There’s lots to learn about cannabis! Whether you’re new to the experience or just looking to widen your knowledge, this list will tell you what you need to know. We’ve answered nine of your most commonly asked questions about cannabis.
1. DOES CANNABIS STRAIN REALLY MATTER?
Cannabis strains do matter! The strain determines the flavour and your overall cannabis experience. If you’re new to cannabis, it’s important to research strains before you start. We recommend low-THC cannabis for beginners.
Aside from the importance of knowing how strains might impact you, craft cannabis is on the rise! Once you know the language of cannabis, you can use your knowledge to describe complex flavour profiles—just as a sommelier would with fine wine, or a cicerone would with craft beer.
2. WHAT DETERMINES HOW CANNABIS AFFECTS A PERSON?
This is an area that is still being researched. Just earlier this year researchers discovered two new cannabinoids! What we do know for certain is cannabis effects are influenced by the strain, cannabinoid content, terpenes, flavonoids, and much more. Don’t worry if these words are new to you—we’ll cover it all.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INDICA AND SATIVA?
Indica and sativa are the main two different types of cannabis plants. Indica is a short bushy plant that generally has a higher CBD content. Sativa is a tall, thin plant that usually has higher THC content. Sativa is the more popular, more commonly consumed type of cannabis.
What are CBD and THC? Those are cannabinoids!
WHAT ARE CANNABINOIDS?
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds secreted by cannabis flowers. They are central to the perceptible effects of cannabis in humans.
Cannabinoids (such as THC and CBD) bind to cannabinoid receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system. The effect and potency of the cannabinoid is determined by the compound’s alkyl side chain. “Potency” means the cannabinoid’s ability (or affinity) to bind with cannabinoid receptors such as the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the human body.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CBD AND THC?
Different cannabinoids have affinities for different receptors. For example: THC has an affinity for receptors in the brain, like CB1. On the other hand, the cannabinoid CBN (cannabinol) most easily binds to the CB-2 receptors located throughout the body.
A strain’s unique cannabinoid profile will influence the cannabis experience it provides.
CBD is generally associated with chiller, relaxed, bodily experience, while people generally associate THC with a more intense, focused, mental experience.
WHAT ARE TERPENES?
Ever smelled cannabis with a very distinct aroma of citrus, berry, mint, or pine? You can thank the cannabis terpenes. These chemicals are secreted from the same glands as cannabinoids like THC and CBD, and influence the flavour, smell, and effects of a cannabis strain.
WHAT ARE FLAVONOIDS?
Flavonoids are another important, but less often discussed, factor that influences the cannabis experience.
Flavonoids are a wide class of plant chemicals that are found in all plants. But, there are flavonoids that are unique to cannabis too! Flavonoids found in only cannabis are referred to as cannaflavins.
Together, standard flavonoids and unique cannaflavins influence the taste, colour, smell, and sensory experiences of cannabis! They’re similar to terpenes, but have more influence over pigment and colour.
Read our blog on flavonoids to learn even more!
3. HOW IS CANNABIS CONSUMED?
There are lots of different ways to consume cannabis!
You can buy packaged cannabis and burn the dried plant through a bong or a pipe, or roll it into a joint using rolling papers.
Or, if you don’t know how to roll yet, you can buy pre-rolled joints! Viridis recently came out with a new line of Pre-Rolls. For the cannabis connoisseur, we have the Northern Lights at 18.8 % THC, and our King Royale, at 13.8% THC is a perfect option for budding aficionados.
Each pack comes with three pre-rolls at 0.5g each.
You can also vape cannabis by heating concentrated cannabis through an electronic vaporizer.
Alternatively, if you’d prefer not to smoke, you can try edibles, extracts, or topicals (which were recently legalized in Canada!)
4. HOW IS AN EDIBLE HIGH DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS?
You’ll usually feel the first effects of cannabis within 2-10 minutes of smoking or vaping.
Edible highs, on the other hand, usually have a longer onset and last longer than smoked cannabis. You’ll usually feel the effects within 30-60 minutes, but sometimes it can take up to two hours to kick in.
If you’re taking edibles, always wait before taking more. A common mistake is to eat additional edibles because you haven’t felt the effects yet, which risks putting you over your comfortable limit.
If you’d like to learn to make your own edibles, check out our beginners guide to cooking with cannabis.
5. WHERE CAN I LEGALLY CONSUME CANNABIS IN CANADA?
Cannabis is legal across every province and territory in Canada. But, specific laws vary depending on region.
As a rule of thumb, you can always consume cannabis in your own home, unless you are on a rental property that has prohibited it.
Different provinces and territories have different regulations on sidewalks, parks, at festivals and near buildings. Unfortunately, there’s no all-encompassing answer. You’ll need to research regulations down of the province and city that you’re hoping to light up in.
If you happened to live in Alberta like we do, you can read our full breakdown of cannabis consumption regulations in Alberta.
6. CAN I GROW MY OWN CANNABIS IN CANADA?
Yes! You can have up to four cannabis plants per residence. Note that this is not per person, it’s per household. If you have four roommates, you don’t get to grow 16 plants. It’s still four per residence, regardless of how many people live there.
7. HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO PURCHASE CANNABIS IN CANADA?
This also varies provincially.
18: Alberta
19: British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, Yukon,
21: Quebec
8. IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MEDICAL AND RECREATIONAL CANNABIS?
In short: no. The differentiation between medical and recreational cannabis is largely a regulatory one. Prior to October 2018, cannabis could only be acquired through a prescription from a medical professional.
Medical cannabis prescriptions are still available. Prescriptions impact the amount of cannabis a person can own at one time and other legal considerations.
But, other than that, recreational and medical cannabis are the same. It’s less about the actual cannabis, it’s more about how you acquired it and how you’re using it.
9. HOW LONG DOES CANNABIS HIGH LAST?
This varies between every person! Generally a cannabis high lasts between 2-10 hours, depending on a combination of factors.
These factors include:
- your metabolism
- your body weight (and body fat percentage)
- how much you ate prior to consuming cannabis
- method of cannabis consumption
- how cannabis much you consume
- the strains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content
- you personal tolerance
The most important thing is to pace yourself and never go outside of your limit!
Smoking or vaping generally lasts 1 to 3 hours, but you’ll sometimes feel the effects up to 8 hours after consumption.
Edibles generally peak two hours after feeling the initial effects. But, the effects can sometimes last up to 24 hours.
Always try new methods of cannabis consumption in a controlled environment. Cannabis impacts everyone differently, so it’s important to ease yourself in.
We’re always updating our website with new answers to your burning questions. Follow our blog for ongoing updates on the lastest in cannabis news!