Broaden Your Tastebuds

STORY BY LAUREN E. LeBEL PHOTOS BY NATE BLAIS

Broaden your TASTE BUDS

Expand your cannabis experience

When using cannabis, most consumers have a variety of desired outcomes. Whether that be for focus, energy, relaxation and so on, there are countless products or product types that you may search for when visiting your local dispensary.

“a gift from the gods”

Recreational and Medical Dispensary

Why is it that all dispensaries look and feel the same? Here at HEKA, we believe there is a need to break away from the ordinary and set ourselves apart. HEKA has re-imagined what a premium cannabis shopping experience should be.

Not Your Typical Dispensary

Although you may stick to your favored products, perhaps there’s an alternative with the same outcome that you’ve never even thought of trying.

To start off, the two leading types of weed are derived from two different species of the cannabis plant: cannabis indica and cannabis sativa. Both of these types vary based on the type of weed they come from, along with the effects that it has on an individual. While the style of consumption may also determine an individual’s experience, let’s learn more about these popular strains and their most common effects.

Cannabis indica resembles a bush as “the buds tend to grow in clumps”. It produces large amounts of THC and lessened levels of CBD, however, “it is considered a strong weed.” When people use this style of weed, they often feel relaxed or sedated and prefer to hang out on the couch. Therefore, indicia is commonly used before bed to assist in sleep patterns or struggles (The Recovery Village).

Sativa is another common cannabis that grows in tall, thin leaves. It is the opposite of indicia, as it has lower levels of THC and higher levels of CBD - with

“more equal levels of both chemicals” (The Recovery Village). Sativa strains have more energizing effects that people tend to need throughout the day. For some, sativa may cause them to have more increased focus or creativity. Compared to the indicia strain “body high,” sativa can be considered more of a “head high”. Sativa tends to boost your mood and is often used by people who have depression, exhaustion and even ADHD, as it relieves some symptoms.

Now that you are familiar with some of the strains, let’s look at some specific products. HEKA, a dispensary with locations in Westfield, Pittsfield and Palmer, shared some of their product alternatives fit to your desired outcome.

Drew Kostanski, dispensary manager at HEKA said, “For those who still want to hang with friends and have a couple beers but are already dreading the hangover, we can recommend a sessionable Cantrip Seltzer.” She continued, “It’s a hangout without the hangover, giving you a nice, easy buzz with 3mg of THC and 2mg of CBD.” These seltzers provide a lower-dose option, with the same “buzzy” effect. Additionally, with its nano-tech process,

Sativa tends to boost your mood and is often used by people who have depression, exhaustion and even ADHD, as it relieves some symptoms.

you’ll experience a faster onset than most edibles, without having to sacrifice any of the fun. “You really get to customize your own cannabis experience because each can builds on the last, just like a beer with your buds would,” said Kostanski. These seltzers cost $5 per can and come in several different flavors.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, when smoking marijuana, “THC and other chemicals in the plant pass from the lungs into the bloodstream,” allowing for both the body and brain to feel an immediate rush or high. Oftentimes, the effects on a person include relaxation and a “pleasant euphoria” (National Institute on Drug Abuse). For those who are searching for a timely buzz but want to move away from smoking, Kostanski recommended trying sublingual edibles. “Sublingual is anything that sits under your tongue and dissolves immediately.” Typically, this comes in the form of tablets or strips. Kostanski said, the delivery system is a “fast-acting onset,” more along the same lines as smoking or vaping, but without the inhalation. “Because this is breaking down immediately through the permeable membranes under your tongue, you’re skipping the step where your body transforms the enzymes from Delta-9 into something even more psychoactive,” she explained. “In turn, this means you’re less likely to experience a bad edibles trip.” To hop on the sublingual bandwagon, HEKA suggests checking out Manna SpeedTabs or a tincture from Treeworks. The SpeedTabs retail at $30. Treeworks have varying sizes and effects, ranging between $10 to $80.

While products and their purposes differ across dispensaries, these are a few examples of desired outcomes through different products and strains. To find a product more apt for you, visit your nearest HEKA location today! For additional information, visit HEKAinc.com.

References https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/what-are-marijuana-effects https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/marijuana-addiction/related-topics/types-of-weed/