Cannabis has become increasingly legal in America over the last few years. Colorado led the way back in 2012 by legalizing recreational and medicinal cannabis, and it didn’t take long for other states to follow suit. Oregon, our home sweet home, joined in on the fun in 2014. Although cannabis still isn’t legal on a federal level, recreational and medicinal marijuana is legal in 18 states – 37 states legalized medicinal marijuana.

But just because weed is legal doesn’t make it any less intimidating to try if you’re new to it. This is why our cannabis dispensary, Greeley Gallery, thought we’d help introduce you to consuming cannabis, whether through smoking or edibles. We’ll discuss both options and include recommendations of quality products we trust.

What’s the Difference?

First, let’s take a quick look at the primary differences between smoking cannabis or consuming edibles.

Cannabis Flower

The flower of a cannabis plant isn’t exactly the kind you’d want to put in a bouquet. Instead, cannabis produces green and sometimes purple buds which are then picked and dried for use. In some ways, smoking cannabis is the best option when it comes to introducing yourself to marijuana.

While you can use cannabis flowers to make edibles, it’s more common to smoke it using one of three standard methods – joints, pipes, or bongs. All three options involve using a flame to burn the flower and inhaling the smoke.

Unlike cigarettes, when inhaling cannabis smoke, the goal is to inhale and hold it in for a few seconds before releasing it. If you’re just starting, we’d recommend only inhaling once or twice instead of attempting to smoke an entire joint or bowl. Effects are quick, but not immediate. Usually, it takes between 15 and 20 minutes before you’ll feel anything. Remember, to start small and build from there. You can always do more. The high you experience lasts roughly an hour or two, though sometimes it can last as long as three hours.

Edibles

While consuming cannabis flower via smoking is an excellent place to begin in terms of dosage and a shorter high, edibles are tempting for anyone who prefers not to inhale smoke.

Edibles offer an alternative consumption method, and it helps that they’re delicious.

Edibles are foods and drinks—often in the form of chocolates and gummies – that are infused with cannabis. As we mentioned before, you can use the flower to create edibles, but concentrates are easier and used in most products.

If you’re new to cannabis and want to try out an edible, there are a couple of things to be aware of. The first is the delayed onset. While the effects of smoking cannabis are perceived within minutes, it can take two hours or longer before you’ll feel the effects of an edible. So, it’s essential not to take more if you don’t feel any effects right away.

The second difference is figuring out the proper dosage. Edibles are stronger than cannabis flower. Pay close attention to dosage instructions and remember a little goes a long way. Some edibles, such as Drops (which we mention below), are very small but consist of 10 doses.

The great thing about edibles is how versatile they are. At Greeley Gallery, we have plenty of options to choose from. No matter your tastes, there’s an edible for you.

Recommended Products

Greeley Gallery chooses only the highest quality for all our products. When it comes to choosing flowers, we have a variety of Hybrids, Indicas, and Sativas to choose from.

Favorite Flower

All the cannabis flower we sell is local to Oregon, and we have relationships with all of our suppliers, so there are no mysteries when it comes to how it’s made or where it comes from. But we must say that our hybrid called Brandy Wine is our current Fall favorite. As an Indica-leaning hybrid that offers a mellow mood, it’s a perfect addition to the brisk and rainy weather.

Favorite Edible

Although we already ruined the surprise, our current favorite edible is Drops. Not only does it come in an adorable tin, but it tastes utterly delicious. Though remember, don’t let it’s small size fool you. One gummy has 50 mg of cannabis and is ten servings, so please, whatever you do, don’t eat it all in one sitting.

Final Thoughts

We know trying anything new can be intimidating, especially when it comes to something like marijuana. Your happiness and health matter to us here at Greeley Gallery, and we hope you know we encourage your questions. Our staff is always happy to assist and help you find the best product for you. Cannabis is a plant of wonders with much to offer, and we want you to have the best experience possible.