Cannabis 101
Understand CBD and THC ratios and different medical cannabis consumption methods
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.
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.
Promotes relaxation and anti-inflammation but does not cause feelings of euphoria.
Epilepsy, Huntington's disease, Parkinson’s disease
Cannabidiol for Neurodegenerative Disorders
Combines the calming and relaxing effects of CBD with a minor sense of euphoria.
Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, cancer, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), neuropathies, spinal cord damage
Cannabidiol for Neurodegenerative Disorders
Recommended as an introductory product for patients who want to use THC in their treatments, but at lower doses.
Provides a moderate euphoric effect accompanied by the calming effects of THC.
Epilepsy, Huntington's disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, cancer, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), neuropathies, spinal cord damage
Delivers a strong sensation of euphoria
Nausea, loss of appetite, chronic pain, muscle spasms and spasticity associated with neurodegenerative diseases or spinal cord injuries
Cannabinoids as pharmacotherapies for neuropathic pain
Recommended for experienced cannabis users
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.
Cannabis oil dissolved in alcohol or oil
Swallowed or placed under the tongue
45-60 minutes (swallowed), 15-30 minutes (under the tongue)
6-7 hours
Dropper or syringe
Not very precise
Can be mixed with food or beverages, however taste is usually bitter; good for microdosing
Capsule filled with a combination of cannabis oil and a carrier liquid, e.g., MCT oil
Swallowed
45-60 minutes
6-7 hours
Hard shells (two pieces of gelatin, glued together) or soft shells (continuous coating)
Very precise
Gelatin can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian
Spritzer filled with cannabis oil and a carrier liquid, e,g, MCT oil, glycerin
Swallowed or placed under the tongue
45-60 minutes (swallowed), 15-30 minutes (under the tongue)
6-7 hours
Hand-held spray bottle
Easy to measure precisely
Need a new canister to change dosage accurately; tinctures are better for microdosing
Vaporized cannabis oil, may be combined with carrier liquid, e.g., MCT oil, polypropylene glyocol
Inhaled
5-15 minutes
4-5 hours
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
Highly precise (to the milligram)
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.
Cannabis oil combined with dried materials
Swallowed
45-60 minutes
6-7 hours
Can be dissolved in everything from cold water to milk to melted chocolate
Highly precise
Large amounts of powder can cause gastrointestinal distress
Lotions, balms, creams or patches infused with cannabis oil
Applied to skin
30-45 minutes
6-7 hours
Topical patches include a penetrating agent that allows cannabis and other ingredients to enter the bloodstream
Precise for patches, difficult to measure for lotions, creams, etc.
Patches can induce euphoria and whole-body effects (similar to consuming cannabis directly) but lotions, etc. do not
Food or drink infused with cannabis oil
Swallowed
45-60 minutes
6-7 hours
Gummies, chocolate, mints, gum, suckers, cupcakes, brownies, soda
Difficult to measure precisely
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.
Ground up, cured buds of the cannabis plant
Inhaled (vapor or smoke)
5-15 minutes
4-5 hours
For vapor, a glass chamber heats the ground flower to 300F – 400F; for smoke, buds are burned in pipe joint
Difficult to measure precisely
The long-term impact of inhaling vaporized cannabis has not been researched extensively.
Concentrated cannabis oil, in liquid or wax form
Inhaled
5-15 minutes
4-5 hours
A special water pipe (a.k.a., dab rig, oil rig, wax rig) that vaporizes concentrates with heat
Difficult to measure precisely
Can produce potentially flammable gases so users must be extra careful