Devine Consumer Education Materials

 

Please Use Responsibly

Marijuana has not been analyzed or approved by the FDA, there is limited information on side effects, and there may be health risks associated with using Marijuana.

  • Do not drive/operate machinery. When under the influence of marijuana, driving is prohibited by M.G.L. c. 90, § 24, and machinery should not be operated.
  • You cannot legally purchase more than 1 oz of flower or 5 grams of concentrate within the same day.
  • Do not cross state lines with cannabis products. 
  • You may not sell marijuana to any other individual. Fraudulent distribution or resale of marijuana is a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
  • At home, consumers may possess up to 10 ounces of marijuana flower (or its equivalent). Store securely in the original, resealable packaging. Keep away from children and household pets.
  • Cannabis products are not recommended for women that are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
  • Do not mix cannabis with alcohol. 
  • Do not consume in public areas, as it is prohibited by state and local law.
  • Like alcohol, consumers may not have an open container of marijuana or marijuana product in the passenger area of their car. 

Know Your Product

Cannabinoids

Marijuana contains more than 60 related psychoactive chemicals, called cannabinoids; however, the most abundant of these is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The amount of THC ingested when using marijuana determines the intensity of the high, and the potency of different strains of marijuana is a result of the level of THC they contain.

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.

SATIVA 

Sativa strains are generally cerebral in effect, with uplifting characteristics. They are best used during the daytime. 

HYBRID 

Hybrid strains are a balance between Sativa and Indica strains. They are known for relaxing, balanced, and blissful effects. 

  • Sativa-dominant hybrid: Cerebral sensation with a relaxing body effect 
  • Indica-dominant hybrid: Full-body sensation with a relaxing cerebral effect 

INDICA 

Indica strains are known for full-body, relaxing, and sedative effects. They are used best at night for sleep-enhancing properties 

CBD

CBD strains create higher percentages of CBD with less psychoactive effects

Dosing and potency

There are three primary ways to consume marijuana and each has its own unique uses and benefits. Different products will vary in potency, cannabinoid profile, and effects. Consumers should experiment to find the ideal dose for their desired effects. Too large of a dose has known side effects such as anxiety, paranoia, dry mouth, etc. The precise effects an individual will experience depend on how much is consumed, how potent it is, and how it is ingested.

Smoking: Cannabis can be smoked through a pipe, marijuana cigarette, using a water pipe or vaporized. 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.

Consuming: Cannabis can be infused into butter or oil that is then cooked into food or food products. Edibles usually take longer to take effect, so wait and start slow! Edibles include anything from cookies, to brownies, to capsules. Sublingual marijuana products are designed to be held under the tongue for a few minutes.  The effects are felt within 15-30 minutes and have similar effect to smoking.

Topical: topical products are absorbed through the skin to target specific areas. 

With any delivery method, start with a low dose, then increase very slowly until your desired effect is achieved. Effects may be delayed two or more hours, so it is important to wait for effects before taking additional dose.

For more information on Devine’s specific products and more education and information, visit www.devineberkshires.com

[Make a table to track products used: Date, Product, Strain/type, method of use, dosage, effects and notes.]

Common signs and symptoms of drug abuse

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.
  • Using drugs under dangerous conditions or taking risks while high, such as driving while on drugs.
  • Problems in your relationships, such as fights with your partner or family members, an unhappy boss, or the loss of friends.
  • You’ve built up a drug tolerance. You need to use more of the drug to experience the same effects you used to attain with smaller amounts.
  • Loss of control over your drug use. You often do drugs or use more than you planned, even though you told yourself you wouldn’t. 
  • Your life revolves around drug use. You spend a lot of time using and thinking about drugs, figuring out how to get them, or recovering from the drug’s effects.
  • You’ve abandoned activities you used to enjoy, such as hobbies, sports, and socializing, because of your drug use.
  • You continue to use drugs, despite knowing it’s hurting you. It’s causing major problems in your life but you use anyway. 

Getting Help

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 

If you or someone that you know is exhibiting any of these signs and symptoms of drug abuse or addiction, consider talking to someone about your drug use. The Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) of the MA Department of Public Health provides resources, access and a Helpline to assist with finding substance abuse treatment programs available in Massachusetts.

The Helpline : https://helplinema.org
Telephone : 800-327-5050