Can You Get A Hangover From Smoking or Consuming Edibles?


August 9, 2017

Can You Get A Hangover From Smoking or Consuming Edibles?
Everyone knows that you can get an unpleasant hangover after a night of drinking alcohol, but what about after smoking weed or consuming edibles? Believe it or not, it’s possible to get a weed hangover. Here’s what you need to know:

Symptoms of a Hangover

The symptoms of a hangover caused by smoking weed or consuming edibles from Denver marijuana dispensaries are typically not as intense as the symptoms of a hangover caused by alcohol. Some of the most common symptoms include headaches, dry eyes, foggy memories, nausea, and fatigue. Some people never experience hangovers after consuming marijuana and others will experience hangovers after every use.


What Causes These Symptoms?

Similar to drinking alcohol, people tend to experience weed hangovers after consuming a significant amount of marijuana. However, hangovers are often linked solely to consuming strains that are high in THC. Strains that are high in CBD may not lead to any of the unpleasant side effects listed above. This is because of the half life of THC, which is the cannabinoid that produces the euphoric high you experience after smoking marijuana. THC has a long half life, so it can still affect you long after the psychoactive high has vanished.

The effects of THC are even more intense when you consume edibles instead of smoking marijuana. This is because the liver turns THC into a more potent chemical known as THC-COOH, so the effects of this cannabinoid are greater. In addition, it may take a full day for your body to finish digesting the edibles that you consumed. As more is digested, more THC will be metabolized by the liver and released into your system. The result? You may end up feeling hungover after eating too many edibles. Learn more about what happens in the liver when you eat edibles.

Common Cures for Weed Hangovers

If you’re not feeling great after consuming edibles or smoking marijuana, there are a few things you can do to treat your hangover. First, drink plenty of water to rehydrate your body and flush out your system. You can also try to go back to sleep to give your body more time to finish processing the THC. Unfortunately, hitting the snooze button isn’t always an option when you have places to go. If you have a hangover but you have to get up and moving, try taking a hot shower or exercising for 20-30 minutes instead. Another option would be to consume a small amount of marijuana that is high in CBD. CBD is another cannabinoid, but this one doesn’t produce a high like THC. In fact, it has been proven that CBD counteracts the effects of THC, so consuming a small amount of this cannabinoid may help you recover from your hangover.

For more information related to all things cannabis, stop by Altitude Dispensary, one of the best Denver marijuana dispensaries. Our knowledgeable budtenders can help you find the right medical or recreational product to suit your needs. Contact Altitude Dispensary for more information today!
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How To Measure A Dose of Concentrates and Oils For Dabbing


August 2, 2017

How To Measure A Dose of Concentrates and Oils For Dabbing
If you’re an experienced smoker and you’ve consumed edibles before, you may think that trying concentrates or oils is no different, but that’s not the case. Concentrates and oils are very different than other forms, and unfortunately, these products often don’t contain dosing information on the labels. Because of this, it’s important to learn how to measure a dose before you try dabbing with concentrates or oils for the first time. Follow these tips:

Read the packaging.

Concentrates and oils are typically sold by the gram or half gram. The first thing that you should do is read the packaging to determine how much of the product is inside. Then, look for information on the product’s potency. The label should tell you how much THC is used in the product so you have a better idea of how potent it is. Potency is expressed as a percentage, and most concentrates will fall between 60-90% total cannabinoids. The higher that the potency percentage is, the less of the product you should use for your first time.

Break up the product.

Once you know the potency, you should be able to figure out how to divide the product into single serving sizes. Single servings of edibles contain 10mg of cannabinoids, so your goal should be to break up the concentrate into individual units that each contain 10mg of cannabinoids. How can you do this? Let’s say the concentrate has a 60% potency. This means there is 600mg of cannabinoids per gram. If the concentrate is sold by the gram, you can divide it into six portions that each contain 100mg of cannabinoids. Then, break down one of these pieces even further so you have 10 small pieces that each contain around 10mg of cannabinoids. See why THC dosage for concentrates can be sticky business.

