Five quality crowd questions from our recent seminar

1- Is all Marijuana the same, how can I tell the difference?

First we will divide "Cannabis" into the three commonly accepted categories, Sativa, Indica and hybrids. While the science runs deep on the various factors that contribute to the "high" you experience, we can quickly classify these three for you.

Sativas are more of an energetic, clear headed, uplifting, get stuff done variety. Some users report potential negatives such as a faster heart rate, anxiety or slight paranoia. In our day to day busy life, we enjoy a good Sativa strain.

Indicas are more sedative and provide quality pain relief. Some users report potential negatives such as loss of motivation, the munchies or a slight narcotic effect. To help people remember which is the more sedative variety, we recommend the saying, "Indica = in da couch".

Hybrids are exactly that, they are crosses of Sativa and Indica plants. Some lean more toward one variety than the other in its overall effects, but Hybrids provide new opportunities to find a strain that is just right for you.

Now that you understand the three types you will choose from, the most important thing to understand is the potency. The percentage of THC will vary from strain to strain. THC is the main psychoactive cannabinoid in Medical Marijuana. Average strength is 10-15% although there are many strain pushing the ceiling upwards of 25% THC.

If you are a first timer, stick to the lower percentages, 10% might be a good starting spot (start low, go slow). Don't be intimidated by the wacky names you see on the shelf, by knowing the info above, you can make a decision on which strain to try based upon the desired result, not the cleverness of a name on the jar.

2- I heard that CBD strains don't make you "high", is that true?

CBD by itself is non-psychoactive. However, in the flower (bud) form, there is almost always some THC. Yes, CBD strains can make you high, but the high is determined by the percentage of THC. Proper product labeling will inform you what the ratio of THC to CBD is, as well as the overall percentage of THC and CBD content. A few strains that are very high in CBD and very low in THC are "AC/DC" and "Sour Tsunami". So check out the THC percentage to predict the likelihood of a high, for little to no buzz, 3% THC or lower would be ideal.

3- I'm worried about pesticides used in growing the plant, should I be?

Yes, no and we know how to solve this problem.

Yes, because the state of Washington is playing catch-up to the industry professionals. The WSLCB (Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board) did not work with experienced growers to determine common practices, pest management and product alternatives to the pesticides on the banned list. Another factor is the lack of standardized testing practices and the common knowledge that producers shop different testing facilities for favorable results. All of that aside, commercial producers are in the business to make money. They will take extreme and questionable measures to protect their crop / business from ruin. Until regulations catch-up to their knowledge set, the WSLCB may always be one step behind.

No, because the WSLCB has realized the task at hand was over their heads and have since put up severe limitations on the amount of fertilizers and pesticides on the approved materials list. They also intend to bring testing practices to some sort of unified standard. Provided the track record, an efficient system will likely take years to be on it's feet in any meaningful form.

The answer to the concern of pesticides is - Legalize small home cultivation in Washington.

Washington is the only state with legalized Cannabis, that doesn't allow home cultivation. When you grow your own plants, you have full control over what goes into your medication. We've worked with people who use zero chemical products in any of their products and their results have been fantastic.

4- I've never been a smoker and the thought doesn't appeal to me, what are some of the alternatives?

With the rapid growth of Medical Marijuana and the Cannabis industry across the country, the variety of ways to medicate are almost limitless. Edibles come in all shapes and forms. Chocolates, granolas, sodas, hard candies, salad dressing and any recipe you bake can be infused with the desired cannabinoids. Topicals and patches are a popular form for those who do not want a "high" but seek relief from inflammation like arthritis.

5- Can I be arrested for having Marijuana on me?

In Washington state, adult possession, in private, of up to one ounce of Cannabis for personal use (as well as the possession of up to 16 ounces of Marijuana-infused product in solid form, and 72 ounces of Marijuana-infused product in liquid form) is not subject to criminal or civil penalty. The public consumption of Marijuana is subject to a civil violation and fine. Any consumption of Cannabis while in a moving vehicle is defined as a traffic infraction. Traffic safety laws further require that the possession of Cannabis in a moving vehicle must be located in a sealed container in either the trunk or some other area that is inaccessible to the driver or passengers.

Do you have questions of your own? Lets us know, we're always eager to educate - seniorsmmjnetwork@gmail.com