education
Consumer education guide
Cannabis 101: A Beginner's Guide to Marijuana
Marijuana is classified scientifically as the plant genus “Cannabis”. The subspecies “Cannabis Sativa” and “Cannabis Indica” are the two most common classes of Cannabis.
Cannabis is used by people for health and well-being, to improve focus, relax, inspire, and socialize. It’s an inexpensive and natural approach to keep your body’s vital processes in balance.
sativa
- The SATIVA strains are reported to provide a more energizing experience. They are best used during daytime.
indica
- The INDICA strains are known to have relaxing effects. They are best used at night.
Hybrid
- The HYBRID strains are a balance between Sativa and Indica strains. They are known for relaxing, balanced, and blissful effects.
| Sativa-dominant hybrid | Indica-dominant hybrid |
| Cerebral sensation with a relaxing body effect. | Full-body sensation with a relaxing cerebral effect. |
Marijuana has not been analyzed or approved by the FDA. There is limited information on the side effects of using marijuana and there may be associated health risks. Marijuana use during pregnancy and breastfeeding may pose potential harm. Please Consume Responsibly. For use only by adults 21 years of age or older. Keep out of the reach of children. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. It is against the law to operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug.
What are Cannabinoids?
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| Gastro intestinal |
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| Mood / behavior |
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| neurological |
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| other |
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This chart helps determine which cannabinoids may alleviate each symptom or disease. (Source: leafly.com)
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring chemical compounds that are found in cannabis. The most commonly known cannabinoids are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD).
thc
THC is the psychoactive compound providing the “high” associated with marijuana. It interacts with areas of the brain that have been shown to lessen nausea, promote sleep and provide analgesic qualities.
cbd
CBD is the non-psychoactive compound found in marijuana. It has been shown to provide autoimmune, digestive, and anti-inflammatory support.
Cannabis Terpenes: What They Are and How They Work
Terpenes are another essential compound found in the cannabis plant. They’re in charge of giving many species of vegetation their distinctive smells, fragrances, and even colors. Terpenes are the compounds in cannabis that give some strains their distinctive flavor or aroma. The variety of terpenes gives different types of cannabis a wide range of scents. In recent years, scientists have found that terpenes do much more than produce an aroma. These compounds may boost and expand the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids, especially THC. Terpenes can be extracted from the cannabis plant and infused into various cannabis products, such as distillates, oils, and edibles.
Limonene
Also Found in
Citrus Rinds, Juniper, Peppermint
MEDICAL BENEFITS
Anti-Depression, Anti-Anxiety, Antifungal
effects
Elevated Mood, Stress Relief
Humulene
Also Found in
Hops, Coriander
MEDICAL BENEFITS
Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Bacterial, Relieves Pain
effects
Suppresses Appetite
Pinene
Also Found in
Pine Needles, Conifers, Sage
MEDICAL BENEFITS
Anti-Inflammatory, Alleviates Asthma
effects
Memory Retention, Alertness
Linalool
Also Found in
Lavender, Citrus, Laurel, Birch, Rosewood
MEDICAL BENEFITS
Anti-Stress, Anti-Depression, Relieves Anxiety and Pain, Aids Insomnia and Convulsions
effects
Sedating, Calming
Caryophyllene
Also Found in
MEDICAL BENEFITS
Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Relieves Muscle Spasm and Pain, Aids Insomnia
effects
No detectable physical effects
Myrcene
Also Found in
Mango, Thyme, Citrus, Lemongrass, Bay Leaves
MEDICAL BENEFITS
Antiseptic, Anti-Bacterial, Antifungal, Anti-Inflammatory
effects
Sedating, Relaxing, Enhances THC’s Psychoactivity
Marijuana for Beginners: How to consume
We know it can be a little overwhelming and intimidating but we assure you that it will be as easy as ordering your favorite drink in your local café. A major factor in safe and responsible cannabis use is the amount you consume. Cannabis products affect each and everybody differently, so the effects may vary.
To help make the decision-making process easier, the chart below outlines the possible methods of consumption and proper dosage with instructions on how to achieve a safe and enjoyable experience.
WARNING: Consuming too large of a dose has known side effects such as anxiety, paranoia, dry mouth, etc. Harmony recommends to START LOW AND GO SLOW. In other words, try a low dose, then increase very slowly until your desired effect IS achieved.