Some concentrates are more difficult to break apart than others. Shatter is among one of the most challenging to break up, but if you’re struggling, simply heat up a dabbing tool and use it to split the concentrate. Choose a dabbing tool with a broad tip instead of one with a pointed or scooped end to make it even easier.

Start small.

The concentrates sold at the best dispensary in Denver, Altitude Dispensary, are much more potent than other forms of marijuana. As a result, dabbing even a small amount of these concentrates could be enough to give you a strong high. If this is your first time dabbing, start off slow and work your way up to a bigger dose. It’s recommended that you begin by using a piece of the concentrate that is about the size of a grain of rice. This may seem like nothing, but you may be surprised at how little it takes to affect you.

For more information related to all things cannabis, stop by Altitude Dispensary, the best dispensary in Denver. Our knowledgeable budtenders can help you find the right medical or recreational product to suit your needs. Contact Altitude Dispensary for more information today!
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How Long Will These Marijuana Products Last?


July 26, 2017

How Long Will These Marijuana Products Last?
It’s important to learn the lifespan of your favorite edibles, concentrates, and other products so you know how long you have to use them before they should be thrown away. Here’s a helpful guide to reference the next time you’re wondering about whether a product is still good enough to use:

Concentrates

Over time, cannabis concentrates from weed shops in Denver will begin to lose their color. If you have concentrates that have darkened and become murky, you may question whether they are still safe to consume. There is no expiration date on concentrates, so they won’t go bad like a carton of milk will after a certain number of days. However, they will lose potency. Concentrates that have started to change color or crumble when you touch them are not nearly as potent as they once were. It’s up to you whether you want to use them anyway, or just toss them and buy fresh products. Learn more about the concentrate shelf life.

Cannabis

Similar to concentrates, the longer that you leave cannabis laying around, the less potent it will become. One study found that cannabis loses about 17% of its potency after being kept at room temperature for a period of one year. However, the cannabis will experience a more significant drop in potency if it is exposed to heat, high levels of humidity, and light. The cannabis may look and feel different as it is left to dry out. It’s very likely that cannabis that has not been consumed after several months will look browner than it initially was and will crumble when you touch it.

Edibles

Edibles are a food product, so they should have a printed expiration date on the package. This is not the date that the cannabis will go bad, but rather the date that other ingredients used to make the product will. For example, edibles that contain eggs cannot be eaten past the expiration date of the eggs even though the cannabis content may still be safe to eat. Because of this, it’s important to pay close attention to the expiration date on your edibles. If you happen to find loose edibles at the bottom of your handbag or in one of your jacket’s pocket, don’t consume them if you do not know when they expire.

Topicals

There typically won’t be expiration dates on topical products. However, many topical manufacturers recommend using their products within one year of purchasing them to achieve the most effective results. The product may lose some of its potency within this time, but it should still be effective in relieving pain in a targeted area. If you open the topical container and notice a strange smell, color, or consistency, it’s best not to apply it to your skin.

For more information on cannabis products, stop by Altitude Dispensary, one of the best weed shops in Denver. Our knowledgeable budtenders can help you find the right medical or recreational product to suit your needs. Contact Altitude Dispensary for more information today!
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How to Make Edibles Kick In Faster


July 19, 2017

How to Make Edibles Kick In Faster
​Many people enjoy consuming edibles, but they may not like having to wait up to two hours to feel the effects. If you want to ensure your edibles kick in faster, follow these tips:

Look for Fast-Acting Edibles

Due to high consumer demand, some manufacturers have started to produce edibles that are designed to kick in much faster than traditional edibles. These companies are using innovative techniques to alter the composition of edibles and ensure that marijuana hits your bloodstream as quickly as possible. Talk to the budtenders at the Denver dispensary you visit to find out if these products are in stock. Learn how fast-acting edibles are getting people high at lightning speeds.

Empty Stomach

If you want edibles to kick in faster, consume them on an empty stomach so they can enter your bloodstream quickly. However, this is never advised for people who have not consumed edibles before. If you are new to consuming edibles, then eat a full meal before your first time to ensure you do not experience an intense, uncomfortable high.

