How to Enjoy Marijuana Edibles

Marijuana edibles are a convenient, discreet, and delicious way to enjoy cannabis. They are available in a variety of product types and concentrations, so it’s important to visit a licensed retailer for specific information regarding dosage and use. Because they are metabolized differently by the body than other types of marijuana products, the effects of edibles can take longer to develop and subside.

When it comes to big cannabis flavor in a discreet and convenient package, few options beat edibles. At Freedom Road, you’ll find a variety of edible products to choose from–including chocolates, gummies, beverages, and more–all of which meet our exacting standards for taste, consistency, and potency. Every Freedom Road edible product undergoes stringent testing to ensure accurate dosing and is meticulously labeled to help you experience the safest, most reliable results possible.

Here’s everything you need to know about edibles, from how they work and what to expect to the wide variety of forms you can try on your own.

An Education in Marijuana Edibles

Marijuana edibles are food and beverage products that have been infused with cannabis concentrate or cannabis flowers, and they’ve been around for thousands of years and in all corners of the world. In ancient China, for example, cannabis was incorporated into teas and food to treat various ailments. In India, cannabis was integrated into religious and cultural practices, often mixed with foods like milk and yogurt to create an edible called “bhang.” You can still find it today as a regular part of spring festivals like Maha Shivaratri and Holi.

In the U.S., edibles generally stayed under the radar until the countercultural movement of the 1960s and ‘70s. People looking to make social waves embraced a renewed interest in cannabis and got creative about how to consume it. The cannabis brown recipe featured in the Alice B. Toklas Cook Book published in 1954 was a particularly prominent driving force behind the new devotees of edibles

Marijuana brownies continued to surge in popularity after the influence of “Brownie Mary”–real name Mary Jane Rathbun–who incorporated cannabis into her desserts for patients suffering from AIDS. Her advocacy and activism was critical in a time when AIDS patients were suffering and found some measure of relief from medical cannabis.

Today, edibles go beyond brownies to encompass anything from cooking oil and cocktails to candies and chocolate bars, but it is worth a word of caution–edibles can produce dramatically different effects than vaping, smoking, and other methods of consumption, so it’s important to enter the experience of edibles well-informed.

You can also visit our Cannabis Product FAQ page for more information on marijuana edibles.

10 Tips for Using Marijuana Edibles

Cannabis edibles are metabolized by the body differently than other forms of marijuana, resulting in different effects, so for a safe, positive experience with edibles, be sure to:

1. Start low and slow. Edibles almost always take longer to kick in than smoking, and their effects can be more intense and last longer—sometimes even into the next day. Start with a low dose. For most people, that’s typically around 5-10 mg of THC.
2. Be patient. It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours (or even longer) for the effects of edibles to fully kick in. Avoid the temptation to consume more if you don’t feel the effects immediately.
3. Look at the label. Pay attention to the THC content in the edibles you’re consuming. The packaging will explain what a serving size is for that product (hint: it’s probably smaller than you expect) and how much THC or CBD is in a serving.
4. Don’t drink. Combining alcohol with edibles can amplify the effects of both substances and lead to an unpredictable and potentially unpleasant experience. One thing at a time.
5. Stay comfy. Edibles can be strong and last a long time, so make sure you’ve got a place to crash. Don’t commit to an intense day of exploring a new city or going to an important work function, for example, after enjoying an edible.
6. Stay hydrated. Not only can staying hydrated help curb cannabis-induced dry mouth, but drinking lots of water helps your body to metabolize the cannabis smoothly, so you have a better experience.
7. Eat first. Having a light meal before consuming edibles can help mitigate any potential stomach discomfort that you might feel from the cannabis. It also helps you curb cravings to eat the entire edible, because we promise—you really don’t need the entire bar of chocolate.
8. Avoid dangerous activities. As with any form of cannabis consumption, it’s dangerous to engage in certain activities after consuming edibles. Don’t drive, operate machinery, or move heavy objects.
9. Plan ahead. The effects of edibles can last for several hours, or even into the next day for some individuals. Plan your activities accordingly by saying no to obligations that require you to be fully alert.
10. Stay calm. It’s tempting to eat just one more bite, because maybe you haven’t waited long enough for the effects of your edible to kick in or you ignored the tip about getting a snack first. In case you consume more than you’re supposed to and feel uncomfortable, remember that those feelings will eventually subside. Find a calm, familiar environment, take deep breaths, and relax while sipping water.

