With hundreds of options available to choose from, shopping at a dispensary for the first time can be an overwhelming experience, but it doesn’t have to be! Karma Club has some of the most knowledgeable staff in Chicago to assist you with all of your cannabis needs. If you’re new to cannabis or just new to the legal market, here are some commonly asked questions that can help enhance your shopping experience:
What is THCa? Or why is my flower all THCa?
Do not fear! THCa is the acidic precursor to THC. It is the most prominent cannabinoid in ALL raw cannabis flower and it is non-psychoactive until ignited. Once you put flame-to-flower, the weed will decarb and THCa will convert to THC. Enjoy the high!
Does THC percentage really matter?
Yes and no! There are other components of the cannabis plant that contribute to the overall effects of each strain, so THC is not the only thing that you should be looking at when you’re purchasing your weed. Terpenes are another compound found within cannabis that helps determine the flavor and aroma of the weed as well as direct the high. I find it helpful to take note of what terpenes are present in strains that I enjoy and look for any similarities in the terpene profiles, so that I can more easily find weeds I’ll be fond of. Cannabinoids are another organic compound found within the plant that contributes to the overall effect. While minor cannabinoids are often present in small quantities in raw flower, their effects are still significant.
How long does it take for edibles to affect me? How many milligrams should I take?
Everyone metabolizes cannabis differently, and there are other contributing factors that affect the onset time of an edible, such as stomach contents, weight and height, but the general rule of thumb for an edible is to wait one-and-a-half to two hours for it to kick in. Some edibles, such as fast-acting ones, are formulated to have a quicker onset and a sooner release of effects. Regardless of edible type, we recommend that new users consume 2.5 to 5 milligrams to begin. Wait those two hours and see how you’re feeling. If you’re still seeking stronger effects, take more but remember it is important to go low and slow when you start out. You can always eat more, but you can’t undo what you’ve taken. Feeling a little too high? Here’s some tips on what you can do to come down.
What is the difference between sativa, hybrid, and indica?
Sativa, hybrid, and indica are general classifications of weed, based on several characteristics, used in cannabis nomenclature. Generally, people would describe sativa as feeling cerebral/heady and contribute to a more active and uplifting effect. People also report feeling more social, chatty, or even motivated when consuming sativa-dominant cannabis. Indica, on the other hand, is the opposite. Consumers report feeling more of a body buzz that can aid in pain relief, stress and insomnia. Hybrid cannabis is somewhere in the middle, typically displaying properties from both sides of the spectrum. However, not every Indica will be sleepy and not every Sativa will be energetic, hence why it’s important to take note of a strain’s genetic makeup (i.e. parent strains) as well as its terpene composition.
What is the difference between distillate, live resin, and live rosin?
THC distillate is an alcohol-based extraction that is predominantly isolated THC molecules. In the process of distilling THC you will burn off terpenes and cannabinoids, eliminating strain specific properties of the plant. Live resin is a cannabis extraction that is also alcohol-based, but preserves those properties! The weed is harvested and flash frozen in order to maintain peak terpenes and cannabinoids, thus giving you a true to strain vaping or dabbing experience. Rosin is going to be a similar extraction to live resin, but there are NO alcohols used in the extraction of rosin. Instead, it is typically extracted using an ice water bath, followed by some heat and pressure.
How long will I be high?
This is different for everyone, but inhalants typically will last for an hour or two, and edibles will last a bit longer- at about 6-8 hours. This is subjective and varies depending on tolerance. Someone with a higher tolerance may be high for less time than someone with a lower tolerance.
How much can I buy?
If you live in Illinois, you can purchase up to 30 grams of flower, 500 milligrams of infused products (edibles and topicals), and 5 grams of concentrates (including vape products). If you live out of state, you can purchase half of those amounts – 15 grams of flower, 250 milligrams of infused products (edibles and topicals), and 2.5 grams of concentrates (including vape products).
Where can I consume?
Technically, it is only legal to smoke on private property or in a legal consumption lounge. Make smart choices!
If the questions listed above don’t fully encompass everything you’re curious about, feel free to come in and chat or call us anytime! You can reach us at (312) 500-4787. If email is more your speed, send inquiries over to [email protected]. We look forward to helping you find your best experience yet.
