Cannabis 101

Your Guide to Cannabis Products

New to medical cannabis in Maine? Here's a plain-English primer to help you choose with confidence — and our budtenders are always happy to help in person.

Strain Types

Indica, Sativa & Hybrid — What's the Difference?

Indica

Known for relaxing, body-focused effects. Many patients reach for indica in the evening to unwind, ease physical discomfort, or support sleep.

Sativa

Known for uplifting, cerebral effects. Often chosen for daytime use, focus, creativity, and a mood boost.

Hybrid

A blend of both, balanced toward indica or sativa depending on the strain. A flexible starting point for many patients.

Effects vary person to person and depend on more than strain type — cannabinoid and terpene content matter too. Ask our team what fits your goals.

Product Types

Ways to Consume

Flower

The dried, cured cannabis bud — smoked or vaporized. The most traditional way to consume, with the widest strain selection.

Pre-Rolls

Ready-to-go joints rolled with flower. Convenient for first-timers who don’t want to roll their own.

Vaporizers

Cartridges and disposables that heat cannabis oil into vapor. Discreet, portable, and fast-acting.

Concentrates

Potent extracts like live resin, rosin, and wax. Higher THC — best for experienced patients.

Edibles

Cannabis-infused foods and drinks. Longer-lasting effects, no smoking required — dose carefully (see below).

Tinctures

Liquid drops taken under the tongue. Precise, smoke-free dosing that acts faster than edibles.

Topicals

Balms, lotions, and salves applied to the skin for localized relief — typically non-intoxicating.

CBD Products

Non-intoxicating options for patients who want relief without a pronounced “high.”

Edibles & Dosing: Start Low, Go Slow

Edibles are longer-lasting but slower to kick in — effects can take 30 to 90 minutes and last several hours. New patients should start with a low dose (around 2.5–5 mg THC), then wait a full two hours before taking more. It's easy to take another; it's impossible to take less.

THC vs. CBD

THC is the compound responsible for cannabis's intoxicating effects and much of its pain, nausea, and appetite relief. CBD is non-intoxicating and is often used for calm, inflammation, and balance — many patients use the two together. Ask about the ratio that fits your needs.

Still Have Questions? Ask Our Budtenders

This guide is general education, not medical advice — always consult your healthcare provider about your specific needs. Our knowledgeable staff in Winslow and Portland can help you find the right product, dose, and format for your goals.