For more information on Freedom Road edibles, including our product and brand selection as well as use guidelines and benefits, visit our product page.

The Right Way to Enjoy Marijuana Edibles

The selection of edibles at Freedom Road is carefully curated from select brands who share our commitment to uncompromising quality, satisfaction, and safety. We refresh our inventory often, so you’ll always find popular favorites next to new or hard-to-find products. However, here are some of the most common marijuana edible products and how to use them best. 

How to Use Chocolate

Cannabis chocolates usually come in bars that are pre-marked according to the dosage. For instance, a single square may be considered one serving. Be sure to read the label so that you understand how much THC or CBD you are consuming. Chocolates come in a variety of flavors, so choose one that suits you—and remember, give the chocolate time to act before consuming more. Cannabis chocolates behave similarly to other chocolate, so they will melt and lose their quality over time.

How to Use Gummies

Cannabis strains that have a fruity taste are more common in gummies or candies that better complement their flavor profile. Gummies are typically portioned so that each gummy is the same dosage. On average, a cannabis gummy will contain about 10 milligrams, but always check the packaging. Start with one gummy, then wait at least an hour before trying another.

How to Use Tinctures

Tinctures are made by soaking cannabis flowers to draw out their compounds and create a liquid. Some tinctures have a pleasant taste, while others may be more bitter. If you don’t want to taste the tincture, you can simply add a drop or two to a drink or into your food. Don’t worry—it will still have the same effect! However, for the fastest and most effective use, place the drop directly under your tongue and allow it to sit there for between 30 and 60 seconds. Then, you can swallow. This method is called the sublingual method (which means “under the tongue”), and it’s the most effective because the area under the tongue takes the chemicals straight to the bloodstream without processing them through the liver first.

How to Consume Beverages

When it comes to ease of use, beverages top the list. As you might expect, you simply drink the beverage—just be careful to pay attention to the serving size. Most drinks will be one serving for the whole beverage. The effects might start as soon as 10 to 15 minutes after your first drink, but give it up to an hour to see how you’re feeling before consuming more.

How to Enjoy Treats and Cookies

Brownies, cookies, cakes, and other delectable desserts can satiate your sweet tooth and give you the chance to enjoy cannabis at the same time. As with chocolates, be aware of the serving size for your treat; many will come pre-portioned to help with dosage. Store your products or baked goods in a room-temperature location out of direct sunlight to make sure that they stay as fresh as possible. Add them onto a snack or meal to help your body metabolize them slowly for a longer and more even experience.

How to Use Energy Pills

One of the more recent innovations in cannabis products are energy pills. Stratos Energy pills, for instance, are a convenient way to channel the invigorating effects of a Sativa-dominant strain to help boost your mood and reduce pain. As with any kind of supplement or over-the-counter item, always read the label to make sure that you’re taking the correct dosage. Drink plenty of water when taking a cannabis pill, and eat right before or soon after to prevent an upset stomach.

For more ideas on how to enjoy your Freedom Road cannabis edibles, check out what our budtenders have to say. 

Explore High-Quality Marijuana Edibles from Freedom Road

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, the friendly and knowledgeable staff at Freedom Road is always ready to answer your questions about edibles, guide you through our selections, and offer trusted recommendations. We’ll help make sure you find the perfect product made with the right strain and formulated with the appropriate dosage for your needs.

At Freedom Road, we only partner with the best brands for edible products, and our inventory is always being updated to provide you with everything you need on your road to recreation, relief, and anything in between. Visit any of our Colorado or Oklahoma locations and discover the difference exceptional quality can make in your edibles experience.

