The Tufted Puffin
Frequently Asked Questions
& Helpful Information
On November 4, 2014, Alaska voters passed Ballot Measure 2, which was codified as AS 17.38. This initiative legalized the recreational use of marijuana for adults 21 and older. The law directed the creation of the Marijuana Control Board, which was established by the Alaska Legislature in May 2015. The board’s primary responsibilities include adopting regulations governing commercial marijuana establishments and overseeing the newly formed industry.
In late 2015, the Marijuana Control Board adopted comprehensive regulations, codified in 3 AAC 306, which became effective on February 21, 2016. These regulations continue to evolve, guided by the intent of the voter’s initiative and more recently adopted statutes, to support the development of Alaska’s commercial marijuana industry.
Always Consume Responsibly!
The Tufted Puffin promotes respnsible consumption of all Marijuana products. We offer multiple onsite consumption locations for consumer enjoyment & safety.
Alaska law provides a comprehensive definition of marijuana, which includes:
- Leaves, stems, and flowers (commonly known as “buds”) of the marijuana plant
- Marijuana concentrates, such as oils, hashes, and waxes
- A wide variety of marijuana-infused products, including edibles, tinctures, and topicals
The primary psychoactive component in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the “high” associated with its use. Marijuana is most commonly consumed through smoking or ingestion of THC-infused foods. The plant has a distinctive pungent odor, often described as both sweet and sour or “skunky.”
While it may seem obvious, cannabis has a wide range of applications.
The primary use is to experience the psychoactive effects of THC, which can include euphoria, relaxation, and altered sensory perception.
However, cannabis is also utilized for potential therapeutic benefits. Whether in the form of THC, CBD, or other cannabinoids, many individuals use cannabis in hopes of alleviating symptoms of various conditions.
Cannabis can be consumed through multiple methods, including smoking, vaporizing, oral tinctures, and topical applications.
Several factors contribute to the quality of cannabis:
- Color: High-quality buds are typically deep green, sometimes with purple hues, and feature orange or red hairs. They should have a frosty coating of white trichome heads.
- Trichomes: These resinous glands contain cannabinoids and terpenes. More trichomes generally indicate higher potency.
- Bud structure: Indica strains usually have denser, tighter buds, while sativa strains tend to be airier but still substantial.
- Aroma: Quality cannabis should have a strong, pleasant scent. While some strains may have pungent or diesel-like aromas, they should never smell moldy.
- Moisture content: Buds should be neither too dry nor too moist.
It’s crucial to avoid cannabis with visible mold, powdery mildew, or an absence of scent, as these indicate poor quality or improper storage.
- There are many ways to enjoy cannabis any many different products to choose from
- The 3 main ways to consume legal cannabis are via Flower, Edibles and concentrates. There are also things like topicals and tinctures
- There is no right or wrong method to consuming cannabis. The choice between cannabis flower, edibles, and concentrates depends on personal preferences and desired effects.
When choosing your preferred method, consider factors such as desired onset time, duration of effects, discretion, and your experience level with cannabis.
Remember the golden rule for beginners: start with a LOW dose and consume SLOWLY.
Consuming cannabis edibles typically results in a more potent and longer-lasting experience compared to smoking.
The onset of effects is slower, usually taking 40-60 minutes to become noticeable.
This delayed onset can lead inexperienced users to consume more, potentially resulting in an overwhelming experience.
The effects of edibles are often described as more physical and can last several hours. The intensity and duration of the high depend on factors such as dosage, potency, individual tolerance, and metabolism.
It’s worth noting that consuming a large meal before taking an edible may further delay the onset of effects.
- Flower refers to the smokable “buds” of the marijuana plant and is the most common method of consuming cannabis.
- Onset: Effects felt within seconds
- Duration: 1-3 hours
- Pros: Fast-acting, cost-effective, simple to use
- Cons: Smoke can be harsh, lingering odor
- Edibles comes in many shapes, sizes, and doses and most commonly come in gummy or chocolate form.
- Onset: 30 minutes to 2 hours
- Duration: 4-12 hours
- Pros: Long-lasting effects, discreet, no smoke
- Cons: Difficult to dose accurately, high calorie content
- Concentrates also referred to as “Extracts” or more commonly “dabs is a highly concentrated mass of THC that has a consistency similar to butter or honey
- Onset: Almost immediate
- Duration: 1-3 hours
- Pros: Potent, efficient, less odor than smoking
- Cons: Can be overwhelming for beginners, requires special equipment
Edibles often produce a more potent effect than smoking due to how THC is metabolized when ingested. The liver converts THC into a more potent compound, resulting in a stronger and longer-lasting high. To calculate your ideal dose:
- 1. Determine the THC percentage in your cannabis
- 2. Use this formula: 1 gram of cannabis = 1000mg * THC%
- 3. For example, 1g of 20% THC cannabis contains approximately 200mg of THC
Most legal markets regulate edibles to contain no more than 20mg THC per serving. Here’s a general dosing guide:
- 2-2.5mg: Mild effects, suitable for beginners
- 5mg: Comfortable high for occasional users
- 10mg: Strong effects for occasional users, mild for regular users
- 15-20mg: Very strong effects, recommended only for experienced users
- 25mg+: Potentially overwhelming, even for regular users
- Always start with a low dose and increase gradually in subsequent sessions if needed.
- Remember that individual responses can vary greatly, and factors like metabolism and tolerance play significant roles in how edibles affect you.
Symptoms of Overconsumption
Symptoms of marijuana overconsumption are similar to typical effects but more severe. They may include:
- Extreme confusion, anxiety, panic, or paranoia
- Rapid heart rate and increased blood pressure
- Hallucinations or delusions
- Severe nausea and vomiting
If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, contact the poison control hotline immediately for free, expert assistance. For severe symptoms, call 911 or seek emergency medical care.
- It’s crucial to be aware of signs indicating that marijuana use may be becoming problematic. Regular use can lead to addiction.
- Those who begin using marijuana in adolescence at a higher risk of developing dependence in adulthood.
- Whether you’ve accidentally consumed too much marijuana, overindulged at a social gathering, or are concerned about developing an addiction, understanding the signs and available resources is essential.
Accidental overconsumption may lead to negative effefcts of marijuana and can occur in several scenarios:
- Mistaking a marijuana-infused product for regular food
- Using a product with higher THC content than anticipated, especially for first-time users or when trying high-potency products
- Consuming homemade products without clear knowledge of their THC content
- Ingesting more marijuana due to delayed onset of effects, which can take up to four hours to peak after consumption
- Cannabis research is a rapidly evolving field with new findings emerging regularly.
- Current areas of study include the potential therapeutic applications of cannabis for conditions such as PTSD and rare seizure disorders.
- Researchers are also investigating the effects of adolescent cannabis use and the impact of THC on driving performance.
- While promising, it’s important to approach these studies critically and await substantial clinical trial results before drawing definitive conclusions about cannabis as a treatment for various conditions.
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- The evolving landscape of state marijuana laws, coupled with limited scientific research on the health impacts of marijuana use and increased social acceptance, has created challenges for employers.
- Many businesses are grappling with how to adapt their workplace policies and drug testing programs to this new reality while maintaining a safe and productive work environment.