Buy Drinks

Consider drinking your cannabis instead of eating it if you want the high to kick in faster. Liquids pass through your digestive tract much faster than solid foods, so they should hit your bloodstream quicker, too. There are countless different marijuana-infused beverages on the market, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that sounds appealing to you at a local dispensary.

Increased Metabolism

If you have a fast metabolism, your body will digest the edible faster and you will experience the effects of a high more quickly. Therefore, it may be a good idea for frequent edible consumers to speed up their metabolisms so they have a more enjoyable experience with edibles. However, this is not a quick fix. Increasing your metabolism involves committing to living a healthy lifestyle. It’s possible to slowly speed up your metabolism over time by working out on a regular basis, eating healthy, and getting enough sleep every night.

Drink Caffeine

Research has shown that caffeine can give your metabolism a boost, so drinking a caffeinated beverage as you consume an edible could be enough to temporarily increase your metabolism. Drink a glass of green tea or a cup of coffee as you enjoy your next edible to see if it helps speed up the digestion process so you can feel the high effect faster.

Consider Alternatives

If you’re unhappy with the amount of time it takes for an edible to kick in, you may want to consider exploring other options the next time you visit a dispensary. For instance, tinctures are cannabis extracts that will quickly hit your system if placed underneath your tongue. This is a great alternative for people who don’t want to wait for edibles but don’t want to smoke cannabis either.

For more information on edibles, stop by Altitude Dispensary, a Denver dispensary. Our knowledgeable budtenders can help you find the right medical or recreational product to suit your needs. Contact Altitude Dispensary for more information today!
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The Potential Side Effects of Smoking High-THC Strains


July 12, 2017

The Potential Side Effects of Smoking High-THC Strains
Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the cannabinoid that produces the high feeling that many people love. The side effects that you may experience from THC will vary. In general, the effects are more intense if you consume a strain that has a high concentration of THC. Here are some of the side effects that you may experience after smoking a high-THC strain:

Munchies

THC activates areas of the brain that are associated with hunger. Because of this, it’s normal to have the munchies after smoking a strain from a Denver dispensary that has a high concentration of THC. Learn about the science of munchies: why does cannabis stimulate your appetite?

Drowsiness

High-THC strains can also make you feel tired or lethargic. This is great for people who are smoking marijuana in order to relax or get a good night’s sleep, but if you’re trying to stay focused or be productive, this can be an annoying side effect.

Paranoia

Not everyone who smokes high-THC strains will experience paranoia, but it’s a possibility. The higher the concentration of THC, the more likely it becomes that you will experience some degree of paranoia or anxiety after smoking.

Dry Mouth

THC attaches to cannabinoid receptors in the mouth and decreases the amount of saliva that is produced by your salivary glands. As a result, it’s normal to experience dry mouth after smoking high-THC strains.

Red Eyes

If you plan on smoking a strain that is high in THC, it’s best to keep eye drops handy so you can treat your dry, red eyes. THC causes your blood pressure to lower and the blood vessels in your eyes to dilate, which leads to red eyes. If you’re around other people that don’t know that you smoke, your red eyes could be a dead giveaway that you have recently lit up.

Learning How to Avoid These Negative Side Effects

You may not mind a case of the munchies or a high-THC strain that will help you unwind after work, but no one wants to experience paranoia or dry mouth. How can you enjoy your favorite high-THC strain without experiencing the negative side effects? It helps to start with a low dose and work your way up to ensure you don’t take in too much THC at once. Take a few inhales and then wait to see how the THC affects you before smoking again. In low doses, THC won’t cause the unappealing side effects, so by taking it slow, you could completely avoid paranoia, dry mouth, and extreme drowsiness.

Another option would be to find a strain that also contains a significant amount of CBD, which is another cannabinoid. CBD can counteract the effects of THC, so if you find a strain that has equal amounts of both of these cannabinoids, you may have a more pleasant experience.

If you want to find the strain that is perfect for you, stop by Altitude Dispensary, a Denver dispensary. Our knowledgeable budtenders can help you find the right medical or recreational product to suit your needs. Contact Altitude Dispensary for more information today!
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