 

How to Use Cannabis Concentrates

Marijuana concentrates can be a quick, creative, and cost-effective way to enjoy cannabis, with a little going a long way. They are available in a variety of forms including hash, kief, BHO, rosin, distillate, and live resin, and usually require some additional equipment to consume, such as a dab, rig, or vape pen. Marijuana concentrates are highly potent, so it is important to visit a licensed cannabis retailer for specific information on product usage and dosing.

Concentrates are highly potent and highly effective, delivering a larger proportion of cannabinoids ounce for ounce than any other cannabis product. At Freedom Road, we’re proud to offer cannabis concentrate products that meet both our exacting standards for quality as well as our stringent expectations for consistency, safety, and accurate dosing. Freedom Road offers an exceptional selection of concentrate products, from distillate and vape products to shatter, wax, and live resin.

Here’s everything you need to know about marijuana concentrates, from how they work and what to expect when you consume them to the array of products you can explore.

Uncovering Cannabis Concentrates

Cannabis concentrates are products derived from cannabis plants, produced by extracting the most desirable elements—like the cannabinoids and terpenes responsible for certain sensations or effects—from the raw plant material. Because this process draws out the most potent parts of the cannabis plant without any plant material and without reducing or diluting those components, the resulting concentrate is much more potent; a much lower dosage of a concentrate can achieve the same effect as a higher volume of cannabis bud or flower.

Concentrated cannabinoids and terpenes are extracted from the cannabis plants through one of two methods: solventless or solvent-based.  The majority of cannabis concentrate products–which are also commonly called extracts–are produced using solvent-based extraction, and include shatter, wax, and resin, as well as CO2 and distillate oils. Solventless extraction is typically used for rosin and hash.

You can also visit our Cannabis Product FAQ page for more information on cannabis concentrates.

7 Common Cannabis Concentrate Products

The type of process used to create a product is what gives a particular concentrate its unique properties. Some of the most common types of cannabis concentrates include:

1. Hash. One of the oldest forms of concentrates, hash is made by separating the resin glands (which are called trichomes) from the plant. Once the resin is collected, it’s pressed into a solid block or made into a paste.
2. Kief. Similar to hash, kief consists of trichomes. However, kief is usually powdery instead, and it is collected using a grinder with a special screen to filter out larger particles.
3. BHO (Butane Hash Oil) or Butane Honey Oil. This concentrate is made by using butane as a solvent to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis. The resulting oil can have various consistencies, such as shatter, wax, budder, or oil, which are all terms that essentially describe the physical experience of touching the concentrate. Shatter, for example, shatters when touched like a soft wax with a hard shell, while oil is viscous, and so on.
4. CO2 Oil. CO2 Oil is produced using carbon dioxide (CO2) is used as the solvent instead of butane. This process is considered safer than BHO extraction and typically results in a higher-quality oil.
5. Rosin/SHO. Rosin (also called SHO, or solventless hash oil) is made by applying heat and pressure to the cannabis plant, causing the trichomes to release their resin. The collected rosin is sticky, almost like sap. The heat activates the cannabinoids, so rosin does not need to be heated again to be enjoyed.
6. Distillate. Cannabis distillate is a highly refined concentrate that separates and purifies specific cannabinoids that people are looking for. This is what you’ll often find in vape cartridges and edibles.
7. Live Resin. This concentrate is made from freshly harvested cannabis plants that have been frozen to keep them as new as possible. The freezing process helps preserve the plant’s terpenes, resulting in a flavorful and aromatic concentrate.

For more information on Freedom Road concentrates, including our product and brand selection as well as use guidelines and benefits, visit our product page.

The Right Way to Consume Marijuana Concentrates

Cannabis concentrates are known for how strong they can be, with potency ranging from 50% to 90% or even higher concentrations of THC. Due to their strength, concentrates are typically used in very small amounts, offering a more intense and immediate experience as compared to other consumption methods like smoking. With concentrates, it’s important to always start very low and slow to avoid adverse effects.

