Terpenes are the natural compounds in cannabis that give each strain its unique aroma, flavor, and effects.

• Myrcene (earthy, herbal) – May promote relaxation.
• Limonene (citrusy) – May help with mood and stress.
• Pinene (piney) – May support focus and alertness.

The combination of terpenes + cannabinoids creates what’s known as the entourage effect, influencing the overall experience.

Fresh cannabis should have vibrant green colors with hints of purple or orange.

• Smell: A strong, aromatic scent means rich terpenes. Avoid hay-like or musty smells.
• Feel: It should be slightly sticky but not too dry or too wet.
• Trichomes: Look for frosty, crystal-like structures—this is where THC and terpenes are concentrated.

There are several ways to consume cannabis flower, each offering different effects:

• Vaporizing – Preserves terpenes and reduces harshness.
• Joints/Pre-rolls – Classic, portable, but burns terpenes at high temperatures.
• Bongs/Pipes – Offers smoother hits, especially with water filtration.
• Infusing into Oils/Butter – Great for making edibles (requires decarboxylation first!).

To maintain freshness and potency, store your flower:

• In a cool, dark place (light & heat degrade cannabinoids).
• In an airtight glass jar (plastic bags cause trichome loss).
• With a humidity control pack (58-62%) to prevent dryness.
• Avoid storing in the fridge/freezer—this damages trichomes!

The grind size depends on how you plan to consume your flower:

• Coarse Grind – Best for pipes & bongs (prevents clogging).
• Medium Grind – Ideal for joints & pre-rolls (even airflow).
• Fine Grind – Best for vaporizing & edibles (max surface area).

Always use a proper grinder instead of scissors for even burning.

Decarboxylation is the process of activating THC for edibles.

• Preheat oven to 220-240°F (105-115°C).
• Break up flower into small pieces and spread on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• The cannabis should turn a light brown and have a toasted smell.

Now it’s ready to infuse into oils or butter for edibles, tinctures, or drinks!

Unlike smoking or vaping, edibles take longer to kick in and can feel stronger. It’s best to start low and go slow.

• If you're new to edibles, start with 2.5-5mg THC.
• Wait at least 2 hours before taking more.
• Regular users may consume 10mg or more, but effects vary by person.

The key is patience—taking too much too soon can lead to overwhelming effects.

Edibles take longer to take effect because they are absorbed through the digestive system.

• Effects usually start within 30 minutes to 2 hours.
• Peak effects occur around 2-4 hours after consumption.
• Some people feel effects for 6-8 hours or more, depending on metabolism.

Factors like empty vs. full stomach, body weight, and tolerance can affect absorption time.

Cannabis-infused edibles come in many forms, each with unique absorption rates.

• Gummies & Chocolates – Most common, take 30-90 minutes to take effect.
• Beverages – Absorbed faster, often felt within 15-45 minutes.
• Baked Goods – Absorbed like traditional edibles, onset time 30-90 minutes.
• Sublingual Edibles (Tinctures, Lozenges) – Absorbed under the tongue, effects felt faster.

Each type of edible provides a different experience, so choose based on your preference and desired effect.

Proper storage ensures your edibles stay fresh and potent.

• Store edibles in a cool, dark place (heat & light can degrade potency).
• Use airtight containers to keep out moisture and air.
• For long-term storage, keep chocolates and baked goods in the fridge or freezer.
• Keep edibles away from children & pets—use childproof containers.

Edibles provide a different experience than smoking or vaping because of how THC is processed.

• Smoking & Vaping: THC enters the bloodstream immediately, effects felt within minutes.
• Edibles: THC is processed by the liver and converted to 11-hydroxy-THC, which can feel stronger and last longer.
• Edibles take longer to kick in but can last 6-8 hours or more.

If you're new to edibles, be mindful of the delayed onset to avoid overconsumption.

Making your own cannabis edibles is simple but requires decarboxylation to activate THC.

• Step 1: Decarboxylate – Bake ground cannabis at 220-240°F (105-115°C) for 30-45 minutes.
• Step 2: Infuse into Oil or Butter – Simmer cannabis with coconut oil or butter on **low heat (160-200°F)** for 2-3 hours.
• Step 3: Strain – Remove plant material using cheesecloth.
• Step 4: Use in Recipes – Replace regular butter/oil in your favorite dishes.

Be mindful of dosing—homemade edibles can be potent, so start small and test before consuming more!

Cannabis concentrates are highly potent extracts made by removing excess plant material while preserving cannabinoids and terpenes.

• Concentrates can contain 60-90% THC, compared to flower (15-30% THC).
• Common extraction methods include solvent-based (butane, CO₂) and solventless (heat, pressure).
• Types of concentrates include wax, shatter, live resin, rosin, and distillate.

There are many types of cannabis concentrates, each offering different textures, potency, and uses:

• Wax – Soft, sticky, and easy to handle. Commonly dabbed.
• Shatter – Brittle, glass-like, and breaks easily. High potency.
• Live Resin – Extracted from fresh, frozen cannabis, keeping terpenes intact.
• Rosin – Solventless concentrate made using heat and pressure.
• Distillate – Highly purified THC oil, used in vape cartridges and edibles.

Concentrates are consumed in several ways, depending on the product:

• Dabbing – Using a dab rig and a torch to vaporize the concentrate.
• Vaporizers – Some vapes are designed for wax, shatter, or distillate.
• Infusing Flower – Adding a small amount of concentrate to flower for extra potency.
• Edibles – Distillate and RSO can be added directly to food or drinks.

Proper storage helps maintain freshness, texture, and potency:

• Keep in a cool, dark place to prevent degradation.
• Use silicone or glass containers for sticky concentrates.
• For long-term storage, refrigerate or freeze, but allow to warm before use.
• Prevent air exposure by sealing tightly to avoid drying out.

Live Resin and Distillate are two popular cannabis extracts with very different effects:

• Live Resin: Contains full-spectrum cannabinoids & terpenes for a flavorful experience.
• Distillate: Pure THC or CBD extract with minimal terpenes, ideal for edibles and vape carts.
• Live resin is better for flavor and entourage effect, while distillate is technically stronger but lacks full-plant effects.

Concentrates are significantly more potent than flower:

• Most cannabis flower contains 15-30% THC.
• Concentrates range from 60-90% THC, meaning a much stronger effect.
• Because of the high potency, smaller doses are recommended for beginners.

Start low and go slow when using concentrates:

• Beginners should use a small dab (rice grain-sized)**.
• Wait 10-15 minutes before taking another hit.
• Over consumption can lead to intense effects, so always start with less.

Tip: If you consume too much, stay calm, hydrate, and wait it out.