If you are new to the world of cannabis and the many products associated with it, the sheer number of strains available can seem overwhelming at first. Cannabis strains are the results of growers cross-breeding their plants to amplify certain effects and dampen others by toying with plant shapes and structures, making each strain a truly unique experience in all aspects.

Growers agree that plant structure and shape make quite a difference when it comes to cultivating a strain and that different structures have different effects. Some strains are reported to help more with managing pain, while others are designed to provide a stronger recreational experience. In the end, it is all about trying out different strains and deciding what works best for you.

There are several different ways to consume cannabis, and not all of them involve smoking. Cannabis concentrates, for example, are highly potent processed products that can be used either through a vape, as a tincture or be administered orally. Some of these products are THC-free, while others have a high concentration of it. Because “concentrate” refers to any cannabis product obtained through a refining process, the category can be a rather broad one. There are many different types of concentrates available, each with their own benefits and ways of use.

An increasingly popular means of ingesting cannabis is by eating edibles; baked goods that have ingredients infused with the plant baked right in. Administering cannabis in this way provides a significantly different effect than you would experience while smoking or inhaling. This method is believed to provide a more body-centered effect than others.

The ingredients used to make these delicious products (typically high-fat compounds such as butter or oil) contain highly-concentrated cannabis, and often have the power to provide a strong experience. However, because the effects of these treats take longer to show, it can be difficult to gauge a proper dosage for yourself correctly. When using an edible for the first time, be sure to ask what the dosage is and enjoy your treat gradually to keep your sweet evening from turning sour.

Oils exist at the midway point between concentrates and edible goods. Like a concentrate, cannabis oil can be used in a variety of ways and for a range of different reasons. THC-free CBD oil has become popular in recent years among those looking to treat depression, anxiety, pain, and a number of other problems because of its ease of use and, according to consumers, high effectivity.

CBD oil reportedly helps to soothe these issues with its light sedative effects that can be obtained without a high. There are, of course, many oils that are rich in THC as well. These products may be ingested orally with a capsule, in vapes, or swallowed in their natural forms (liquid). In some cases, they may even be applied directly to the skin, making administration effortless.