How to Use Dab-Compatible Concentrates: Shatter, Wax, and Live Resin

Using shatter, wax, and live resin requires some accessories, but it’s fairly straightforward.

1. Choose the right equipment. You’ll need a dab rig, which is a glass water pipe (sort of like a bong) with a nail or banger attachment, a butane torch, a dabber tool, and a carb cap (if you’d like one).
2. Prepare the rig. Fill the water chamber of the dab rig with a small amount of water; this way, hits will be smooth and filtered. Then, heat the nail (the part where you put the concentrate) with the torch until it’s red hot. Let it cool for a few seconds to reach the optimal temperature (usually around 315-550 degrees Fahrenheit).
3. Dose. While the nail is cooling, use the dabber tool to pick up a small piece of shatter, wax, or live resin. When dosing, start small, since concentrates like shatter are potent. You can always add more, but you can’t undo what you’ve already consumed.
4. Apply the concentrate. Once the nail has reached the desired temperature, place the concentrate onto the hot surface. The heat will instantly vaporize the material, turning it into a thick smoke.
5. Inhale. Begin inhaling slowly through the mouthpiece. If you have a carb cap, you can put it on top of the nail to help control the airflow and keep the heat in.

How to Use SHO (Solventless Hash Oil)

Either a dab rig or a vaporizer can be used to consume solventless hash oil.

1. Gather your equipment. You’ll need a dab rig or a vaporizer specifically designed for concentrates, a dab tool (or your preferred way to handle the rosin), and a heat source (a butane torch is a common choice).
2. Prepare the dab rig or vaporizer. If you’re using a dab rig, fill the water chamber with just a little water for filtration purposes. If you have a vaporizer, clean it before you use it.
3. Portion it. Use the dab tool you picked earlier to scoop up a small amount of rosin. Start with a rice grain-sized amount, because SHO can be quite strong, especially if this is your first time.
4. Heat the nail or vaporizer. As with shatter and other concentrates, heat the nail to the appropriate temperature.
5. Apply the SHO. Place the rosin onto the heated nail or into the vaporizer chamber. Be careful! Remember that many of these elements are hot.
6. Inhale slowly. When using a dab rig, inhale gently through the mouthpiece while touching the rosin to the nail. If you’re using a vaporizer, read the instructions that came with the device.
7. Exhale. Take your time and exhale slowly. Wait for a little while before taking another pull so that you can see how the SHO is affecting you, since it’s so strong.

How to Use Distillate

Distillate usually comes in syringes or cartridges, but to use a rig, you’ll specifically need a syringe so that you can apply the concentrate to the nail. Once you have the syringe, using distillate is the same as shatter, live resin, and SHO or wax. Simply apply the distillate (using the syringe) to the prepared hot nail and enjoy.

How to Use Vape Cartridges or Pens

If operating a dab rig doesn’t appeal to you or seems inconvenient, there are cannabis concentrate options that use vaping exclusively. To use a vape cartridge or vape pen:

1. Charge the vape pen. Before using your vape pen, make sure it’s charged. Most vape pens come with a USB charging cable, and using a vape that isn’t fully charged could leave your pen out of power halfway through your session.
2. Attach the cartridge. The cartridge attaches directly to the battery. Most cartridges have a threaded connection that screws into the battery area.
3. Turn on the pen. Some vape pens only require a single button press to turn on, while others have more complex steps. The user manual will explain (often with pictures!) how yours works. The pen will not usually warm up in your hands once it’s on.
4. Enjoy. Once the vape pen is turned on and the cartridge is attached, simply inhale through the mouthpiece. This is what activates the heating element, vaporizing the cannabis concentrate for use.

For more ideas on how to enjoy your Freedom Road cannabis concentrates, check out what our budtenders have to say. 

Choose High-Quality Concentrates from Freedom Road for Your Next Cannabis Experience

At Freedom Road, we believe the road to relief or recreation–and everything in between–looks different for everyone, and that’s why we’re committed to helping every customer find the perfect product for an exceptional cannabis experience. Our staff of friendly and knowledgeable budtenders is here to help educate and empower you to make the best, most informed decision so you can purchase your next cannabis concentrate with confidence.