| methods | device | product | dosage | warning | effects | advantages | disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| edibles | None | Infused into butter or oil and then cooked into food or consumable products. | Start with 7 serving of 1-5mg until you know how it will affect you. Wait 1-2 hours before consuming another dose. | Do not mix with alcohol or other controlled substances. | Effects may last 6 to 8 hours. | No smoke or vapor. Long-lasting effects. Tastes delicious. | May require more experimentation to achieve proper dosage. |
| tinctures | Rapid onset if placed beneath the tongue (about 10 minutes) | Concentrated forms of cannabis in an alcohol-based or oil-based solution, sprays | Start with 1 serving of 1-5mg until you know how it will affect you. Wait 10-45 minutes before titrating with another dose. | Very concentrated. This product requires careful dosage levels. | Effects may last 6 to 8 hours. | Discrete and easily dosed. No smell. No smoke or vapor. | Cannabinoids extracted in glycerin or ethanol, giving it a strong plant - like flavor. Delayed onset when swallowed. |
| topicals | None | Salve, burn-relief spray, massage oil | Apply liberally as needed. Onset time can be 30-60 minutes. | If the topical includes THC, avoid contact with eyes. Wash hands after every use. This product is not meant for ingestion. | You should experience little to no psychoactive effects. | Localized, external delivery. Soothes the skin. | Not recommended for use with open sores or wounds. |
| Smoking | Pipe, Water pipe, Rolled joint | Flower, Concentrate | Start with 1 single inhale lasting 3 seconds and wait 10 to 20 minutes before repeating. | Burnt cannabis produces a pungent odor and is conspicuous. This may not be the best choice for consumers with respiratory issues. | Effects wear off within 2-4 hours. | The most popular way to consume cannabis. Devices for smoking are inexpensive. | Terpenes & cannabinoids are destroyed at high temperatures, jeopardizing the flavor and full spectrum effects of cannabis. |
| vaporizing | Vaporizer (handheld or desktop) | CO2 Oil / Concentrate, Flower | Start with two or three puffs and wait 10 to 20 minutes before repeating. | Vaporizer cartridges should be stored upright and not lying down. | Effects wear off within 2-4 hours. | Due to heat specific settings, most cannabinoids and terpenes remain intact. Little to no smell, very discrete. Retains flavor. | Vaporizers range in price and some may require maintenance, depending on what model you choose. While it still may not be the best choice for consumers with respiratory issues, it is gentler on the lungs than smoking. |
| EDIBLES | |
|---|---|
| DEVICE | None |
| PRODUCT | Infused into butter or oil and then cooked into food or consumable products. |
| DOSAGE | Start with 7 serving of 1-5mg until you know how it will affect you. Wait 1-2 hours before consuming another dose. |
| WARNING | Do not mix with alcohol or other controlled substances. |
| EFFECTS | Effects may last 6 to 8 hours. |
| ADVANTAGES | No smoke or vapor. Long-lasting effects. Tastes delicious. |
| DISADVANTAGES | May require more experimentation to achieve proper dosage. |
| TINCTURES | |
|---|---|
| DEVICE | Rapid onset if placed beneath the tongue (about 10 minutes) |
| PRODUCT | Concentrated forms of cannabis in an alcohol-based or oil-based solution, sprays |
| DOSAGE | Start with 1 serving of 1-5mg until you know how it will affect you. Wait 10-45 minutes before titrating with another dose. |
| WARNING | Very concentrated. This product requires careful dosage levels. |
| EFFECTS | Effects may last 6 to 8 hours. |
| ADVANTAGES | Discrete and easily dosed. No smell. No smoke or vapor. |
| DISADVANTAGES | Cannabinoids extracted in glycerin or ethanol, giving it a strong plant - like flavor. Delayed onset when swallowed. |
| TOPICALS | |
|---|---|
| DEVICE | None |
| PRODUCT | Salve, burn-relief spray, massage oil |
| DOSAGE | Apply liberally as needed. Onset time can be 30-60 minutes. |
| WARNING | If the topical includes THC, avoid contact with eyes. Wash hands after every use. This product is not meant for ingestion. |
| EFFECTS | You should experience little to no psychoactive effects. |
| ADVANTAGES | Localized, external delivery. Soothes the skin. |
| DISADVANTAGES | Not recommended for use with open sores or wounds. |
| SMOKING | |
|---|---|
| DEVICE | Pipe, Water pipe, Rolled joint |
| PRODUCT | Flower, Concentrate |
| DOSAGE | Start with 1 single inhale lasting 3 seconds and wait 10 to 20 minutes before repeating. |
| WARNING | Burnt cannabis produces a pungent odor and is conspicuous. This may not be the best choice for consumers with respiratory issues. |
| EFFECTS | Effects wear off within 2-4 hours. |
| ADVANTAGES | The most popular way to consume cannabis. Devices for smoking are inexpensive. |
| DISADVANTAGES | Terpenes & cannabinoids are destroyed at high temperatures, jeopardizing the flavor and full spectrum effects of cannabis. |
| VAPORIZING | |
|---|---|
| DEVICE | Vaporizer (handheld or desktop) |
| PRODUCT | CO2 Oil / Concentrate, Flower |
| DOSAGE | Start with two or three puffs and wait 10 to 20 minutes before repeating. |
| WARNING | Vaporizer cartridges should be stored upright and not lying down. |
| EFFECTS | Effects wear off within 2-4 hours. |
| ADVANTAGES | Due to heat specific settings, most cannabinoids and terpenes remain intact. Little to no smell, very discrete. Retains flavor. |
| DISADVANTAGES | Vaporizers range in price and some may require maintenance, depending on what model you choose. While it still may not be the best choice for consumers with respiratory issues, it is gentler on the lungs than smoking. |
First time?
Remember the 4 “s”
Sit back and chill
If you are new to consuming cannabis, make sure that you are in a relaxed and stress-free environment.
Start slow and go low
ingesting smaller amounts, you will have better control By over your experience and more affectively achieve your desired results.
Standby and wait
Do not rush into taking another dose. Wait for the effect of the first.
Common signs of abuse
Some users may experience dependence or addiction to a substance. It is important to recognize them. If you have checked two boxes or more, please consult a physician.
- Intense urges for the drugs
- Taking larger amount of drugs
- Making certain that you maintain a supply of the drugs Prioritizing getting the drugs more than your needs Not meeting obligations and work responsibilities
- Continuing using the drugs even though you know it will bring you harm
- Willing to do criminal acts just to get the drugs
- Doing risky activities under the influence of the drugs Failing in your attempts to stop using the drugs
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to stop taking the drugs
Cannabis Tolerance Breaks
Excessive use of marijuana can lead to a high tolerance. This will prompt the user to increase their dosages significantly in order to achieve the same effect they used to be able to attain with lower doses. When you become dependent and suddenly stop physical and mental symptoms may occur.
If you find that you are experiencing one or more symptoms, please contact a physician immediately.
HARMONY has no affiliation with the following programs but these may prove to be a good resource if you need help immediately. If you want to download the resource click here
