CONSUMER HANDBOOK COMPLETE GUIDE TO CANNABIS

Transcription

1 CONSUMER HANDBOOK COMPLETE GUIDE TO CANNABIS 1

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS ABOUT US INTRODUCTION NEW TO CANNABIS? CANNABIS CONSUMPTION TIPS GETTING THE DOSAGE RIGHT WHAT S ON MY LABEL WHAT IS CBD? DO S AND DONT S CANNABIS WARNINGS HEALTH LOG 2 3

3 ABOUT US INTRODUCTION Our core values are quality, commitment, innovation, integrity and community engagement. All of which stem from our leadership team s own experience of empowering family members to take charge of their health by using medical marijuana. Whether you re a first-time buyer or you could lead a class on rolling a joint, we re always on the hunt for ways to help you find a new experience. Our friendly budtenders are highly educated and happy to help. We re dedicated to improving your buying experience and to being the Northeast s best cannabis dispensary. Stop in today to speak with our team, explore the menu, and to take in the full NEA experience. We look forward to seeing you soon! We re Northeast Alternatives, and We re Here to Help Northeast Alternatives (NEA) is a medical marijuana dispensary, and 21+ recreational cannabis store located in Fall River, MA. We truly believe in the lifechanging benefits of cannabis and are committed to producing high-quality, safe, 100% compliant products that meet and exceed the expectations of our patients and customers each and every time. We offer a wide variety of products including flower, edibles, concentrates, and topicals and are happy to help you find the product that best meets your needs. We re located at 999 William S. Canning Blvd. Fall River, MA Feel free to give us a call at or drop us a note at support@nealternatives.com. You can also find us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Visit our website nealternatives.com to browse our menu, place an order, or to learn more about cannabis. Got questions? Give us a shout. We can t wait to help you elevate your cannabis experience. CHRIS HARKINS Co-founder & CEO 4 5

4 Getting started with cannabis? Here are a few things to keep in mind. 6 7

5 New to Cannabis? Start Here! Perfect for newbies, or a guide for people who want to try something new, here are some cannabis basics. Cannabis strains come in three main varieties - Sativa, Indica, or a Hybrid of the two. Strains have varying percentages of THC, which correlates to how strong the high will be as well as how fast it will hit. You may have heard that Sativas and Indicas have different effects, but the truth is that it s much more down to the cannabinoids and terpenoids in a particular strain, and your own body chemistry that dictates the effects. So, finding what you re looking for may require some trial and error and guidance from our amazing team of budtenders. 8 9

6 Cannabis Consumption Tips There are so many ways to use and enjoy cannabis. Pretty much everyone is familiar with the tried and true method of smoking, but there s so much more to explore. You can try edibles, you can use topicals, you can vape, you can go with a tincture, or you can even dab. No matter what method you choose, start slowly to see how it affects you. First-time users may not feel very high, which is normal. Don t get frustrated. Go slow and try again later or on another day. Read on to learn more about your options. Smoking Smoking is one of the most common ways to ingest cannabis. It s popular because the effects are felt almost immediately and grabbing a pre-roll or a pipe is a relatively easy way to try it out. Keep in mind that smoking is not particularly discreet as it comes with a strong cannabis aroma and that smoking can be difficult for individuals with lung issues. If smoking s where you want to start, ask one of our budtenders for a strain recommendation and start slowly by inhaling once and waiting to see how that makes you feel. Vaping Vaping is a discrete and easy way to consume marijuana that has minimal setup. Consumers enjoy it because it s convenient, the effects kick in immediately, and there s less telltale odor. If you d like to start with vaping, ask one our team for their strain recommendations and start with one inhalation to see how it makes you feel. Edibles Edibles infused with marijuana are slow acting products, which means that it can take up to two hours to feel its effects. Edibles can take the form of liquids, baked goods, candies, or tinctures. Start slowly with a single 5mg serving of edible to see how it affects you. You can always take another serving at a later time if you don t feel the effects. However, consider things like when you ve last eaten, etc. before upping your dosage. Topicals Topicals are non-psychoactive balms, salves, and oils that users apply directly to the body instead of consuming. They can act as a muscle relaxant and as an antiseptic ointment, so they re great for aches and pains and massages. Tinctures A tincture is a liquid concentrate. Usually carried in coconut oil or glycerin, tinctures are available in a variety of flavors and dosages and are a great alternative for those not interested in consuming edibles, smoking, or vaping. When it comes to cannabis consumption, there s something for everyone. Just remember, if you re new to marijuana take it slow, and when in doubt, ask an expert. Our friendly budtenders are always excited to answer any of your burning questions. Dabbing A dab usually refers to a dose of concentrate that is heated on a hot surface and then inhaled through a glass rig or electronic dab pen. Dabs are not recommended for a new user. They are much more intense than smoking or vaping and require more set up. However, if you ve been using cannabis for a while and want to try something new, here are a few tips. Make sure there is water on hand, and somewhere you can lay down if you get the spins. Dabs hit hard, so you should start with one and see how you feel. Just like with flower, we recommend starting with the lower percentage concentrates and working your way up