Visit us at any of our Oklahoma City or Trinidad locations today and let us help you on your journey to a happier, healthier life.

 

How to Use Topical Cannabis

Topicals are cannabis-infused products like lotions, balms, oils, and salves that are applied to the body and absorbed through the epidermis, where cannabinoids and terpenes interact with the endocannabinoid system. Topicals are discreet and easy to use and generally don’t produce any of the psychoactive effects of other methods of cannabis consumption, making them ideal for relieving soreness, pain, or inflammation in the joints or muscles, as well as skin irritations and eczema.

Because of their convenience, inconspicuousness, and non-psychoactive effects, cannabis topicals often appeal to a broader range of people than smoking, concentrates, or edibles, and they can benefit almost anyone, allowing even the most casual consumer to experience the relaxing effects of cannabis. The topical products at Freedom Road are carefully selected and sourced from trusted partners, and clearly labeled with the type and concentration of cannabinoids as well as any added ingredients, so you can be confident you’re purchasing topicals of the highest quality.

Here’s everything you need to know about topicals, including how they work, how to use them, and why they’re a great option for people for whom other methods of cannabis consumption may not be ideal.

Talking About Cannabis Topicals

Topicals are a discreet and easy way to enjoy cannabis, available in a variety of products including lotions, creams, salves, balms, oils, and bath bombs. They are applied to the skin, where the cannabinoids are absorbed through the epidermis. Once absorbed, the chemicals and terpenes in the topical interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in your body, a complex series of signaling mechanisms that the body uses to regulate the perception of things like pain, inflammation, and the immune response. The cannabinoids in topicals bind to certain ECS receptors, so they can’t accept other types of input. 

A good analogy is a golf ball on a tee. Once the ball is there to take up space–the cannabinoid has attached to a receptor–you can’t put a different ball there–like a pain indicator–because the tee is taken. This is why cannabis topicals are commonly used to provide temporary relief for problems like muscle soreness, joint pain, inflammation, skin irritation, and even some dermatological conditions like eczema.

Different cannabinoids can be used to treat specific conditions, and most cannabis topicals belong to one of three main categories of terpene and cannabinoid profiles:

• Full spectrum, which contain a variety of terpenes (flavor and aroma compounds) and cannabinoids
• Broad spectrum, which contain a similar variety but without any THC
• CBD isolates, which contain only cannabidiol (CBD) 

With the exception of transdermal patches, the cannabinoids in most topicals don’t penetrate deeply enough to reach the bloodstream and they don’t need to go through the blood or digestive system in order to work, so topicals are ideal for people who want targeted relief without the euphoric or intoxicating effects of consuming cannabis through smoking, vaping, or ingesting edibles.

For more on how cannabis topicals work and are made, visit our product FAQs here or our topical product page.

General Tips for Using Cannabis Topicals

Topicals offer a simple and inconspicuous way to target pain or other problems without experiencing other effects of cannabis, like heavy relaxation or euphoric inspiration.

The effects of cannabis topicals on your skin will depend on the conditions the topical was formatted to treat, the type of base, and the concentration of cannabinoids. For example, a topical for relieving localized pain may produce a warm, tingling sensation. Another may deliver a cooling effect. Most cannabis topicals can provide relief in as little as 10 minutes.

If you’d like to feel a little more intense effect but don’t want to go full-on with a vape or edible, transdermal patches can achieve more substantial penetration. If you try this method, you might experience some cerebral or psychoactive effects.

