Consumer Education

The Law

• Marijuana has not been analyzed or approved by the FDA, there is limited information on side effects, there may be health risks associated with using Marijuana and it should be kept away from children.
• It is illegal to drive or operate heavy machinery while under the influence of marijuana (M.G.L. c. 90, § 24).
• Consumers should speak with a healthcare provider before using marijuana, especially if they are using medications.
• Consumers have reported a variety of side effects associated with the use of marijuana including dry mouth, dizziness, paranoia, anxiety, slowed reactions times, and impaired motor skills. Side effects can vary for different consumers.
• Marijuana consumption is not permitted in public, and furthermore, consumption is not permitted in or around Rebelle’s facilities.
• Consumers may possess on their person up to one ounce of marijuana flower, 500mg of THC in edibles, or five grams of marijuana concentrate. That carry limit is also the purchase per day limit per customer.
• At home, consumers may possess up to 10 ounces of marijuana flower (or its equivalent) that should be kept away from children and locked to avoid accidental ingestion.
• Individuals can only share or gift up to 1 ounce of marijuana flower (or its equivalent) with adults ages 21 and over, without any form of compensation.
• Like alcohol, consumers may not have an open container of adult-use marijuana/marijuana products in the passenger area of their car.
• An “open container” includes a package with its seal broken or a package from which the contents have been partially removed. The “passenger area” does not include a trunk or a locked glove compartment.
• Consumers are not allowed to cross state lines with marijuana or marijuana products.

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 marijuana has not been substantiated by extensive research, but frequent or heavy use of marijuana 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/marijuana-abuse/.

HelpGuide.org is a non-profit dedicated to improving mental and emotional health and provides resources to recognize abuse and addiction. Help Guide provides a guide to common signs and symptoms of drug abuse and addiction. For more information about substance abuse and addiction, visit: https://www.helpguide.org/home-pages/addictions.htm

The Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline can be reached at 800-327-5050. Resources are also available on the Massachusetts Use Helpline website: https://helplinema.org/.

Marijuana Strains & Cannabinoids

Marijuana comes in hundreds of different strains that are constantly changing but are typically classified into four groups: Sativa, Indica, Hybrid, and Cannabidiol (“CBD”). Each group is made up of a variety of strains, all with different cannabinoid profiles, terpenes, and flavonoids.

Sativa: Sativas are reported to increase energy and focus, generally recommended for daytime use.

Indica: Indicas are reported to promote relaxation and promote sleep for evening use.

Hybrid: Hybrid strains are produced when cultivators cross-breed different indica and sativa strains to increase the desired traits and breed out the undesired to meet specific needs.

CBD: CBD strains are uniquely bread to produce higher percentages of CBD with less psychoactive effects.

Methods of Administration & Dosing

There are three primary ways to consume marijuana and each has its own unique use case and benefits. Different products will vary in potency, cannabinoid profile, and effects. Consumers should experiment to find the ideal dose for their desired effects and are encouraged to keep a log of consumption methods, strain information, and effects. A consumer’s tolerance will vary based on a variety of factors including weight, body chemistry, and metabolism. Low and slow is how all new cannabis users should approach dosing. All marijuana products will be lab tested and clearly labeled to ensure consistent dosing and packaging.

Inhalation

Inhalation is the most popular consumption method with 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. It is good practice to wait at least 45 min before increasing dosage.

Combustion

Combustion is the most common way marijuana is inhaled. Effects can be felt within minutes, and depending on the consumer, strain, cannabinoid content, etc., the effects typically wear off fully within 90 minutes to 4 hours

Start with 1 single inhale lasting 3 seconds and wait 45 minutes before repeating.

Vaporizing

Vaporizing is an alternative way of inhaling marijuana that involves heating the marijuana flower or concentrates to a temperature that produces vapor without combustion.

Start with 1 single inhale lasting 3 seconds and wait 20 minutes before repeating. Vaporizer cartridges should be stored upright and not lying down.

Marijuana Vaporizer Devices have been tested for Vitamin E Acetate and other contaminants, with no adverse findings.

WARNING: Vaporizer Devices may contain ingredients harmful to health when inhaled.

Consumers shall have access to the test results of Marijuana Vaporizer Devices including copies of any Certificates of Analysis provided by the device’s manufacturer.

Oral

Oral consumption of marijuana is a popular administration method for consumers who prefer not to inhale anything and are looking for longer lasting effects. Within oral consumption there are two VERY different categories.

Edibles

Marijuana Infused Products (MIPs) are food products such as chocolates, lozenges, pastries, or capsules that can be swallowed and processed by the liver creating a new more potent cannabinoid. This process takes much longer (2-3 hours) and produces a much stronger effect. Low and slow and it is recommended to not increase the does until at least 2-3 hours have passed.

1. START SLOW: start with 1 serving of 1-5mg until you know how it will affect you.
2. WAIT: consumables can take up to 2 hours or longer to take full effect. Wait before increasing your dose.
3. DO NOT MIX: do not mix consumables with alcohol or other controlled substances! 4. SAFETY: Keep away from children and pets. Store your medicine in its original childproof packaging.

Sublingual marijuana products are designed to be taken orally but held under the tongue for a few minutes allowing the cannabinoids to enter through the blood brain barrier. These effects are felt within 15-30 min and have a similar effect to smoking because it did not pass through your liver. This is a great option for first timers giving you the ability to micro dose easily.

1. START SLOW: Start with 1 serving of 1-5mg until you know how it will affect you.
2. WAIT: Tinctures can take 20-30 minutes or longer to take full effect. Wait before increasing your dose.

Topical

Topical marijuana products are absorbed through the skin to target specific areas. Often, topicals do not produce psychoactive effects or a “high” for consumers and is one of the safest consumption methods.

All topicals can take a few minutes to take effect with 1-2 hours of duration. If the topical includes THC, avoid areas of the groin or underarms. Wash hands after every use. Could have a psychotropic effect.

Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant which bind and react with the human endocannabinoid system to produce therapeutic effects. The most commonly known cannabinoids are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). More than 100 other compounds are found in the plant. Though the number of peer-reviewed scientific papers on cannabinoids is very limited, research on the ability of cannabinoids to treat disease is remarkable. Scientists around the world are devoting their research time to learning more about cannabinoids and their vast therapeutic applications.

Terpenes

Terpenes are another important compound found in the cannabis plant. They are responsible for its unique aroma. The wide variety of terpenes give different varieties of cannabis a wide range of scents. In recent years, scientists have found that terpenes do much more than produce an aroma. These compounds may boost and expand the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids, especially THC. Terpenes can be extracted from the cannabis plant and infused into distilled and extracted THC and CBD.

Marijuana Vaporizer Devices

Marijuana Vaporizer Devices have been tested for Vitamin E Acetate and other contaminants, with no adverse findings.

WARNING: Vaporizer Devices may contain ingredients harmful to health when inhaled.

Consumers shall have access to the test results of Marijuana Vaporizer Devices including copies of any Certificates of Analysis provided by the device’s manufacturer.