Know the Different Forms of Marijuana

Marijuana has lots of other names, like cannabis, herb, pot and weed. Once considered as an illegal substance, its numerous health benefits are slowly being realized, leading to many states pushing for its legalization. Marijuana comes in different forms; your choice will depend on your needs and preferences. Here is a list of its many forms to help you better understand how this wonder plant works.

Flower

The flower is the most recognizable marijuana form. It refers to the part of the cannabis plant that blooms into buds. It is usually vaporized or smoked in many ways using joints, bongs, pipes and other vaporizing machines. This dried herb is the most popular way of consuming marijuana. This can sometimes include the stems and their trimmed leaves. The marijuana plant is a flowering plant that has different subtypes:

• Cannabis sativa – Among the three species, this is the most commonly known. Its plants are the largest in height, reaching up to 15 feet. It produces a more energizing high than its counterparts.
• Cannabis indica – This subspecies grows at only 6 feet tall, and appears chunkier than the Sativa plant. It promotes a relaxing and calming sensation.
• Cannabis ruderalis – Growing up to 24 inches tall with denser foliage, these subspecies usually do not have any psychoactive effect. Its genes are used for different purposes during the production process.

Hashish

Cannabis plants secrete a sticky resin the how trees secrete sap. This resin is collected, dried and compressed into various forms like blocks or cakes. This pressed resin is otherwise known as hashish or hash and has high amounts of THC. It contains almost no plant material like cellulose, unlike the standard cannabis flower or leaves. Similar to regular cannabis flowers, hashish can be smoked in many ways.

Concentrates

Since cannabis was legalized, we have a huge interest in marijuana concentrates. These are products made from the marijuana plant that were extracted through various technological processes, leaving behind impurities and unwanted plant material. Cannabis concentrates are usually smoked in dab rings. There are different types of THC concentrates; the most common is shatter and wax.

• Shatter – With one of the highest potencies available, this concentrate is very popular among users. It looks like colored glass candy with a texture ranging from brittle to toffee-like.
• Wax – Otherwise known as frosting or butter, wax has a softer consistency compared to shatter with a texture ranging from melted candle wax to smooth butter to soft icing.

Edibles

Edibles have long been around even before cannabis was legalized, and is one form of marijuana that does not have to be smoked. These are food that contains any form of THC combined or cooked with it. THC can be infused in many food items like gummy, hard candies or chocolates. Unlike dabbing concentrates or smoking cannabis, the effects of consuming take effect longer than the other forms.

Topicals

These are a category of medical cannabis that are not meant to be consumed. Although these products still contain THC, they are usually used to treat skin conditions or help manage localized pain. Topicals can come in the form of sprays, lotions, balms and creams. They are found to be very effective in treating conditions like arthritis, and muscle spasms and aches.

These are just some of the most common forms of marijuana. Consequently, there are also several methods of consuming them. The best form and consumption method will depend on your unique needs and preferences. If you have any more questions about cannabis and how it can help you, contact a reputable weed dispensary in your area. A well-trained professional should give you all the information you need.