The Moderate Consumer’s Guide to Cannabis

You’re not a cannabis novice but you’ve never done a dab. Maybe you’re a social smoker and use salves to relieve muscle aches after a workout. Perhaps you enjoy cannabis tea and hit your vape pen to unwind after work — or nibble on a low-dose edible to help you sleep. You most likely fall into the category of moderate consumer.

Moderate cannabis consumers make up 31 percent of overall cannabis customers in the U.S., according to a recent report by New Frontier Data that surveyed more than 3,000 consumers. These individuals may be parents, often in their 40s, who take cannabis to decompress, and are generally discreet about their usage. Other moderate consumers lean toward the medicinal side, using this plant-based medicine for health reasons, and prefer ingestion to inhalation.

The Evolving Cannabis Consumer

As cannabis becomes normalized, the stereotypical “stoner” is becoming a persona of the past. Hollywood — creator of the cliché — is finally helping change the perception. Since Reefer Madness aired in the 1930s, depicting cannabis consumers as violent and evil, the image of today’s consumer is beginning to mimic reality: a well-educated, high-functioning individual looking for symptom relief and relaxation.

The lazy stoners of the Cheech and Chong era have evolved into diverse, everyday people portrayed in shows like HBO’s High Maintenance, which showcases consumers from all walks of life who opt for cannabis delivery in New York City.  

Why Take a Combination of THC and CBD?

If you’re a habitual consumer, you know the difference between the cannabinoids THC and CBD. THC is the psychoactive compound that helps with pain management and insomnia, while CBD is the non-intoxicating compound that helps manage seizures, muscle spasms, anxiety and digestive issues.

But did you know that these cannabinoids work better together than they do individually? It’s a phenomenon called the Entourage Effect, where the different compounds in cannabis work synergistically to promote whole-body healing.

For example, both THC and CBD have similar physiological benefits, such as analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. But, they’re activated through your body’s different mechanisms, which allows one compound to increase the effectiveness of the other.    

The Cannabinoid Content Tells You What to Expect

Everyone’s body is different, so one person’s cannabis experience may not be the same as someone else’s. Therefore, it’s important to learn your personal threshold for CBD and THC. If you’re sensitive to THC or want low psychoactivity, look for products that have a high CBD-to-THC ratio, such as:

• Chemistry’s Moods Green 18:1 Tincture
• Wyld’s 20:1 CBD Fruit Gummies
• Lagunita’s Hi-Fi Hops 18:1 CBD Sparkling Drink
• Care by Design’s 40:1 CBD Capsules

If you’re searching for pain relief, look for a higher THC content, but also pay attention to other cannabinoids like THCA, CBN, CBG and CBC. Remember the Entourage Effect? These other compounds affect the way THC interacts with your brain.

For instance, research has shown that CBG significantly reduces intraocular eye pressure caused by glaucoma and can help treat inflammatory conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. THCA, found in raw cannabis, has neuroprotective properties that can help treat neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s disease.

If You’re Looking for High Potency, Look Beyond THC Concentration

Many consumers assume that the higher the percentage of THC, the stronger the cannabis will be. But that’s not necessarily the case. Researchers at the University of Colorado at Boulder documented the experiences of 120+ cannabis participants. Half of the group consumed high-THC extracts (from 70% to 90% THC), while the rest smoked flower between 16% and 24% THC. After monitoring participants’ blood, mood, cognitive function and intoxication levels immediately after consumption and one hour later, the researchers found little difference in “highness.”

Another compound in cannabis that plays a crucial role in how you’ll feel is terpenes. These molecules provide the unique flavor and aroma in cannabis, along with other plants like trees, herbs, spices, fruits and vegetables. Each strain has a distinct terpene profile that offers unique healing properties. The most prevalent cannabis terpene, myrcene, emits a spicy, earthy aroma that gives a particular strain a mildly sweet flavor profile. Myrcene is known for promoting deep relaxation, anxiety relief, and the sedating “couch-lock” effect. So, if you’re looking to take your mind off a stressful day, grab some OG Kush or Gorilla Glue #4 (GG4) and prepare for a night of hard chillin.

An Educated Consumer is an Empowered Consumer

To make the most out of your cannabis experience, start by evaluating your personal goals, desires and expectations. Because the effects are highly individualized, ask yourself whether you want to spark creativity, unwind, exploring the outdoors, fall asleep, etc.

Once you determine your outcome, you can choose your desired level of psychoactivity.  If you’re unsure, try a balanced product with equal parts CBD-to-THC, and start with a small dose. A few ideas:

• Chemistry’s Moods Pink 1:1 CBD Tincture
• Heavy Hitter’s AC/DC CBD Cold Filtered Vape Cartridge
• Kiva’s Petra Saigon Cinnamon 1:1 CBD Mints

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to choosing the right product. At Juva, we offer complimentary consultations to help you find a product to fit your individual needs. Knowing more feels better, so schedule your 1:1 consultation today!