how to find the right cannabis product for you

this was originally published on May 21, 2019

I'm often asked how do I know what cannabis brands and products are trustworthy and what to look for. Unfortunately, my answer isn't so simple nor complete. but there are ways!

Like anything you put on or in your body, you should know more about it! read! read! read! attend educational workshops. grab your research glasses. some of my fav sites for education on cannabis is Foria (which yes is also a brand, but their knowledge base is gooood), Leafly, and Nice Paper. and you know i can talk your ear off about isolates, full vs broad spectrum, cannabis strains, extraction methods, finding your perfect dose for different occasions, and where to buy.

Pay attention to the founders and the company's mission. Is the company taking the whole system into consideration? --how and where the plant is grown, the cultivation process, extraction methods. are the employees being properly compensated for their work? not to mention the social justice side of cannabis work and prison reform. go beyond the pretty ig posts. if the company is not transparent about the work they do and how they do it, then I would be wary of their product. I would also be mindful there isn't pro big-pharma person or umbrella org behind the company. also, ask questions! I email companies all the time to make sure I understand the product I'm interested in purchasing!

Then there's always trial and error. some products might be up to your standards, but doesn't mesh with you and your body. it happens. I like to keep notes about the ingredients in the product and the physical/mental impact. if it doesn't work for you, it might work for someone else- gift the product to a friend <3

Don't forget that this is an ongoing process, keep reading and researching new companies, research findings, owners, and products