Handling Cannabis Goods
Any amount of cannabis or cannabis products within an individual’s place of residence must be kept out of reach of children. Sweet Flower recommends that cannabis goods are locked in a secured place away from children and pets. To preserve the quality of cannabis goods, store them in a dark, dry, and cool place.
Like alcohol, consumers may not have an open container of cannabis goods in the passenger area of their vehicle. An “open container” includes a package with its seal broken or a package from which the contents have been partially removed.
Cannabis consumption is not permitted in or around Sweet Flower Chico’s retail premises.
Overview of Cannabis Strains and Cannabinoids
The documented use of cannabis dates back thousands of years. Cannabis comes in many different forms such as dried flower, oils, tinctures, topicals, and cannabis infused products (“CIPs”) in edible or concentrate form. Each strain of cannabis contains different types of cannabinoids with varying effects. Sweet Flower offers several different strains of cannabis to accommodate the needs of every consumer.
Cannabis is typically classified into three categories: Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid. Each category is made up of a variety of strains, all with different cannabinoid makeups or profiles:
- Sativas are reported to increase energy and appetite while also elevating the consumer’s mood and focus. It is generally recommended for daytime use.
- Indicas are reported to promote relaxation as well as reduce anxiety and promote sleep. Indicas are usually recommended for evening use.
- Hybrid strains are produced when cultivators cross-breed different indica and sativa strains to maintain the desired traits and breed out the undesired to meet specific needs.
Although the cannabis plant contains a number of cannabinoids, the cannabis goods offered by Sweet Flower primarily contain the following cannabinoids:
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”), which is known to produce psychoactive effects or the feeling of being “high.” Apart from its recreational use, it can be used to relieve pain, reduce vomiting and nausea, reduce inflammation, aid sleep, reduce muscle spasms, relieve anxiety, and stimulate the consumer’s appetite.
- Cannabidiol (“CBD”) is another cannabinoid with varying benefits that produces very little to no psychoactive effects or “high.” Reported therapeutic uses include pain relief, killing or slowing bacteria growth, reducing blood sugar levels, reducing seizures, relieving anxiety, and inhibiting tumor and cancer growth.
Other cannabinoids such as Cannabichromene (“CBC”), Cannabigerol (“CBG”), Cannabinol (“CBN”), Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (“THCA”), and Tetrahydrocannabivarin (“THCV”) are reported to have varying benefits as well. Some of these benefits include suppression of appetite, aiding sleep, reducing risk of artery blockage, nervous system protectants, suppressing muscle spasms, modulating the immune system, and relieving pain.
Products Offered
Sweet Flower offers a broad range of products and is constantly updating its selection. Sweet Flower’s daily menu is available online at: www.sweetflower.com. Below is a description of the various cannabis goods that will be offered at Sweet Flower Chico.
Cannabis Flower for Smoking and Vaporizing
- A wide variety of cannabis strains and products for consumption by smoking, including wihtout limitation pre-packaged cannabis flower, pre-rolls, and vaporizers.
- Strains will be consistently available and reviewed on an ongoing basis based on feedback from consumers and overall demand.
Cannabis Infused Products (CIPs)
- Cannabis products intended to be used orally, in whole or in part, for human consumption, such as chocolates, beverages, lozenges, and products that dissolve or disintegrate in the mouth.
- CIPs provide an attractive alternative to smoking. In many cases, CIPs offer a longer lasting effect.
Tinctures
- A tinctures is a solution of cannabis extract, derived either directly from the cannabis plant or from a manufactured cannabis extract, dissolved in alcohol, glycerin, or vegetable oils (anywhere from 30-180 days).
- Tinctures are easy to administer, discreet, and are not intimidating for elderly consumers or consumers who have difficulty swallowing.
- Tinctures are limited to 2 fluids ounces in size and include a calibrated droper for measuring a single serving. As a result, doses are easily measured and tend to be more consistent than edibles.
Topicals
- Ointments, sprays, lotions, transdermal patches and balms for topical application.
- Topicals have a delayed onset effect but can last for up to eight (8) hours for some consumers.
- Topical cannabis products generally have no psychoactive effect or “high.”
Concentrates
- Products that contain cannabis that has undergone a process to concentrate one or more active cannabinoids, thereby increasing the product’s potency.
- Cannabis concentrates include hash, oils, tablets, and waxes designed for consumers who prefer to smoke or vaporize small amounts of highly concentrated cannabis to receive the complete effect.
- Concentrates allow for a fast onset without the need to smoke excessive amounts of cannabis.
Cannabis Accessories
- Classic vaporizers, portable vaporizers, vaporizer pens, volcano vaporizers, digital vaporizers, water pipes, smoking pipes, and rolling papers.
- Different forms of cannabis require different paraphernalia for consumption and use. Sweet Flower will offer a wide range of options allowing consumers to determine the consumption method that meets individual needs.
- Grinders, scales, rolling machines, rolling trays, rolling boxes, rolling mats, filters, cleaning accessories, and lighters.
- Any other accessories that assist consumers with the safe and secure storage, consumption, rationing, titration, and dosing of the various forms of cannabis.
Methods for Use
There are many ways to administer cannabis to achieve a desired effect, and there are a number of factors that impact the effects felt by each consumer. Cannabis can be inhaled by smoking or vaping, ingested orally in the form of tinctures, oils, edibles, or applied topically.
