Exploring The Diverse World Of Cannabis Product Categories
Cannabis is a versatile and multifaceted plant, and as it gains
acceptance in more states, the variety of cannabis products categories
continues to proliferate. The expanded marketplace now offers a wide range of
product categories to cater to different preferences and needs – each offering
a unique experience and consumption method.
How does a new – or even veteran – consumer
pick the right product for the best personal experience? The choice of flower,
prerolls, vaping pens/cartridges, edibles, concentrates, tinctures and other
pure medicinal products can overwhelm new users and make choosing difficult for
seasoned advocates. Let’s break down the differences.
FIRST – WHAT’S IN A NAME?
“Cannabis” is the preferential term when
discussing cannabis and its derivatives, as it directly refers to the botanical
name of the plant. “Marijuana” is actually associated with prejudicial
connotations – dating back tit eh 1920s as an anti-Mexican term for migrants
immigrating into the United States.
Most other common names stem from street
language, counterculture and back-to-nature movements: reefer, pot, grass,
weed, herb, dope, ganja, jive, trees and many more.
CANNABIS “TYPES”
Historically, the two cannabis types – indica and
sativa – only dictated the actual structure of the cannabis
plant, though, in modern times, they came to be used to determine the likely
effects a consumer feels:
- Indica – a shorter dense plant –
tends to provide a relaxing sedative effect best used for pain relief,
relaxation and as a sleep aid in the nighttime.
- Sativa – a taller rangy plant –
tends to provide an uplifting effect that stimulates creativity – most
often used in the daytime.
- Hybrid – a mix of the two that can create
either an uplifting or relaxing effect based on their parent strains and
terpene profile. These strains can be suitable for daytime or nighttime
use. Most common strains found in dispensaries tend to be hybrids (even though
labeled as Sativa or Indica).
Many cannabis products follow this general
rule-of-thumb, but as growers constantly synthesize and produce new strains,
effects have become varied across strain types: indicas may become more
energizing while sativas become more mellowing.
PRODUCT TYPES
1.
Flower:
The most classic and natural form of
cannabis, flower refers to the dried and cured buds of the cannabis plant.
These aromatic, resin-coated nuggets can be consumed in various ways, such as
smoking, vaping, or even used for making homemade edibles.
With countless strains to choose from, each
with its own flavor profile and effects, cannabis flower offers a diverse and
customizable experience for consumers. You can get the more premium varieties
with large buds at a higher price point and experience a more potent effect, or
you can also get the smaller buds or “shake” for a lower price and a (generally
but not always) weaker potency.
Other benefits:
- Flower is
one of the most affordable types of cannabis products, making it ideal for
users who are on a budget.
- It’s
available in various strains, making it more likely for you to find one
suited to your needs.
- High
bioavailability – delivers a higher level of cannabinoids to your body, as
well as feeling quicker effects.
2.
Prerolls:
Prerolls, as the name suggests, are
pre-rolled cannabis joints, eliminating the need for consumers to roll their
own. They are convenient, portable, and often come in a variety of strains and
sizes. Prerolls provide
a hassle-free way to enjoy cannabis flower, making them a popular choice for
both beginners and experienced users.
3. Vape
Pens:
Vape pens and
cartridges have revolutionized the way people consume
cannabis. These portable devices use cartridges filled with distillate cannabis
oil or live resin, offering discreet and convenient consumption. Vape pens come
in a range of flavors and potencies, allowing users to control their dosage and
experience.
Vape pens can
be used with a separate 510 threaded battery (or proprietary battery like PAX
or Stiiizy) or as disposables. Strains and flavors have quadrupled in the last
few years, and many manufacturers offer specific cannabinoid rations (THC; CBD;
THC/CBD; sleep varieties; etc.)
4.
Edibles:
For those who prefer not to inhale their
cannabis, edibles are
an ingestible delectable option. These are cannabis-infused treats, ranging
from gummies, fruit chews and chocolates to beverages and even savory snacks.
Edibles provide
a longer-lasting, full-body experience, as they must be digested before the
effects are felt, making them a great choice for those seeking a more gradual
and sustained high.
However, since they first have to go through
your digestive system, it might take one to two hours to feel the onset, but
the effects will be more potent and last much longer (up to six hours or more).
Dosing has become more straightforward with predetermined dosages, so it’s best
to “microdose” (start with ¼-1/2 of the recommended dose for newbies).
5.
Concentrates:
Cannabis concentrates
are potent extracts that come in various forms, including shatter, wax, and
oil. These products contain high levels of THC (or CBD) and are consumed by
dabbing, vaping, or even adding them to a joint or a bowl. Concentrates offer a
quick and intense high, making them a preferred choice for experienced users
(generally not for
beginners).
Manufacturers make concentrates by removing
excess plant material from the product but preserve all the terpenes and cannabinoids.
Some techniques they use to make these types
of weed products include dry processing, pressure/heat processing, and solvent
extraction. What makes these cannabis products so potent is their higher
proportion of cannabinoids and terpenes.
There are various ways to use cannabis
concentrates. Dabbing is a popular method. You can also use vaporizers or dab
rigs to smoke the product.
Other benefits:
- Concentrates
offer immediate effects
- They
are more potent requiring use of less product to feel the effects
6.
Medicinal Products:
Cannabis has historically been utilized for
its medicinal properties, and several product categories cater specifically to
patients seeking relief from various conditions. These products include
tinctures, topicals, capsules, and transdermal patches. They are carefully
dosed to provide consistent and reliable therapeutic effects, making them a
valuable option for those looking to manage symptoms or improve their quality
of life.
While liquid tinctures and topicals are the
most common medicinal products, some are made to be ingested in capsule and
tablet form which are very easy to use and dose.
6a. Tinctures
A cannabis tincture is a concentrated liquid
extract of cannabis. It’s typically made by steeping cannabis flower, or
sometimes other parts of the plant.
Tinctures are used for their ease of dosing
and discreet nature, and they can be purchased with different cannabinoids
rations for specific effects (THC; CBD; THC/CBD; CBN; etc.).
Tinctures are
usually taken orally by placing a few drops under the tongue and swallow it
after 30-60 seconds (sublingually) allowing for rapid absorption through the
mucous membranes in the mouth. They offer precise dosing because you can
control the number of drops you consume via a pre-measured dropper.
Effects often kick in faster compared to
edibles but slower than smoking or vaping, usually within 15-45 minutes. The
effects can last several hours, making tinctures a good choice for sustained
relief.
Tinctures can also be added to food or
beverages if you prefer to consume them this way.
6b. Topicals
Topicals are
infused with cannabis extracts, such as CBD (cannabidiol) or THC
(tetrahydrocannabinol), that is designed to be applied externally to the skin
for quick local pain relief. These products can come in various forms including
creams, balms, lotions, oils, and even transdermal patches.
They are not meant for consumption or to get
the user “high” but are instead used for localized relief of pain,
inflammation, and skin-related issues. Cannabis topicals are often used for
conditions like arthritis, muscle soreness, or skin conditions, and they
provide the potential benefits of cannabinoids without the psychoactive effects
associated with smoking or ingesting cannabis – though transdermal varieties
enter the bloodstream and may be felt by THC-sensitive individuals.
CANNABIS PRODUCT CATEGORIES SUMMARY
The world of cannabis is a diverse and ever
evolving one, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re a recreational
user looking for a flavorful experience, a patient seeking relief, or simply
curious about what cannabis has to offer, these various product categories
allow you to explore and enjoy the plant in ways that suit your preferences and
needs.
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to cannabis products, so testing various products is the general protocol in finding what suits an individual’s particular needs.