Dear Sarah,
I’ve recently been introduced to the world of cannabis tinctures, but I have to admit I don’t know too much about them. I’ve tried a couple of kinds and the directions were to place a couple of dropper-fulls under my tongue so it’s absorbed into my bloodstream through my mouth and gum tissue. Long story short: I was expecting a potent medicated state, but instead got a really mellow, mild overall effect, mostly a really cool mood change, but not much of a cerebral or body high. Is this normal? Do tinctures work differently than edibles and smoking? Not complaining . . . but I’m curious?
—Tincture Timothy
Dear Tincture Timothy,
You’re not alone when it comes to feeling something different than you were expecting to. You see, everyone reacts differently to the same type of medicine (cannabis) and the same dose, no matter if it’s the flowers or a tincture. The reaction is based on what we eat/drink, our height, weight, metabolism, DNA and our endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system refers to a group of neuromodulatory”receptors that are involved in a variety of physiological processes including appetite, pain-sensation, mood, and memory.
Now if you have two different tinctures from two different patient providers, the reaction will also depend on what product and strain(s) they were using to make the tincture. If one tincture is made with Sour Diesel and the other made with Purple Erkle, you could have very different results with each. Also, is it an alcohol- or glycerin-based tincture? That’s very important to know because the results will vary with these ingredients as well. Alcohol can intensify the effect of the tincture and could have adverse effects for patients who don’t drink, like myself. On the other hand, glycerin tinctures aren’t the best form of ingestion for patients with diabetes. The Patient Consultants (Bud-tenders) at collectives should be asking the appropriate questions and teaching their patients about the ingredients, titration and moderation with tinctures and edibles.
Edibles and tinctures are better for insomnia and chronic pain rather than depression and fatigue. They don’t usually give you the psychoactive effect that smoking does. For me, I use edibles and tinctures as appetite stimulants. One bite of vegan medicated chocolate or a couple droppers of a glycerin tincture and about 30 minutes later I can eat a full meal (sometimes everything in my fridge) or take a nap.
Dear Sarah,
I’ve noticed some of the collectives testing their medicine for the potency. How come the strains that look amazing sometimes test at a lower THC level then the strains that look so-so?
~ Confused Cannabis Consumer
Dear Confused Cannabis Consumer,
I guess the real answer is that “you can’t judge a bud by its cover.” This also surprised me the first time I had seen the results of potency testing on a couple different strains. The strain with trichomes shining like diamonds (that’s why I always say trichomes are a girl’s best friend) had 16.3% THC and the other that looked very green and not so shiny had 18% THC. So you can see, until the collective or patient provider (grower) has sent a sample of the strain to a cannabis-testing lab like The Werc Shop (L.A.) or Steep Hill (Oakland), they will only be able to give an assessment of the product based on how it makes them feel and how it looks. After reading the last answer in this column, you know that isn’t the most effective way to test the medicine and tell patients how it will make them feel. Moreover, the art of growing cannabis is one thing, but the art of curing cannabis is the most important part. Even DJ Short has strains that he has cured for over a year!
Dear Sarah,
Where can an Afghanistan veteran find medical cannabis-friendly girls to date in the Orange County/L.A. area?
~ 420 Sergeant
Dear 420 Sergeant,
First, THANK YOU for your bravery and dedication to our country. You are a true hero on so many levels and I would be honored to help you find a cannabis-friendly girl. The Internet may be a shot in the dark, but there are 420-friendly dating sites such as singles420.com and my420friends.com. Having not used them personally, I cannot say whether they are effective, but it could be worth trying—even if it’s just for fun. Attending medical cannabis meetings can be a wonderful way to meet professional cannabis-friendly girls. The L.A. chapter of ASA (AmericansforSafeAccess.org) holds a meeting the third Saturday of every month. Also, there are cannabis expos and events that happen all the time in L.A. and Orange County that can be found with a simple Internet search (i.e. medical marijuana expos in L.A.). I must admit, most of these events are more of a social (recreational) use crowd versus medical use, but there will be girls attending who love cannabis.
Dear Sarah,
What is your New Year’s resolution?
~ Curious CULTURE Reader
Dear Curious CULTURE Reader,
Every year we make these ridiculous goals and they last until about March, then, poof, it’s more of a lost cause or a chore than an aspiration. Most people want to eat healthier or renounce a vice they have. Being that I am a disciplined vegan, who doesn’t drink or smoke cigarettes and has dedicated most of my time to medical cannabis activism; this year my New Year’s resolution is to myself. I would like to spend more time doing things to help me relax. No, I’m not talking about eating more edibles or smoking more indica, although that does sound nice. Really, though, I’m talking about painting, drawing, reading, gardening, visiting art museums and taking walks. It’s been too long since I used my watercolor paints and charcoal or read a book not about cannabis. Living in Hollywood, I walk to most of my destinations, but walking through Griffith Park, hiking in Runyon Canyon or spending the day at The Getty is what I need more of. Recently, I moved to a new place that has a little backyard area and this spring I am going to plant lots of flowers and even some fruit trees. I believe that taking time for yourself is very important. Hope all you CULTURE readers enjoy making your New Year’s resolution as much as I do this year.
Got a burning question about love, life and/or the pursuit of medicine? Ask Sarah Diesel, medical-marijuana advocate and L.A.’s Countess of Class and Cannabis. Just keep your questions short, straightforward and obscenity-free, and email them to AskSarah@freeculturemag.com.
