Buzz
Each 4/20, publications that usually avoid mentioning weed suddenly dive into puns—and try to act cool about it. In contrast, Mytour has been providing essential cannabis knowledge for years, ensuring our readers are well-prepared no matter where they are on their cannabis adventure—or what day it is. With that in mind, let’s address some of the most important beginner cannabis questions you may have but weren’t sure where to ask.
What exactly is a dab, and why would I want to try it?
We actually covered this topic in-depth recently, chatting with cannabis concentrate experts about how to dab. For those looking for a quick summary: A dab involves heating a drop of cannabis concentrate (or any size) to a specific temperature to release its vapor. It's usually a powerful experience, so approach with caution, but that’s exactly why so many people enjoy it. If you're more into the mild side, using a vape pen to take smaller dabs might be the way to go.
What is shatter, and what’s the ‘terpene sugar’ on the label?
This type of cannabis concentrate has a brittle texture that shatters into small pieces—hence the name shatter. Terpene sugar is simply a variation of the same kind of solvent-extracted cannabis, which can take on various textures.
What else can you do with concentrates besides dabbing them?
If you lack the equipment to dab, you can always sprinkle some concentrate into a joint or use it to top off a bowl for an extra-potent experience. Small, personal vapes can make dabbing more accessible, so it’s worth trying out if you enjoy the aroma or flavor.
What’s the difference between a joint, spliff, and blunt?
A joint is simply cannabis rolled in paper, while a blunt is the same thing but wrapped in a tobacco leaf or blunt wrap. A spliff’s definition varies by location. In NYC, people refer to a spliff as a joint with some tobacco or fronto leaf added (fronto is a loose tobacco leaf commonly sold in NYC delis); however, in Jamaica, a spliff is just a large joint, without any tobacco.
What is resin, and what is live resin?
Resin typically refers to the leftover oils and goo from smoking or vaping on your devices, but live resin is a term for a cannabis concentrate made from a single source that retains all the plant's constituents, not just the most common cannabinoids. Some live resins are also called rosin, and they're pressed to extract all the goodness.
What is a gravity bong, and should I be scared of it?
It’s typically a DIY (though sometimes store-bought) device that uses a body of water as a suction tool to pull smoke from a lit bowl, which you then remove to inhale all the smoke through the opening. It’s a fun party trick and a quick way to get extremely high—but be careful, as it delivers a hefty hit.
Are there any major differences between a bubbler and a bong?
A bubbler is essentially a smaller version of a bong that still uses water to filter the smoke, unlike a pipe, which has no water to cool it down.
Is a one-hitter worth it?
A tiny, discreet pipe that’s easy to hide—often designed to resemble a cigarette, though it can be any small pipe—usually holds less than .25g of weed, giving you just enough for a quick hit.
What type of weed do you use in vape pens?
Vape pens come in a variety of styles. There are three main types: prefilled with concentrate, ones where you add your own concentrate, or ones that require you to add your own flower. Some pens are compatible with both concentrate and flower, while others are meant to be disposed of once the battery dies or the weed tank is empty.
If you have an add-your-own type, you can use any weed you like! In the case of vapes, higher-quality flower tends to provide a more enjoyable vaping experience compared to less flavorful strains—the more aromatic qualities it has beforehand, the better it will taste when vaped.
What’s the difference between a tincture and an extract?
An extract is any cannabis resin that's been separated from the plant, whether it's “full spectrum” or “live,” or even distilled pure THC. A tincture is a liquid that's been infused with either whole flower cannabis or cannabis extracts. Tinctures are typically easier to measure and dose, making them more user-friendly for beginners, while extracts require a scale for precise dosing.
Are CBD edibles from dispensaries better than those from the grocery store?
There’s a major debate between hemp-derived and cannabis-derived products. This hemp vs. cannabis battle has been ignited by two factors: the farm bill, and people's strong desire to get high off weed without government restrictions. Cannabis with less than 0.3% THC is often categorized as hemp by federal regulations, while cannabis that exceeds that limit is what we commonly refer to as “weed.”
Hemp can grow “hot,” meaning it can develop “too much” THC, which makes the distinction between hemp and regular medicinal cannabis pretty irrelevant to those who have access to standard cannabis. Hemp can also be processed and its compounds altered to create hemp-derived synthetic cannabinoids like delta-8, “hemp compliant delta-9,” and the CBD you might find at gas stations.
CBD from dispensaries is typically a full-spectrum product, meaning it contains CBD and all the other cannabinoids and components from the cannabis plant, including some THC. Dispensary CBD is also held to rigorous standards that gas station hemp doesn’t have to meet.
This doesn't mean you can’t buy full-spectrum, federally compliant hemp-derived CBD products and extracts from reliable sources that provide their COAs (test results!) and track their batches. Many people do it with integrity.
Do topical CBD products actually work?
Officially, we don’t know for sure, but research leans toward yes, depending on the condition. The best studies supporting CBD’s entry into beauty show how this cannabinoid interacts with endocannabinoid receptors in your skin, potentially helping with inflammation caused by acne, eczema, and other environmental issues.
Is it true that some people don’t get high the first time they smoke?
Some people apparently lack the endocannabinoid receptors in their brains that are necessary to feel a buzz until their brain develops them in response. It’s a puzzling phenomenon, and we have so little research on how this substance works in the body; we just know it... does things.
What are terpenes and what do they do?
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds found in plants, like pine, roses, pepper, clove, and even some plants that aren’t pungent. They play a big role in shaping the experience of your high, so it’s important to figure out which ones you enjoy over time, rather than just picking any lemon or gas strain and hoping for the best.
Should you use tinctures in DIY edibles or make your own cannabutter?
This is all about personal taste. If you're a fan of cannabis flavor, feel free to add tincture to almost any meal and enjoy. If it's not your thing, consider making a powerful-flavored treat to mask the taste instead. This same strategy can be used to control potency: if you love the effects of weed, go ahead and incorporate it into anything. But if you're concerned about the intensity, make your own edibles and follow specific guidelines for both butter creation and dosing to achieve a gentler high.
What are the benefits of making your own edibles, particularly in a state where cannabis is legal?
The biggest advantage is having control. If you dislike the flavor of store-bought edibles or want a completely personalized, high-quality experience, DIY is the way to go. Additionally, it can be more affordable. Many commercial edibles tend to be too potent for beginners, while seasoned users often require stronger doses, sometimes even up to four times the amount in a standard product.
