A beginner’s guide to cannabis

Are you curious about cannabis? If so, you’re not alone. An increasing number of Americans are becoming first-time users of what was once forbidden but is now legal in many states and is used to solve problems or just party on.

“Drilling down to why people want cannabis is the first question we ask guests who come into one of our retail locations; Why are you here? Are you looking to relieve pain? Are you dealing with stress or anxiety? Are you looking for help sleeping? Are you looking to just have a good time and relax,” says Christina Alario, marketing manager for Native Sun, which has stores in North Attleboro and Hudson, Massachusetts.

Cannabis is rapidly becoming a mainstream solution to many of life’s challenges. Those who have been using cannabis surreptitiously are now publicly proclaiming its benefits, telling friends and family to give it a try. Many people who have lost faith in western medicine are dumping those drugs and checking out cannabis—and many in the scientific community are now touting the drug’s medical benefits.

“Many people have tried other types of medications, painkillers and opioids but they’re worried about the downfalls and risks. Because nothing else has worked, they’re turning to can nabis as a last resort, and this should have been where they started,” says Alario.

Federal law bans growing and using cannabis nationwide, and there contin ues to be a stigma around using it. But as states increasingly legalize it, that negative association is beginning to disappear.

Cannabis In A New Light

Marijuana has long been the cannabis poster child and those who smoked joints did so largely in secret. But the

Native Sun is doing everything it can to entice new consumers into their stores. It starts with hiring and educating a cross generational staff to attract a broad demographic range of consumers, telling new users how cannabis can help them.

There is also a remarkable shift in how dispensaries are presenting themselves. Many of the first ones to open were relegated to the back of industrial parks, hidden from a public that was jittery about joints and this newly legalized drug. Even today many dispensaries lock their doors, buzz people in and have guards carefully watching who’s pulling into the parking lot.

“It almost felt like you were doing something wrong,” says Alario.

Native Sun is taking a different approach, opening two inviting and visible retail locations in eastern Massachusetts, placing them directly in the path of consumers. “It was important that our stores were in mainstream retail areas—places people would go when they’re running errands. We’re not ashamed. We’re welcoming people through our front doors, which aren’t locked,” she says.

There is still work to be done before the stigma surrounding cannabis goes up in smoke. Even Alario’s parents weren’t thrilled when she told them she’d be working in a dispensary.

“I had to have this conversation with my parents when I started working in the industry. They’ve been told their whole lives that cannabis is a gateway drug, that it’s bad and in the same boat as harder drugs, and it’s not. That’s why we’re working so hard to educate people,” she says.

Part of that education is telling customers cannabis is much more than joints and brownies. Manufacturers are innovating new products, infusing it into tinctures, edibles, beverages, spices, patches and lotions. It’s all helping dispensaries attract new customers.

Cannabis Caution

People who are just now trying cannabis are instructed to go slow until they know how their body reacts to THC and CBD. Alario is asking customers to track how they’re feeling in a journal so they can make informed decisions about how much more or less they can consume.

There is always the danger new users will overindulge, especially when the relaxing effect of edibles takes a while to kick in. Eager for a quick high and feeling nothing at first, some new users continue consuming edibles until they get sick.

Overdoing cannabis doesn’t mean overdosing and dying, according to numerous studies. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) report Marijuana and Medicine: Assessing the Science Base states “epidemiological data indicate that in the general population marijuana use is not associated with increased mortality.”

While overconsumption may not lead to fatal overdoses, it can cause extreme drowsiness, confusion, anxiety, panic, paranoia, vomiting or a rapid heart rate. Some remedies include using CBD to counteract THC, chewing peppercorns or just sleeping it off. And of critical importance, it’s not okay to indulge and then drive a car or operate dangerous equipment.

“Treat it just like you would any other type of medicine. You have to see how your body is going to react,” says Alario. “You want to have a good experience, otherwise you’re not going to get the full benefits of cannabis and you won’t be coming back.”

For more information visit nativesuncannabis.com, email info@nativesuncannais.com, or visit one of Native Sun’s two Massachusetts stores:

Hudson

Mon-Sun: 9AM-10PM

(978) 212-5723

37 Coolidge St. Hudson, MA 01749

North Attleborough

Mon-Wed: 9AM-10PM Thur-Sat: 9AM-11PM

(857) 330-3223

1320 South Washington St North Attleborough, MA, 02760

CANNABIS FOR BEGINNERS, OR VETERAN CONSUMERS

EDIBLES

Joybombs Fruit Candy

They are considered low-dose at 2.5mg of THC per serving (typically 5mg of THC). They are discreet, tasty and make it easy to micro-dose throughout the day.

Wana Exotic Yuzu 2:1 Gummies

This is a ratioed product, 2:1 CBD:THC. Each gummy contains 5mg of THC and 10mg of CBD. The two cannabinoids work better when they are used together, and CBD can tame the psychoactive effects of THC.

Beverages

Cantrip Blackberry Lavender

Made with all-natural blackberry essence and real lavender, this THC seltzer is floral yet juicy with a slight tart pop. Topped with Sour Tangie botanical essence, Blackberry Lavender is great for an evening cool down or the perfect partner to a mid-afternoon snack.

Vapes

Inspire by Montel Chill 1:1 Vape

Vaping is best for anyone looking for more immediate relief or effects. Edibles can take up to 2 hours to take effect, but a vape will hit in 10-15 minutes. Not only does this vape have the CBD:THC (1:1) ratio we recommend for beginners, it also has added cannabis-derived terpenes known to calm users and boost focus.

Ration R&R 5:1 Disposable Vape

With a 5:1 CBD to THC ratio, this high-CBD dose offers added anti-inflammatory and stress-relieving effects than THC alone, without a super heavy psychoactive high. This all-in-one device is disposable.

TINCTURES & TOPICALS

Howl’s Anytime Tincture

Tinctures are great for accurate dosing. Typically consumed orally, tinctures take effect faster because they’re absorbed right into the bloodstream. Howl’s Anytime Tincture keeps consumers in the present while alleviating pain and anxiety.

Freshly Baked 1:1

Everyday Wellness Patch

Transdermal patches are easy to use, discreet and great for targeted pain relief. Each patch contains 20mg of THC and 20mg of CBD released into the bloodstream over 8-12 hours.

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