7 Getting the Dosage Right Remember, it s all about starting small and working your way up from there. YOUR GUIDE TO GETTING STARTED WITH DOSING Smoking Vaping Edibles Topicals One Puff One Puff 5mg- remember, edibles Apply small amount to When beginning your journey with cannabis, it s important that you don t dive to guide you toward the best consumption vector for you and can recommend the proper dosage. kick in slowly, so don t up your dosage too quickly! affected area, 1-2 Pumps in too quickly. A great place to start is to speak to one of our trained budtenders about your particular needs. They ll be able There s no need to rush into partaking in large amounts of cannabis. Tinctures 5mg or less Capsules 10mg Dabbing Not recommended for new users

8 What s on My Label? Making sense of common cannabis terms. There s more to cannabis than the high. You may have heard of THC, but did you know that it is only one among many cannabinoids at work in cannabis products? Here are some of the common cannabinoids at work in this amazing plant. Common Cannabinoids Tetrahydrocannabinol acid (THCA) Cannabidiol - The most prevalent cannabinoid (CBD) - May produced in cannabis plants. It has be effective in numerous helpful benefits, however, relieving anxiety, most heating methods commonly inflammation, and used for ingesting cannabis destroy nausea, but is not the THCA (and most other acid forms particularly psychoactive. of the cannabinoids). Studies have shown that higher CBDto-THC ratios result in less Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) - The intense undesirable psychoactive primary psychoactive component effects. Currently, there are more that shows promise in easing pain than 25 CBD-rich strains that have and may be neuroprotective. It been identified. forms when THCA is heated through combustion or vaporization, or by Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) - The heating raw flowers for infusion into acidic precursor to CBD, CBDA alternative dosage products. is non-psychoactive and may be useful as an analgesic and antiinflammatory, anticonvulsant, and anti-emetic agent. CBDA may also have antibacterial, antioxidant, and cancer-fighting properties. Common Terpenes Terpenes are compounds that are also part of the cannabis plant. They are abundant in nature and can be found in multiple plants, including cannabis. Researchers believe that terpenes play an important role in the so-called Entourage Effect. This term describes how terpenes and cannabinoids work together to bring about desired effects, so using a THC or CBD dominant strain or product may not actually get you the results you re looking for. It may be better to go with a whole flower or full spectrum product. Bisabolol Linalool Bisabolol has a very Linalool has a floral scent with spicy light, sweet tones. It has analgesic, antidepressant, floral aroma. anti-epileptic, anti-inflammatory, antipsychotic, It is known to anxiolytic, and sedative effects. have antimicrobial Strains include Master Kush, Sour Diesel, and anti-inflammatory and Locomotion. effects on the body. Strains high in this Myrcene terpene include Harle- Myrcene is the most prevalent terpene Tsu, ACDC, OG Shark, and Rockstar. found in many varieties of cannabis. Strains that are high in myrcene will result Caryophyllene in a lazy feeling, while the strains with low Caryophyllene is a spicy terpene. It levels will produce a more energetic high. has antibacterial, antidepressant, antiinflammatory, Strains include Pure Kush, White Widow, anxiolytic, analgesic, Himalayan Gold, and Jack Herer. antiproliferative, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. Strains include Pinene Bubba Kush, Chem Dawg, Sour Diesel, Pinene is a naturally occurring terpenoid and OG Kush. and the most common in nature. It is accountable for the pine taste in Ocimene many popular strains. Just like many Ocimene is recognized by its sweet, other terpenes, it also has analgesic, fragrant, herbaceous, and woody aromas. antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, It is often used in perfumes for its antiproliferative, and antioxidant pleasant odor. Strains include Golden properties. Strains include AK-47, Bubba Goat, Chernobyl, and Space Queen. Kush, Trainwreck, and Purple Kush

