When recreational cannabis was legalized in Michigan, I couldn’t wait to visit the dispensary in Whitehall.
I stepped inside and realized that I had no idea what to buy. I was totally overwhelmed and clueless. I walked around and looked at the huge selection of products and consumption methods for almost half an hour. I left without making a purchase. I then decided to educate myself. I went online and researched cannabis. I learned that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the body is made up of CB1 and CB2 receptors that send signals to the brain. They tell the body to produce endocannabinoids to achieve homeostasis. Sometimes there is a deficiency of endocannabinoids, resulting in physical or mental problems. The cannabis plant is made up of cannabinoids that mimic these natural endocannabinoids and link to CB1 and CB2 receptors, producing all different types of effects. Because the ECS plays an important role in appetite, mood, memory, pain, sleep, the reproductive system and so much more, cannabis is a very helpful medicinal treatment. The main cannabinoid is THC, which produces the high sensation. The second most abundant cannabinoid is CBD, which can offset some of the negative side-effects of THC, doesn’t get you high and offers curative properties. Researchers have found that CBD and THC work more effectively when partnered together. There are cannabis strains on the market that are high THC and low CBD, low THC and high CBD or a balance of both. Along with considering cannabinoid content, it’s a good idea to pay attention to terpenes. Terpenes are responsible for the pungent aroma and flavor of cannabis and are believed to contribute to the overall effects. Once I became a little more knowledgeable, I felt more confident shopping at the Whitehall dispensary. I started with a high CBD and low THC tincture and was very happy with it.