The consumption of cannabis

Cannabis is one of the most impressive and versatile plants that nature has to offer. It can be used for medicinal purposes and recreational reasons.

Cannabis is also one of the most controversial plants. A worldwide ban in combination with a flood of wrong and / or incomplete information has put this plant in the wrong place for many.

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Medical vs recreational marijuana

Both medicinal and recreational cannabis have dominated the news with great regularity in recent years. But is there actually a difference between medical and recreational marijuana? Are different plants or buds used for medical and recreational marijuana?

No, in principle there is no difference between medical and recreational marijuana, except for the intention of the user. Medical marijuana can be used for recreational purposes and recreational marijuana can be used medicinally. For example, a particular strain can be used by someone for a relaxed evening on the couch, while another uses the same strain to fall asleep.

For people who use cannabis for medicinal purposes, it is advisable though  to work with strains of which the cannabinoid percentages, such as CBD and THC, are known. Or have the strain tested for its cannabinoids content if you have the possibility..

Legal issues

In the last few years a lot has changed when it comes to cannabis and legalization around the world. Cannabis is on the road for its 'Worldwide Legalize Tour' and it looks like this tour will not end anytime soon.

In many countries, from a legal point of view, medical marijuana and recreational marijuana are seen as two different things. Medical marijuana has been legalized in a few dozen countries, although it often involves strict regulation. Uruguay, Canada and a growing number of states in the US have fully legalized marijuana, so including recreational use.

Despite all the positive messages about legalization, we are certainly not close to the finish line. All inhabitants combined from the states and countries that fully legalized marijuana comes just above 100 million people.

With a world population of 7.5 billion, this means there are still 7.4 billion people who have to look over their shoulder to a greater or lesser extent when they walk across the street with some weed in their pocket.

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Different forms of cannabis

Dried flowers

The dried flowers (buds) of cannabis is what most people think of when cannabis pops to mind. The look and smell of a beautiful bud that has been carefully cultivated and which had plenty of time to dry and cure, is something that many cannabis enthusiasts will wake up for at night.

Concentrates

All other forms of consumable cannabis are a concentrate (extract). Traditionally hash, or hashish, is the best known concentrate of cannabis. Nowadays, other types of concentrates quickly gain popularity. These concentrates can be produced in various ways and are available under different names, such as:

• cannabis oil
• BHO
• wax
• dab
• shatter
• rosin
• and others

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Methods of consumption

Smoking

Smoking is still by far the most popular way to consume cannabis. The joint, blunt, pipe and bong are inseparable from the assortment of the cannabis smoker. Don't forget your lighter like we did in the image above.

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Vaping

With vaping a lower temperature is used compared to smoking. Because of this lower temperature, the active substances of cannabis will evaporate instead of being burned. Vaping is a healthier alternative to smoking and also a lot more efficient. There are many different vaporizers on the market and are becoming more and more popular every day.

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Dabbing

In the case of dabbing, a bong with a special attachment is used; a nail. This nail is heated with a torch lighter, after which a small amount of concentrate, a 'dab', is placed on the nail. The released smoke is inhaled. Marijuana dabbing is often very strong on the mind and for some even too strong. So beginners, take it easy.

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Edibles

Weed brownies have been around since the rise of modern cuisine. If you know how to make cannabis butter, you are already well on your way to becoming a good 420 chef. Consuming edibles can take a long time before the first effects are noticeable. 30-60 minutes is quite normal, but sometimes even 120 minutes is reported. Not everyone takes this into account, so be careful if you plan to take another portion.

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Sublingual