Who is Danielle Matthiessen? Danielle is the CannabisSense Program Specialist at AGLC. She has been working in the Social Responsibility branch for 18 years, with a previous focus on addiction and recovery. Danielle majored in Psychology, with a minor in Sociology and a certificate of professional learning from McMaster University in the Science of Cannabis.
Danielle helps us bust some myths around:
- methods of consumption
- effects of recreational cannabis consumption
- tips for both the new and experienced cannabis curious
- and more!
It’s important to gather all the facts about what cannabis is and what its effects are before you choose to use.
Beyond the video: Recreational cannabis Q&A
Explore more insights and expert answers to your top recreational cannabis questions.
The risks from THC are the same for all products, but how you use it matters. If your preferred method is inhalation, like a joint, vape or dab pen), there’s an extra risk to your lungs.
For those new to cannabis, it’s important to be careful with edibles. The effects are quite different than inhalation products, and inexperienced users are at a higher risk of consuming too much and experiencing unwanted side effects.
All three options come from the same plant, Cannabis Sativa L. The strains are just different types, like how there are various kinds of apples like MacIntosh, Spartan and Granny Smith. Research doesn’t show significant differences in effects based on strain, but people often say that sativa’s give a head high, indica’s give a body high and hybrids combine both effects.
When choosing a strain, focus on the potency or strength of cannabinoids and the terpenes. For example, you wouldn’t want to select a product high in limonene (a terpene) if you don’t like citrus tastes or smells.
Your experience with cannabis may be very different than what you’ve heard or seen. Different products have different effects and different risks. Be sure to chat with the Budtender at the legal cannabis retail store to get all the non-medical info about what you’re buying. And remember, start low and go slow to avoid those nasty, unwanted side effects.
Cannabinoids are chemicals that connect with receptors in your body and brain, like those produced by the cannabis plant. There are two types of cannabinoids: Phytocannabinoids (like THC, CBD and CBG) from the cannabis plant and endocannabinoids (like AEA, 2-AG) made by your body and interact with your endocannabinoid system.
Cannabinoids work by interacting with specific receptors in your central nervous system. Basically, they help regulate how cells communicate—how they send, receive, or process messages.
Among all the chemicals in cannabis and cannabinoids, delta-9-THC is by far the most studied and is responsible for many, if not most, of the physical and mental effects of cannabis.
It really depends on your experience with cannabis and the product you’re interested in. Flower products show THC as a percentage (%), while edible products list THC in milligrams (mg). For more info, check out our reading the label page.
If you’re new or coming back to cannabis, it is advised to start with 2.5 mg for edibles and be patient with the effect—sometimes, the effects won’t be apparent until one-two hours after taking the edible. For inhaled products, choose ones with less than 20% THC.
When it comes to cannabis, think about how often you use it (frequency), how you consume it (method of consumption) and the THC strength (potency). There are products out there, and the strongest THC isn’t always the best.
- Make sure you aren’t using too often—recreational use is considered three-four times a month.
- Mix up how you use it—if you always smoke or vape, give your lungs a break and explore edibles or drinkables.
- Maybe try putting away that high-potency vape or dab pen for a bit and trying a lower-potency product for fewer health risks.
Remember, you don’t have to change everything at once. Moderation is a journey, and good habits take time to develop.