Cannabis FAQ

Is cannabis legal?

Although the federal government still prohibits the use, cultivation or sale of cannabis, what is legal actually depends on where you live. As of early 2016, cannabis is legal to some degree in nearly half of U.S. states. However, each state has different restrictions on how cannabis can be used, and even in legal states, it is federally illegal, though the federal government has deferred to the states rights within their borders.
For example, Colorado, Washington and Oregon have legalized cannabis for medical and recreational use.
Other states that have legalized cannabis allow medical use only with a doctors recommendation or prescription, and the patient must register for the states medical program.
And some states and cities have decriminalized cannabis, which means that people who use cannabis pay a fine instead of go to prison. But in those states its still illegal to grow or sell, with prison sentences possible.
Finally, cannabis remains illegal in many states, and users, growers and suppliers can be sent to prison.
Cannabis is illegal in most countries outside of the U.S., although a few have decriminalized use or are in the process of legalizing or decriminalizing cannabis.

What is a “budtender”?

A budtender is a dispensary employee who assists customers and handles transactions. The budtender works closely with customers to select the best cannabis products for their needs. Among other things, the budtender asks questions about the customer’s requirements, answers questions about cannabis, explains qualities of the different strains, and makes recommendations.

What is the difference between THC and CBD?

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are two cannabinoids or chemicals processed from the cannabis flower or bud, but they have different effects on the body. THC contains psychoactive ingredients that affect the brain and produce a high. On the other hand, CBD has no psychoactive ingredients but produces a relaxing, full-body experience. Sativa cannabis strains contain more THC than CBD, and indica strains contain more CBD than THC. Hemp is a variety of cannabis that contains nearly all CBD and virtually no THC.
Also, THC and CBD are used for different medical conditions. Cannabis with high levels of THC treats conditions such as migraines and nausea and stimulates a patients appetite and energy level. On the other hand, cannabis with high levels of CBD treats conditions such as insomnia, PTSD, epilepsy and so on.

Could I get arrested for working in the cannabis industry?

Its not likely if you work as a dispensary or grow room employee in a state where cannabis is legal, and you and your employer comply with your states regulations. But there are instances where local, state or federal law enforcement officials have overstepped their boundaries and made arrests, and you could get arrested if you break the laws of your city, county and state concerning cannabis. All cannabis laws are aimed at use, cultivation and distribution, and you must abide by these laws. You may be allowed to grow only a certain number of plants, and you may be restricted as to whom you can sell product.
But the cannabis industry is huge and growing every day, whether youre in a state where cannabis is legal or not. For example, if you work as an industry consultant, publish a blog about cannabis, design product packaging, or perform any of the dozens of other jobs in the industry, what youre doing is perfectly legal.

What is the difference between sativa, indica and hybrid plants?

There are many differences among the three varieties in terms of their appearance and effect on the body. Pure sativa plants grow tall and look like a Christmas tree. Their leaves are long and narrow, and are light to medium green. Their buds are long and thin and tend to emit a sweet, fruity odor. On the other hand, pure indica plants grow smaller and have a bushy shape. Leaves are short and wide, and theyre dark green and purple. Buds are wider and denser than sativas and tend to emit a strong musky odor.
Sativa plants produce more THC, the psychoactive ingredient that gets people high, whereas indicas produce more CBD, which causes people to relax. Hybrids are a genetic mix of sativa and indica plant characteristics, and their effect on the body is more nuanced than pure varieties. In reality, however, all plants grown commercially are hybrids to one degree or another, with either sativa-dominant or indica-dominant characteristics.

What are extracts and infusions?

Extracts are concentrates and oils used in products such as tinctures and waxes. They are processed directly from the resin through extraction equipment that use butane, alcohol or carbon dioxide. Extracts contain much more THC than cannabis that is smoked, vaped or ingested in edible form.
Infusions are products that are prepared by mixing in an ingredient containing some amount of THC. Almost any edible product that is made with oil or butter can be infused with cannabis, such as cookies and brownies, peanut butter, candy, soda, coffee and tea.

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