9 What is CBD? Don t want the euphoria, but still looking for something that will help ease aches and pains? High CBD strains are just the thing for you. Cannabidiol or CBD, is a cannabinoid that is less psychoactive than it s more excited cousin, THC. Strains that are high in CBD don t give you that high, but are said to help with anxiety and stress, contain anti-inflammatory properties, protects and heal the skin, defends against bone disease and broken bones, helps maintain brain health, reduces the risk of cancer, and helps create better cholesterol profiles. NEA has several strains with rare genetics that allow patients to have less of a psychoactive experience. Please ask about our Wife 20:1 (CBD Dominant), Cherry Wine 1:19, and our Sour Tsunami 1:1 strains. Good health and good sense are two of life s greatest blessings. Publilius Syrus (85-43 BC) 16 17

10 Don t Mix Cannabis with Alcohol This one should go without saying, but don t mix alcohol and cannabis. The results can be quite unfortunate. When trying cannabis, use your head. As when starting anything new, it s best to go slowly and to make sure that you implement a few commonsense do s and don ts. Don t Drive or Use Heavy Machinery Don t get behind the wheel or operate heavy machinery under the influence of cannabis. Driving while under the influence is prohibited by law and must be avoided at all costs. Don t Consume Cannabis on an Empty Stomach It s never a good idea to try cannabis without eating a full meal. Eating helps to lower the intensity of its effects and makes the experience more enjoyable. Don t Consume Too Much Remember to start with a small amount and to add more slowly. Anxiety, paranoia, and other intense feelings may pop up if you use too much cannabis. If you feel as though you ve done too much, stay calm and in a safe, comfortable place. These effects will pass with time. Do Consult Your Doctor if Pregnant There may be additional health risks associated with the consumption of cannabis for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning on becoming pregnant. Please consult your doctor. Do Keep Cannabis Away from Children Make sure to store your products away from children in its original child-proof packaging and to clearly mark it as cannabis. Do not store cannabis with other food where it may be accidentally ingested

11 Cannabis Tolerance, Dependence & Withdrawal Research has yet to prove that physical dependence on cannabis is possible, however, psychological dependence is possible as it is with any overused substance. Cannabis Withdrawal If you re concerned about cannabis withdrawal, be on the lookout for the following common symptoms: irritability, anger/aggression, anxiety, sleep difficulty, decreased appetite, and restlessness. Less common symptoms may include depressed mood and physical discomfort. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse of any kind, please explore the resources available here: Be aware that as you use cannabis your tolerance may increase, which means that you may feel as though you need to take higher and higher doses in order to feel the desired effects. However, instead of continuing to up your dosage, a better option may be to take a break from cannabis. Even lowering the amount of use or abstaining from use for a short period of time (generally one to two weeks) helps to reset the brain. Read more about tolerance breaks here: news/science-tech/thc-tolerance-heres-why-t-breaks-work-so-quickly. Cannabis Use Disorder You may be experiencing cannabis use disorder or cannabis dependence if you feel a strong desire to take cannabis, have difficulties in controlling its use, are persistent in use despite harmful consequences, or are giving a higher priority to cannabis use than to other activities and obligations. If you believe you may be experiencing cannabis use disorder, consult your doctor right away. Important Warnings Please remember that NEA cannabis has not been analyzed or approved by the FDA. In addition, there is limited information on the side effects and that there are health risks associated with using cannabis. Consumers may not sell marijuana purchased at an NEA dispensary to any other individual. For more information regarding penalties for possession or distribution of cannabis in violation of Massachusetts law, please visit: GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter94C 20 21

12 HEALTH LOG Make sure to track your cannabis usage to get the most out of your dose. Ask a budtender if you d like more copies! 22 23

13 PATIENT HANDBOOK COMPLETE GUIDE TO CANNABIS NEA FALL RIVER 999 William S. Canning Blvd. Fall River, MA DAILY HOURS OF OPERATION 10:00am - 9:00pm MON-SAT 12:00pm - 9:00pm SUN 24