There is so much information about cannabis available to us today, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy to understand. With different states having different laws about cannabis (as well as us in Washington DC), cannabis not being legal on a federal level yet, and information being shared without sources at times, it can be hard to know what to believe or where to find good information about cannabis. We’re here to answer some of the most common questions about cannabis and keep it simple for anyone looking for answers.
- What is Cannabis?
The dictionary definition of cannabis is: a tall plant with a stiff upright stem, divided serrated leaves, and glandular hairs. It is used to produce hemp fiber and as a drug. It can also be: a dried preparation of the flowering tops or other parts of the cannabis plant, or a resinous extract of it, smoked or consumed, generally illegally, as a psychoactive drug.While these are both accurate dictionary descriptions of cannabis, there are better and simpler ways to describe it. Cannabis refers to the cannabis plant that is used to help relieve chronic pain and symptoms. It is also used as a way to experience a high depending on how much is used, how it’s taken, how strong the strain is, and which part of the plant is used. Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is what creates a psychoactive feeling when taken in large doses. Cannibidiol, or CBD, still helps relieve pain without the psychoactive effects many people have when taking cannabis. - Are There Different Ways to Use Cannabis?
Yes. There are several different ways you can take cannabis. If you aren’t sure which you prefer, it’s always best to try each of them to decide what works best for your systems, lifestyle, schedule, and enjoyment.- The first and most well-known way to use cannabis is by smoking it. This can be through a pipe or bong, and the effects are fast-acting. Many people prefer this method because of how quickly it can help with pain relief, but this does create issues when in public places where you cannot smoke. There is also the possibility of smoke damage to your lungs.
- Another way to use cannabis is through edibles. Edibles are generally liquid forms or drop forms of cannabis. This can be added to foods and drinks, such as brownies, soups, smoothies, and more. The effects take longer to hit your bloodstream, so that’s important to know if you need immediate relief. But this is a preferred method for many because it is a discrete way to get the cannabis you need without the smell lingering or the smoke in the air or the possible smoke damage to your lungs.
- Topicals are also a great way to use cannabis for anything from burns to joint pain to muscle pain. This allows you to put the cannabis directly on the affected area, absorbing into the bloodstream quickly. The effects are faster and more effective without needing extra accessories like pipes, bongs or hemp paper, plus there’s no smell or smoke just like with edibles.
- Is Cannabis Legal In Washington DC?
Yes. Medicinal marijuana was first legalized in Washington DC in 1998, but nothing was done until voters passed Initiative 71 in November 2015, legalizing both recreational and medicinal marijuana. This went into effect in February 2015. Changes are still being made on a regular basis for marijuana users, so be sure to keep up with any news and information you can. As of now, adults over the age of 21 may buy medical marijuana with a medical marijuana card but recreational marijuana cannot be sold. Residents with a medical marijuana card can grow up to six plants, but only three can be mature at a time. You can also give away up to one ounce of cannabis, but you cannot sell it. Keep in mind, much of Washington DC is on federal land, and since cannabis is still illegal on a federal level, marijuana cannot be on you when on federal property. We have more information about all that in this blog post. - Why Does Cannabis Affect People Differently?
Just as pills and other medicines affect people differently, cannabis can have different effects on different people. Our bodies are all so different, from our genes to our environment to pain levels and so much more. We’re each unique which is wonderful, but that means different forms of cannabis will work differently for each person. It’s always best to talk to a medical professional about what they recommend for you or if there’s a form of cannabis they believe may help more than another before you begin using cannabis. You can also get advice from those working in your local dispensary, but keep in mind they are just helping make a decision and are not medical professionals. Their opinions are based on helping others over the years, but ultimately the decision is yours, and you just have to learn what works best for you and your needs.
If you have other questions about cannabis in Washington DC or are looking for a great dispensary in the DC area, Herbal Alternatives is here to help. You can contact us any time about questions or come visit our dispensary to get help deciding the best options for you. Be sure to have your medical marijuana card and state ID when visiting. We pride ourselves on the quality cannabis in our dispensary and the care our employees give to helping everyone who walks through our doors. We hope to see you soon!