A weed expert explains her top pot tricks
Cannabis has been my bestie since 2006. That year, I went to college in San Francisco and became immersed in some of the best weed in the world. Since then, the selection has multiplied, making way for innovative products and applications. Over the years, I’ve tried it all. Vape pens, wax, edibles, suppositories, and more.
Flower still reigns supreme as my everyday consumption choice. However, I have dialed in the time and place for specific products after visiting and working in dispensaries this long.
Situational social anxiety
Some people thrive in social situations. I’m not those people. I feel unsure of the right time to enter a conversation, what to say, or how to say it. This swirl creates social anxiety, and alcoholic beverages or puffs of THC-heavy joints can worsen it.
Taking a 1:1 CBD to THC edible about 20 minutes before the event starts has been my go-to lately. I give extra points to products that also contain some CBG. When I grab a 1:1 gummy or tablet, I often find socializing is easier for a few hours before remembering it’s because of the edible. Forgetting that I ate weed is always a good sign it’s doing the job I intended it to.
Party refreshments
I prefer weed over alcohol but often feel pressure to have a drink while at parties or social gatherings. This is the perfect time for a low-dose seltzer like Hi-Seltzer or one that contains adaptogens like BREZ. These products can be enjoyed right from the can or be used to craft delectable mocktails. Choose your own adventure!
Menstrual cramps, back pain, and sciatic pain
Every weed product has its moment, even the ones that go in your butt. Suppositories can go in the anus or vagina and are often made by letting cannabis coconut oil dry in a bullet-shaped mold.
When I am having pain localized near those areas, suppositories work quickly and effectively. This was especially relieving with sciatic nerve pain, which can be equally annoying as it is hard to quell. It can be messy. Consider wearing a menstrual pad to avoid oil-stained underwear.
Migraines
For migraines and wicked bad headaches, I rub topicals into my scalp. The localized inflammation translating into brain pain may move around my scalp two or three times as the balm soaks in. I keep reapplying until the majority of the pain has subsided. This gets my headaches from a screaming 10 to a dull three or four on the pain scale. It also causes my hair to stick up like Medusa’s thin-haired cousin.
Nausea
When it comes to nausea, instant relief is appreciated. That’s why I always turn to inhalation when my stomach acts up. Dry herb vapes have been a solace when my guts are turning too quickly to manage a bong rip or combustion.
The Volcano is quick to heat and effective as a tabletop option. Portable vapes are my favorite for curling up in bed when my stomach hurts. Units like the Lobo or Pax Plus have also helped me out before.
Legalizing cannabis opens the door to product innovation. As more types of weed become accessible, it’s wise to know the best uses. As a retired longtime budtender and even longer medical patient, these are some of my tried and true methods for specialty weed products.
