential.

CBD oil is dependent on a person’s weight, age, and health requirements. A few drops under your tongue as prescribed by your physician or cannabis expert will produce immediate effects as it enters your bloodstream. It is advised to begin with small doses before working your way up to meet the desired effects.

Concentrates

Concentrates are produced when excess plant material and impurities are lifted from the cannabis plant, leaving behind the most desirable and higher proportion of pure cannabinoids and terpenes.

This works well in a portable, or tabletop vaporizer or a dab rig. As a concentrate reacts with a hot surface, it can instantly turn into a vapor that can be inhaled. Since concentrates have a very high content, you will need less to feel the effects over a short period of time.

Edibles

Edibles are defined as cannabis-infused food and drinks that can be produced through the addition of a cannabis flower, oil, or concentrate. Edibles can come in a variety of forms such as baked goods, chocolate or candy bars, popcorn, butter, cooking oils, gummies, and other refreshing drinks.

Since edibles are meant to be eaten, it is best to look into the product content to know its cannabis potency. This works well for those who have an aversion to smoking or using a vape pen. Edibles are straightforward and provide measured doses so you will know exactly how much THC or CBD you are getting for each portion. This allows control, easy regulation, and fast-acting effects. 

Topicals

Topicals are cannabis-infused lotions, moisturizers, balms, sprays, patches, or salves that are meant to be directly applied to the skin. The skin is the largest organ in our bodies, so cannabis-based topicals can be absorbed better and provide a more full-body effect. Topicals are effective in treating skin-related issues, or joint and muscle pain and inflammation.  

CBD oil extracts that are used in topicals are natural and safe. It does not carry the harmful side effects associated with pharmaceutical drugs. When administered directly to one’s skin, a cannabis-infused topical can notably relieve skin irritation, muscle soreness, and pain that comes with unwanted inflammation.

Final Thoughts

Cannabis products can be consumed in a few different ways. To best find the type of cannabis product that works for you, it is important to familiarize yourself with the different products available on the market today that are not only appealing but convenient to use.

Educate yourself on the cannabis content, quality, and potency of each cannabis product so you will be able to maximize its full potential.

Cannabis affectivity is correlated to your body’s metabolism, body type, and age. Purchase from a reliable source that has undergone the necessary third-party lab testing and makes good on its promise to deliver a high-quality cannabis product. Remember to consult your doctor before exploring other cannabis-infused products. The right one should meet your personal needs and provide the balance that enables you to feel your absolute best.