At Ethos, we believe that understanding is the initial step towards empowering oneself and others. With a topic as diverse and intricate as cannabis concentrates, knowledge becomes the compass pointing towards a rewarding journey of exploration. This blog post is designed as your navigational guide in the realm of cannabis concentrates—how to dose them accurately and use them correctly to enrich your cannabis experience.
An Introduction to Concentrates
Cannabis concentrates are like the essence of cannabis. Through various extraction methods, the plant’s cannabinoids, terpenes, and other bioactive compounds are concentrated into a potent form, escalating the depth of the cannabis experience. They are powerful, pure, and offer an intensity that flower and edibles can’t quite match—an orchestra of cannabis effects compacted into a drop, dab, or pinch.
Dosing
Unlike traditional dried buds, concentrates possess a much more robust concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes, requiring users to approach consumption with both respect and caution. Knowing just how much to take can be the difference between an enjoyable experience and one that’s overwhelming.
To navigate these waters safely, we advocate for the ‘start low, go slow’ mantra. This isn’t mere cautionary advice; it’s a cornerstone principle in the consumption of cannabis concentrates.
Starting Low
When we say ‘start low,’ we’re talking about dosing conservatively—especially when you’re trying a new product or if you’re relatively new to concentrates. The aim is to understand how the concentrate interacts with your individual physiology. Beginning with the smallest recommended dose—often amounting to the size of a crumb—is wise. Such a modest start can still yield significant effects due to the elevated potency of concentrates.
Going Slow
‘Go slow’ is about pacing your consumption. After that initial small dose, it’s essential to wait and observe. Concentrates can act quickly, especially when inhaled, but sometimes their full effect isn’t felt right away. Giving yourself time between doses allows you to gauge how you feel, and whether or not you’d like to increase the amount slightly or maintain your current level.
As some concentrates might take longer to reveal their full impact, waiting for at least 15-30 minutes (or often longer, depending on the form of concentrate and your metabolism) before considering an additional dose is a prudent practice.
Tuning In to Your Body’s Responses
Now, to the all-important aspect of tuning in to your body’s responses. This means paying close attention to the effects as they settle in—both mentally and physically:
- Are you experiencing the desired relief? Or are you perhaps sensing any discomfort?
- Respecting your body’s feedback is paramount. It can deliver subtle hints that speak volumes about your ideal dosage and can vary greatly from person to person.
- Routinely checking in with yourself during the course of your experience can greatly enhance not only the safety but the overall enjoyment of using concentrates.
- If you find yourself feeling more affected than you’d like, it’s a signal to pull back on dosage the next time.
- Conversely, if your experience is underwhelming, you can slightly scale up in future sessions. However, given the potency of concentrates, such adjustments should always be minimal.
For the uninitiated, and even for enthusiasts, the journey with concentrates is one of patience and practice. Sensitivity to dosing details yields a mastery over your experience that can elevate your enjoyment to new heights.
As always, the knowledgeable staff at Ethos are here to guide you through this process and help demystify any aspects of cannabis concentrate consumption. After all, the goal is not just to consume but to do so in a way that aligns harmoniously with your body and your lifestyle.
The Proper Use of Cannabis Concentrates
As with dosing, the method of consumption plays a significant role in shaping your cannabis concentrate experience. Different methods offer various levels of control, onset times, and overall effects.
Vaporization
Vaporizing concentrates offers excellent control over dosage, fast onset times, and avoids the harmful by-products of combustion. Vaporizers are available in an array of styles, from vape carts and portable vapes for on-the-go use, to tabletop designs for at-home sessions.
Dabbing
Dabbing involves vaporizing concentrates on a heated surface and inhaling the resulting vapor. The method offers unrivaled potency and instant effects—perfect for experienced users who prefer an intense experience. Bear in mind that dabbing calls for precision in temperature control to avoid losing valuable terpenes to overheating.
Oral Consumption (Tinctures and Capsules)
Orally consumed concentrates, like tinctures or capsules, offer discreet consumption with a slow onset and long-lasting effects. However, remember that oral consumption requires passing through the digestive system and the liver, a process which can transform THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent version of the cannabinoid.
Topical Application
Concentrates can also be used topically, rubbed into the skin to aid localized relief. This method is ideal for soothing physical discomfort without inducing psychoactive effects.
Ethos Dispensaries — Supporting You on Your Wellness Journey
Cannabis concentrates offer immense possibilities for personalization and exploration. They require patience, mindfulness, and an openness to learning. Start low, go slow, and use the right method for your needs.
Ethos is here to support you on this journey, instilling confidence with education and guidance at every step. Our commitment goes beyond providing superior products; it’s about nurturing your understanding, empowering your choices, and celebrating wellness.
Never hesitate to reach out to us with your questions and experiences. Ethos is your partner on this path, fostering a community where all questions are welcome, all experiences are valid, and feeling better is the shared goal.
Check out our full list of MA, PA, & OH dispensary locations here.
*The contents of this blog are intended for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.*
