Marijuana consumption is estimated to increase by about 50% by the end of 2018! More and more people are choosing marijuana for chronic pain or medical conditions. So, what is it about marijuana that’s attracting more people to try it?

From THC to CBD, pipes or creams, there are so many ways to consume it. That’s why we’ve come together to provide you with a beginner’s guide. It’ll help you navigate your path to legal marijuana consumption.

But first, let’s start off with the basics.

What Is THC Versus CBD?

Marijuana or cannabis is a plant-based drug that can ease pain or result in a “high.” The “high” aspect of marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. THC is what makes people feel euphoria.

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is the anti-inflammatory element in marijuana that provides pain relief.

Knowing the difference between TBC and CBD is super important, especially when you choose the best method of consumption that is right for you!

What’s Its Role in American History?

Marijuana was first decriminalized in the early seventies. It wasn’t until the mid-nineties that medical marijuana became legal in California. While recreational marijuana was still hotly-debated, Colorado jumped into the game in 2012. The state legalized recreational marijuana for adults over the age of twenty-one.

Only nine states have legalized marijuana for medical and recreational use in America. Other states have legalized only the medical use of marijuana. Most haven’t legalized any usage. Yet, the financial result in sales of marijuana is astronomical. In one short sentence: Business is booming in the weed industry.

With an expanding industry and sales reaching well into the billions, marijuana’s popularity continues to spread like wildfire throughout America.

But wait…how can I get my hands on it?

Boy, are we glad you asked that!

The Basics of Legal Marijuana Consumption

The first step to legally consuming marijuana is to know the law. Knowing the law of the state that you are in is what will keep you out of trouble. It’ll also make your experience with marijuana that much more enjoyable.

We want to make it easy. Here are three quick steps to consuming marijuana legally and get 420 vacations all inclusive.

Step One: Investigate If You Live in One of the States Where Marijuana Is Legal

Marijuana is only legalized for recreational and medical use in:

Washington
Oregon
Nevada
California
Colorado
Maine
Vermont
Hawaii
Massachusetts

Other states like Florida and Arizona have legalized medical use, but not for recreational use. To be able to include everyone in this guide, we’re going to stick to only states that are fully legal (recreational and medical use).

Step Two: Check That You Meet the Requirements

To verify your eligibility, you’ll need to check off a few questions.

Are you 21 years or older?
Do you have a valid ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)?
Are you a resident in any of the states listed above, or are you out of state?

To buy marijuana from places like Weed Republic, you must be at least 21 years or older. To buy, you’ll need to present a valid photo ID. Your ID will help verify your age and also what state you live in.

Everyone that purchases marijuana is able to buy a weighted amount. In-state residents can buy more marijuana than out out-of-state folks. Out-of-state folks can only buy a few ounces at a time.

But wait! We’ve got some great news for you.

You can buy different types of marijuana! That means, you can take the required amount, and then some. Toss in some edibles too. So long as they all individually meet up to the weighted requirement, you are golden!

A quick reminder for out-of-state folks:

You will need to consume any bought marijuana before leaving the legalized state. Traveling with marijuana into other states where it is not legal is illegal.

Know the laws and regulations to keep yourself out of trouble!

Step Three: Find a Marijuana Dispensary

You meet all the requirements, great! Now it’s time to hunt down some mary-jane.

There are plenty of online resources to help you find a great dispensary near you. Each state is different, and marijuana laws are continuously changing. So remember to read up if you’re traveling long distances. Remember to bring your credentials when you do find one!

Step Four: Conceal, Don’t Feel, Don’t Let Them Know!

This is where the goin’ gets tough.

You can’t just walk your dog and light one up. There are laws against the use of marijuana in public places. That includes local grocery stores, your friendly elementary school, or the park.

Marijuana can be used in residential locations like your own home or at a friend’s house.

Don’t be fooled by any “cool” bars that say they welcome weed smokers. Public smoking (of marijuana) is not legal anywhere.

Ways to Consume Marijuana

Those are three easy steps to getting your hands on some good times and feeling fine.

Now let’s get into actually consuming marijuana. You might be curious to know: What’s the best way to go about consuming marijuana? How about if you’ve never tried it?

We mentioned earlier THC and CBD. Here’s where it comes in handy.

The first step in consuming marijuana is choosing what effect you want. If you’re a first-timer, ask yourself why you’re choosing to try it. What effect are you seeking, or what feeling are you hoping to feel?

Pinpoint what effect you’re most wanting to get out of consuming marijuana. If you’re looking for a high, then THC will be your best route toward relaxation and an extra boost of creativity.

CBD, on the other hand, will keep you functional throughout the day. It has pain reliever and anti-inflammatory elements that work to help you gain mental clarity and focus. That’s what makes CBD perfect for those who work!

Smoke It

You’ll love the different types of weed pipe, but weed pipes aren’t the only way to smoke weed. It can be tricky to decide on exactly what works best for you.

Rolling marijuana into a joint or a blunt is another way to smoke it. Smoking or inhalation is by far the fastest way to get to feeling the effects of marijuana. Pipes being the leader of the race.

But, it can also be the most damaging to your lungs.

Try a healthier alternative:

Vape It

Choose a vaping starter kit, including rolling papers to try out your marijuana! If you’re unsure how to get started, read more on this process and get the differences between blunt vs bong.

Like e-cigarettes, vaping is a healthier alternative to marijuana inhalation. Instead of burning the weed, you’re heating it up. The vaporization is only suspected to be better than smoke inhalation.

Eat It

You may have heard of the famous weed brownies, but edibles come in all different types of yummy treats. People who don’t like to smoke will love the gummy bears, chocolates, or cookies recipes you can make with marijuana.

If you’re on anti-depressants, you might consider checking out the latest research. Studies show that there are decreased levels of depression in marijuana users!

Oil It

Similar to edibles, there are different flavors of CBD oil. You can choose from a delicious blueberry or sugary butterscotch.

You may be wondering how CBD oil works.

You can use CBD oil by placing a few drops under your tongue. Because the solution is only CBD, you’ll experience pain relief without the euphoric “high” of THC. You can also mix the oil into food or drinks. It has a pipette or dropper that is perfect for dosage.

When using CBD oil or marijuana for any medical purposes, it’s best to seek medical professionals for correct dosage and diagnosis.

Rub It

Help ease your back pain with a little CBD salve or lotion!

Like you would use any lotion, you simply apply it to the area that is giving you discomfort.

Many people have turned their backs on “functional doctors.” Instead, sufferers of chronic pain have delved into alternative medicine for pain relief.

Some users of CBD oil have made claims that it’s cured their severe arthritis pain, or improved their epilepsy.

Take a Deeper Look

The world of marijuana consumption is endless but plentiful. You’re bound to find something that’ll suit all your needs. It can help you if you’re looking to decompress from a stressful work environment or wanting some pain relief from a severe back injury.

But marijuana is not the only solution in our vast world.

We’re always striving to bring you the latest, and highest-quality research, on health! We want you to have the life you’ve been wanting and dreaming of. Follow our health blogs for more helpful information that’ll get you on the road to recovery, happiness, and health!