- Smoking cannabis is the most popular consumption method and has the quickest effect. As the user inhales, the cannabinoids are introduced into the bloodstream, having an almost instant effect. The effects can last anywhere from
ninety (90) minutes to several hours, and peak effects are usually felt after thirty (30) minutes.
- Vaporizing is an alternative way to inhale cannabis . Rather than smoking, vaporizing or “vaping” involves heating the cannabis flower or concentrates to a temperature that produces vapor without combustion. Vapor contains lower levels of harmful carcinogens and tars that are often present in smoke. After smoking or vaping cannabis, consumers should wait at least thirty (30) minutes before increasing their dose.
- Ingesting cannabis is a popular administration method for consumers who prefer not to smoke or vape and are looking for longer lasting effects. Usually, food products such as chocolates, lozenges, or beverage products are infused with cannabis for consumption. These products are referred to as Cannabis Infused Products or “CIPs.” New users should start with a small dose and wait two (2) hours before increasing the dosage. Consumers should consult with their physicians regarding a proper cannabis dose for CIP consumption.
- Some consumers can achieve the desired effect of cannabis by applying cannabis products directly to their skin. With topicals, the cannabis is absorbed through the skin in order to achieve the desired effect. Often, topicals do not produce psychoactive effects or a “high” for consumers.
Dosage & Labeling
- Different products will vary in potency, cannabinoid profile, and effects. Consumers should experiment to find the ideal dose for their desired effect and are encouraged to keep a log of consumption, methods, and effects. A consumer’s tolerance will vary based on a variety of factors that include weight, body chemistry, and metabolism. All cannabis products will be tested for regulatory compliance and clearly labeled to ensure consistent dosing and packaging.
- When using CIPs or cannabis concentrates, it is important for consumers to wait the appropriate amount of time before consuming more to reach a desired effect. Consumers should start with a low dose and should not increase it until they know the impact and the timing it takes to reach such impact. A common mistake with CIP or concentrate consumption is taking too high of an initial dose. Such mistakes can be avoided if consumers “start low and go slow” and carefully monitor the effects.
- When consuming CIPs, it is recommended that consumers do so on a full stomach in order to decrease the intensity of the effects. It is also recommended
that consumers do not use cannabis goods in conjunction with alcohol or other drugs or operate a vehicle or machinery while using cannabis.
- There may be additional health risks associated with consumption of cannabis for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Cannabis use by individuals under 25 years of age may cause problems with brain development.
- The labels on cannabis goods will outline the product’s cannabinoid profile and dosage information. Consumers should carefully read the labels before purchasing and using cannabis goods to ensure they have the correct and desired products and dosage.
- A Sweet Flower team member is always available to help or answer any consumer questions regarding the cannabis goods offered by Swee Flower.
Safety
- Cannabis products should be kept in their original child-resistant/tamper-evident packaging and stored separately from other food.
- Consumers should speak with a healthcare provider before using cannabis , especially if they are using medication.
- Consumers have reported a variety of side effects associated with the use of cannabis and cannabis products including dry mouth, dizziness, paranoia, anxiety, slowed reaction times, and impaired motor skills. Please note that side effects can vary for different consumers.
- The use of cannabis or cannabis products may impair a person’s ability to drive a motor vehicle or operate heavy machinery.
- The use of cannabis and cannabis products is strictly prohibited on or near Sweet Flower’s retail premises.
- Cannabis goods should be kept away from children and stored under lock and key to avoid accidental ingestion.
Tolerance, Dependence, & Withdrawal
Although different drugs have different physical effects, the symptoms of addiction are similar. If you recognize the signs and symptoms of substance abuse, consider talking
to someone about your drug use. Some examples of signs and symptoms of substance abuse are:
Neglecting responsibilities at school, work, or home because of drug use; Using drugs under dangerous conditions or taking risks while high; An increase in drug tolerance;
Taking drugs to avoid or relieve withdrawal symptoms, which may include nausea, sweating, shakiness, and extreme anxiety;
Causing problems in relationships;
Abandoning enjoyed activities;
Continue using drugs, despite knowledge of potential and actual harms; or Losing control over drug use.
Physical dependence to cannabis has not been substantiated by extensive research, but frequent or heavy use of cannabis can lead to increased tolerance resulting in the need for higher doses and different strains. For additional information on tolerance, dependence and withdrawal, visit https://drugabuse.com/cannabis -abuse/.
Staff and Resources
- Sweet Flowers’ agents are trained, highly knowledgeable and available to answer questions and provide additional resources about the use of cannabis . We encourage consumers to ask questions when they visit the dispensary, via telephone, and through our website.
- HelpGuide.org is a non-profit dedicated to improving mental and emotional health and provides resources to recognize abuse and addiction. HelpGuide provides a guide to common signs and symptoms of drug abuse and addiction.
- Addictions signs include increased tolerance, using drugs to avoid withdrawal, life revolves around drug use, abandonment of activities previously found to be enjoyable, extended use, and loss of control. For more information about substance abuse and addiction, visit https://www.helpguide.org/home-pages/addictions.htm
Sweet Flower Services
- Sweet Flower team members are available to explain to a consumer how to use cannabis goods and answer any questions the consumer may have about the cannabis goods offered at Sweet Flower Chico.
- On-site consumption, even for demonstration purposes, is strictly prohibited on or around Sweet Flowers’ premises.