Cannabis can be very flexible. For some, it means relishing the feel of a perfectly designed water pipe. For others, it means taking a sativa softgel on the go. Fortunately, cannabis is available in a variety of forms designed to fit your regular groove. Trying to find the right fit? Discover what the new world of cannabis has to offer.
Dried Flower
Dried flower is one of the most popular ways to enjoy cannabis. With good reason, too. When inhaled via vapourization or smoking, dried flower can produce noticeable active effects within mere minutes. For this reason, dried flower is often a go-to option for those looking for a faster-onset experience.
Only flowers from the female cannabis plant are selected, as female plants produce a greater cannabinoid concentration and feature a different flower structure than male plants. Apart from biological sex, however, cannabis is often categorized into three general types: sativa, indica, and hybrid.
Fun fact, there are presently very few true indicas or sativas. Nearly every varietal on the market is a hybrid of both, which is why we indicate the dominance of the varietal with “leaning” and “dominant”.
As popular belief holds, sativa plants tend to be more uplifting, indica plants more relaxing, and hybrid plants can fall somewhere between the two. Individual varietals are classified into these general groupings based on their experiential effects, as well as other characteristics.
After inhalation, active cannabis compounds can produce a noticeable intoxication for several hours, with impairment lasting up to 24 hours, according to Health Canada. The potency of the flower, your own body chemistry, and other factors can also influence the duration of the cannabis experience, as with any other form of consumption.
Pre-Rolls
Pre-rolls are made from dried flower and rolling paper. To make a pre-roll, dried flower is milled and then used to fill a smokable rolling paper.
The biggest perk of the pre-roll? Convenience.
With pre-rolls, dried flower arrives ready to go, wrapped up in a handy package. The result is a pre-rolled joint that’s easy to take just about anywhere.
Oil
Cannabis oil is just like a softgel, only without the gel casing. Cannabis oil is made via the same extraction methods, and extract from the plant is mixed with a carrier oil to provide a liquid consistency that is easy to use.
Oils can be swallowed straight, mixed into drinks, or even stirred into a meal. While oil requires measuring and portioning, it provides the same long-lasting effects as a cannabis softgel. Similarly, onset time of cannabis oil is also just as long as a softgel, up to two hours.
With any type of oil product, it’s best to follow the golden rule: start low and go slow. While cannabis can cultivate fun and meaningful experiences, being too lifted is a surefire way to kill the vibe.
Spray
Open up! Cannabis oil now comes in an oral spray. Oral spray is an excellent option for those seeking a smokeless experience.
Instead of inhaling or swallowing a pill, simply spray it under your tongue or on the inside of your cheek. Like capsules and other forms of oral cannabis, oral sprays are long-lasting and can feature an activation time of up to two hours.
*In settings permitted by the Cannabis Act and following safe and responsible guidelines.
Softgels
Softgels are a novel and smokeless way to consume your favorite herb. Not only are they easy to consume, but they provide a long-lasting experience. It can take up to 12 hours for the acute effects of oral cannabis to subside, although, as mentioned above, there may be signs of impairment for as long as 24 hours after consumption.
To make softgels, cannabis resin is extracted, mixed with a carrier oil, and used to fill a gelatin casing. As a result, manufacturers have more control over the serving and potency of each softgel.
Since softgels are made using cannabis extract, manufacturers can put as much or as little cannabis oil in as desired. This precise dosage gives consumers more control over their cannabis experience, as you can take doses as small as 1 milligram and up as you see fit.
Unlike inhaled cannabis products, the active effects of softgels can take quite a while to present themselves. Up to two hours, according to Health Canada, so wait patiently!
