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 thatâs attracting more people to try it?
From THC to CBD, pipes or creams, there are so many ways to consume it. Thatâs why weâve come together to provide you with a beginnerâs guide. Itâll help you navigate your path to legal marijuana consumption.
But first, letâs 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 âhigh.â The âhighâ 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!
Whatâs Its Role in American History?
Marijuana was first decriminalized in the early seventies. It wasnât 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 havenât 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, marijuanaâs popularity continues to spread like wildfire throughout America.
But waitâŚhow 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. Itâll 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, weâre 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, youâll need to check off a few questions.
- Are you 21 years or older?
- Do you have a valid ID (driverâs 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, youâll 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! Weâve 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 itâs 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 youâre traveling long distances. Remember to bring your credentials when you do find one!
Step Four: Conceal, Donât Feel, Donât Let Them Know!
This is where the goinâ gets tough.
You canât 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 friendâs house.
Donât be fooled by any âcoolâ 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 letâs get into actually consuming marijuana. You might be curious to know: Whatâs the best way to go about consuming marijuana? How about if youâve never tried it?
We mentioned earlier THC and CBD. Hereâs where it comes in handy.
The first step in consuming marijuana is choosing what effect you want. If youâre a first-timer, ask yourself why youâre choosing to try it. What effect are you seeking, or what feeling are you hoping to feel?
Pinpoint what effect youâre most wanting to get out of consuming marijuana. If youâre 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. Thatâs what makes CBD perfect for those who work!
Smoke It
Youâll love the different types of weed pipe, but weed pipes arenât 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 youâre 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, youâre 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 donât like to smoke will love the gummy bears, chocolates, or cookies recipes you can make with marijuana.
If youâre 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, youâll experience pain relief without the euphoric âhighâ 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, itâs 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 âfunctional doctors.â Instead, sufferers of chronic pain have delved into alternative medicine for pain relief.
Some users of CBD oil have made claims that itâs cured their severe arthritis pain, or improved their epilepsy.
Take a Deeper Look
The world of marijuana consumption is endless but plentiful. Youâre bound to find something thatâll suit all your needs. It can help you if youâre 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.
Weâre always striving to bring you the latest, and highest-quality research, on health! We want you to have the life youâve been wanting and dreaming of. Follow our health blogs for more helpful information thatâll get you on the road to recovery, happiness, and health!