How to Use Lotion and Balms

To get the most out of your topical cannabis products like lotions, salves, and balms, be sure to:

1. Clean the area. To make sure that the topical can penetrate into the skin, the area will need to be clean. Use a mild soap to wash the area to get rid of oil, dirt, or whatever else might be on your skin. Then pat it dry before applying the topical.
2. Determine the dosage. Read the product label or instructions to determine how much to use. Start with a small amount, especially if you are new to using cannabis topicals. You can always apply more later, but you can’t take back what you’ve already put on.
3. Apply the product. Take a small amount of lotion or balm and gently massage it into the area. Rub it in until it’s absorbed by the skin. Don’t use topicals on sensitive spots like open injuries, fresh scars, or the area around your eyes and mouth.
4. Wash your hands. After applying the cannabis lotion or balm, wash your hands thoroughly with warm water to remove any residual product. 
5. Wait. The effects of cannabis topicals are typically localized and may take some time before you feel anything happening. Be patient; like edibles, topicals don’t take effect right away.
6. Monitor results. Pay attention to how the product affects your body and whether you feel better (or worse). Adjust the dosage if needed, or apply more or less often.

How to Use Oils, Bath Bombs, and Bath Salts

Like lotions and balms, topicals like oils and bath bombs or salts will also be absorbed through the skin. Here’s how to use them:

1. Fill your bathtub with warm water to your desired level. Remember—hot water can dehydrate you quickly, so there’s no need to bring it all the way up to your neck unless you want to.
2. Drop the cannabis-infused oil or bath bomb into the water, or sprinkle in the recommended amount of bath salts. Bombs will dissolve on their own, releasing the cannabis compounds into the bathwater. Salts should be stirred to help them dissolve and mix the cannabis evenly into the water.
3. Relax and enjoy your bath for about 20 or 30 minutes to allow your skin to absorb the cannabinoids. Try not to get the water in your mouth, ears, or eyes.
4. When you’re done with your bath, dab yourself dry. It’s safe to drain cannabis-infused water like normal. If you wear contact lenses, be sure to thoroughly wash your hands and fingers before reinserting them after the bath, because the oil from certain cannabis-based bath products can cause contacts to become cloudy.

How to Use Patches

Cannabis patches, also known as transdermal patches, are a more potent type of topical. Unlike other topical products, patches deliver cannabinoids to the bloodstream, so patches with a high enough THC content could produce intoxicating and/or psychoactive effects similar to smoking.  To safely and properly use a cannabis patch:

1. Select the application site. Choose a place on your body where the skin is thin and free of hair. Some good spots include the inner wrist, top of the foot, inner forearm, upper arm, or upper back. Avoid areas of irritation or sensitive skin.
2. Clean the skin. Just like with lotion, be sure you’re applying the patch to clean skin. If you’ve just cleaned it, make sure it’s dry before putting the patch on.
3. Peel the patch. Carefully remove the protective liner from the cannabis patch to expose the adhesive side.
4. Apply the patch. Gently press the adhesive side of the patch onto the selected area. Press down firmly to ensure it sticks to your skin, and run your fingers around the edges to reduce the risk of accidental peeling.
5. Avoid touching the patch. Try not to touch the patch once it’s in place so that you don’t accidentally transfer cannabinoids to your hands.
6. Wash your hands. Just to be safe, wash your hands after applying the patch. This way, you won’t have to worry about cross-contamination.
7. Follow instructions. Each cannabis patch may have specific instructions regarding how long to use the patch and when to replace it. Follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer for the best results.
8. Dispose of properly. Once you’re done wearing the patch, remove it and dispose of it properly according to local regulations. Most dispensaries will be able to provide you with useful information regarding the proper disposal of your cannabis patch.

For more on how to use Freedom Road cannabis topicals, visit our blog, or check out what our budtenders have to say. 

Trust Freedom Road for High-Quality Cannabis Topicals

At Freedom Road, we believe there’s a perfect cannabis topical for everyone, and we’re here to help you find yours. We offer free samples of many of our products so you can get an idea of what it feels like or what kind of sensation it delivers before you buy, while our experienced and knowledgeable staff can guide you through our extensive selection and determine your best dosage for optimal results.

We refresh our inventory of cannabis topicals regularly, so you’re always guaranteed to find your standbys alongside popular favorites, hard-to-finds, and something a little new. Stop by one of our Oklahoma City or Trinidad locations today and discover the convenience of cannabis topicals.