Cannabis 101
Understand CBD and THC ratios and different medical cannabis consumption methods
Education
At Etain we believe that wellness-focused cannabis consumption starts with a well-educated consumer. Across all of our retail spaces and product brands we strive to provide the best information possible to our customers, a collection of which you can find on this page below.
Strains
The concentrations of CBD, THC and other cannabinoids in a specific plant are determined by its genetics or “strain” in horticultural terms. However, with no governing body providing oversight on the labeling of strains, plants purchased from different dispensaries with the same strain name may have very different cannabinoid ratios—and thus effects.
High CBD Strains
Very high CBD concentration
Effects
Promotes relaxation and anti-inflammation but does not cause feelings of euphoria.
Indications
Epilepsy, Huntington's disease, Parkinson’s disease
References
Cannabidiol for Neurodegenerative Disorders
2 CBD : 1 THC Strains
2:1 CBD-to-THC ratio
Effects
Combines the calming and relaxing effects of CBD with a minor sense of euphoria.
Indications
Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, cancer, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), neuropathies, spinal cord damage
References
Cannabidiol for Neurodegenerative Disorders
Recommended as an introductory product for patients who want to use THC in their treatments, but at lower doses.
1 CBD : 1 THC Strains
1:1 CBD-to-THC ratio
Effects
Provides a moderate euphoric effect accompanied by the calming effects of CBD.
Indications
Epilepsy, Huntington's disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, cancer, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), neuropathies, spinal cord damage
References
High THC Strains
Very high THC concentration
Effects
Delivers a strong sensation of euphoria
Indication
Nausea, loss of appetite, chronic pain, muscle spasms and spasticity associated with neurodegenerative diseases or spinal cord injuries
References
Cannabinoids as pharmacotherapies for neuropathic pain
Recommended for experienced cannabis users
Consumption methods
There are many ways cannabinoids can be consumed—and the differences are more important than you might expect. To determine which method is best for a particular person, you have to consider several factors, including the lifestyle, medical history and even pharmacological issues, e.g., the first pass effect.
Tinctures
What it is
Cannabis oil dissolved in alcohol or oil
Delivery method
Swallowed or placed under the tongue
Time of onset
45-60 minutes (swallowed), 15-30 minutes (under the tongue)
Duration of effect
6-7 hours
Hardware
Dropper or syringe
Dosage control
Not very precise
Additional notes
Can be mixed with food or beverages, however taste is usually bitter; good for microdosing
Capsules
What it is
Capsule filled with a combination of cannabis oil and a carrier liquid, e.g., MCT oil
Delivery method
Swallowed
Time of onset
45-60 minutes
Duration of effect
6-7 hours
Hardware
Hard shells (two pieces of gelatin, glued together) or soft shells (continuous coating)
Dosage control
Very precise
Additional notes
Gelatin can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian
Oral Sprays
What it is
Spritzer filled with cannabis oil and a carrier liquid, e,g, MCT oil, glycerin
Delivery method
Swallowed or placed under the tongue
Time of onset
45-60 minutes (swallowed), 15-30 minutes (under the tongue)
Duration of effect
6-7 hours
Hardware
Hand-held spray bottle
Dosage control
Easy to measure precisely
Additional notes
Need a new canister to change dosage accurately; tinctures are better for microdosing
Vape Pen
What it is
Vaporized cannabis oil, may be combined with carrier liquid, e.g., MCT oil, polypropylene glyocol
Delivery method
Inhaled
Time of onset
5-15 minutes
Duration of effect
4-5 hours
Hardware
A small, battery-powered device heats a liquid-filled cartridge to generate a metered dose of vapor with every draw, i.e., 5 seconds, 10 seconds
Dosage control
Highly precise (to the milligram)
Additional notes
The vaping crisis of 2019 was caused by the inhalation of additives in carrier liquids. For this reason, we recommend only using vaporizer products that contain 100% pure cannabis oil.
Powders
What it is
Cannabis oil combined with dried materials
Delivery method
Swallowed
Time of onset
45-60 minutes
Duration of effect
6-7 hours
Hardware
Can be dissolved in everything from cold water to milk to melted chocolate
Dosage control
Highly precise
Additional notes
Large amounts of powder can cause gastrointestinal distress
Topicals
What it is
Lotions, balms, creams or patches infused with cannabis oil
Delivery method
Applied to skin
Time of onset
30-45 minutes
Duration of effect
6-7 hours
Hardware
Topical patches include a penetrating agent that allows cannabis and other ingredients to enter the bloodstream
Dosage control
Precise for patches, difficult to measure for lotions, creams, etc.
Additional notes
Patches can induce euphoria and whole-body effects (similar to consuming cannabis directly) but lotions, etc. do not
Edibles
What it is
Food or drink infused with cannabis oil
Delivery method
Swallowed
Time of onset
45-60 minutes
Duration of effect
6-7 hours
Hardware
Gummies, chocolate, mints, gum, suckers, cupcakes, brownies, soda
Dosage control
Difficult to measure precisely
Additional notes
New users should begin by taking a small dose, wait 2 hours for peak THC concentration in blood and then decide whether to take more.
Flower
What it is
Ground up, cured buds of the cannabis plant
Delivery method
Inhaled (vapor or smoke)
Time of onset
5-15 minutes
Duration of effect
4-5 hours
Hardware
For vapor, a glass chamber heats the ground flower to 300F – 400F; for smoke, buds are burned in pipe joint
Dosage control
Difficult to measure precisely
Additional notes
The long-term impact of inhaling vaporized cannabis has not been researched extensively.
Concentrates and other oils (hash, shatter, wax, rosin, sauce, etc.)
What it is
Concentrated cannabis oil, in liquid or wax form
Delivery method
Inhaled
Time of onset
5-15 minutes
Duration of effect
4-5 hours
Hardware
A special water pipe (a.k.a., dab rig, oil rig, wax rig) that vaporizes concentrates with heat
Dosage control
Difficult to measure precisely
Additional notes
Can produce potentially flammable gases so users must be extra careful
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