Weed. Bud. Cannabis. Ganja. There are so many names for medicinal and recreational marijuana—and there are just as many ways to use it.

Whether you’re into traditional bud-smoking or curious about cannabis edibles and oils, this article will help explain the myriad products that are available to you at The Happy Camper.

What is weed made of?

To answer this question, let’s start by discussing the plant itself. Hemp contains more than 80 natural compounds, known as cannabinoids. The most widely recognized of these compounds are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

Marijuana is harvested from the seeds, stems, leaves, and flowers of the hemp, or cannabis, plant. Depending on how the hemp is grown, cultivated, and harvested, it can contain higher or lower levels of these compounds, as well as other beneficial terpenes and phytonutrients.

What are the different strains of marijuana?

The term “strain” is used to describe the different varieties of marijuana and the ratio of THC to CBD they contain, as well as their sativa-indica makeup. For example, a strain that contains more sativa will likely produce more stimulating effects when smoked or ingested, whereas indica-heavy strains are used to promote calmness and sleep.

Many strains on the market today are considered hybrids—they contain a mix of indica and sativa. Sour Diesel, Kush, Wedding Cake, and Gelato are just a few of the most popular hybrid strains available from The Happy Camper and other cannabis stores.

What are the most popular cannabis products?

We’re glad you asked! Cannabis-infused products have come a long way in the last decade. In addition to traditional smoking, users can now enjoy high-quality oils, edible candies, topical treatments, patches, and more. These products reflect the range of strains and THC-CBD ratios outlined above, and that information should be clearly stated on every product label.

Here’s a list of some of the most popular formats for smoking, ingesting, or applying cannabis:

• Flower — This general term refers to the smokable, trichome-covered part of the female cannabis plant. Many users purchase cannabis flower by the gram, eighth, quarter, or ounce and smoke it from a pipe, bong, or rolled cigarette (known as a joint or pre-roll).
• Extract — Also referred to as dabs or concentrates, this simply refers to a concentrated form of cannabis which producers extract from the hemp plant using a solvent such as butane, propane, ethanol, or supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2). The resulting extracts can range in texture from oils and liquids to a more whipped “budder” or dry, crumbly extract.
• Edibles — This refers to any food product that contains THC and/or CBD. Cannabis can be infused into cookies and brownies, candies, gummies, beverages, and even foods like popcorn. Edibles often contain a high fat content, which is believed to help the body better absorb and release the cannabinoid compounds.
• Vapes — A vape is a device that resembles a pen or e-cigarette and contains cannabis-infused oil. The device heats as users inhale, transforming the oil into a vapor that delivers cannabis compounds to the bloodstream through the lungs.
• Topicals — Cannabis can also come in the form of lotions, balms, and oils that users rub on their skin. Most topical cannabis products are used to relieve pain, soreness, and inflammation without the cerebral “high” often associated with other delivery methods. However, some transdermal patches can produce an intoxicating effect, depending on their THC content.
• Tinctures — Similar to extracts, tinctures are derived using a solvent to separate cannabinoids like THC or CBD from the rest of the hemp plant material. They are liquid in form and can be taken sublingually (under the tongue), mixed with food or drink, and applied topically for a wide range of medical and recreational purposes.

What type of marijuana product should I buy?

At The Happy Camper, we believe that buying and using cannabis-infused products is a highly personal choice. The effects of marijuana can vary drastically from person to person, based on individual age, weight, dosage, format, experience level, and other factors.

Visit our Cannabis 101 resource page for more information on types and dosage, as well as tips for using marijuana responsibly. And when in doubt, give us a call or stop by one of our dispensary locations. Our friendly budtenders are happy to answer any questions you have!

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.