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Cannabis FAQs

The questions below are commonly asked by people who are interested in learning more about cannabis.

Purchasing Cannabis in Washington, DC

Embers Dispensary located at 1821 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009.

So, can you legally buy recreational cannabis in D.C.? The short answer is No. 

Here’s what you need to know:

• Possession is legal, Recreational sales are not. If you’re 21 or older, you can legally possess and use small amounts of cannabis in D.C. thanks to Initiative 71 (passed back in 2014). But here’s the catch: you can’t legally buy it recreationally. Congress has blocked the District from setting up a regulated adult-use market basically, D.C. can’t spend money to make it happen.

• The legal path: D.C.’s medical program. Here’s the thing if you’re 21 or older and a D.C. resident, you can enroll in the medical cannabis program instantly through self-certification. No doctor’s note required. It’s as close to recreational as you can get, and it means you’re buying tested, regulated products from licensed dispensaries.

• The “gifting” loophole is closed. You know those shops that “gifted” you cannabis when you bought a T-shirt or sticker? Yeah, that’s been shut down. Authorities are actively cracking down on those unlicensed businesses, and for good reason many were selling untested products, sometimes laced with other substances.

 

Getting a D.C. medical cannabis card is surprisingly straightforward — especially if you’re 21 or older.

Here’s how it works:

• No doctor required. Adults 21+ can self-certify. That means no appointment, no medical records, no hassle. Just check a box and you’re set.

• Instant digital card. Applying takes 5 to 10 minutes.  You’ll get a temporary digital registration card immediately after you submit. You can start shopping at licensed dispensaries right away — no waiting around.

• Free for D.C. residents. Registration costs nothing if you live in the District. Want a physical card? That’s usually around $10, but the digital version works just fine.

• Visitors welcome. If you’re visiting D.C. (from anywhere in the U.S. or internationally) and you’re 21+, you can apply online using the same self-certification process for a small fee.

Bottom line: D.C. made this process as simple as possible. It’s designed to get you legal, safe access quickly — and it works.

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Can visitors buy cannabis in D.C.? Yes and it’s easier than you might think.

If you’re 21 or older, D.C. makes it straightforward for visitors to access safe, legal cannabis. You have two options:

Option 1: Reciprocity (if you already have a medical card)

Bring your out-of-state card. D.C. honors medical cannabis cards from most U.S. states and territories. Just show your card and government-issued ID at any licensed dispensary, and you’re good to go. Reciprocity is free in D.C. dispensaries will verify your card and ID, then you can shop.

Option 2: Apply for a temporary D.C. registration (no medical card needed)

Self-certification for everyone 21+. Whether you’re visiting from another state or another country, you can apply online without a doctor’s recommendation. It’s designed exactly for tourists. Instant access. Your registration is processed within minutes. You can start shopping right away.

Choose the length that fits your trip: 3 days, 30 days, 90 days, 180 days, or a full year. The fee varies depending on how long you need it.

These are the only legal ways to purchase cannabis in D.C. Recreational sales and “gifting” shops are illegal and unregulated meaning untested products and real safety risks.

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Consuming Cannabis

How you consume cannabis changes everything from how fast it kicks in to how long it lasts.

Here’s what you need to know about each method:

Inhalation (smoking, vaping, dabbing) fast and short

How it works: Cannabinoids go straight into your bloodstream through your lungs. You can smoke flower in joints, pipes, or bongs, or vaporize flower and concentrates without combustion. Dabbing uses high-potency concentrates.

Onset time: Almost immediate you’ll feel it within seconds to a few minutes, with peak effects hitting around 3 to 30 minutes.

Duration: Relatively short effects typically last a few hours, up to about 6 hours max.

Ingestion (edibles, drinks, capsules) slow and long

How it works: Cannabis travels through your digestive system and liver, where THC is converted into 11-hydroxy-THC a more potent compound that crosses into the brain more easily.

Onset time: Much slower 30 minutes to 2 hours before you feel the full effects. That delay is everything.

Duration: Significantly longer usually 4 to 8 hours or more. This is why patience is key with edibles.

Sublingual (tinctures, mints, sprays) middle ground

How it works: Absorbed directly into your bloodstream through the tissues in your mouth (under the tongue). This bypasses digestion and the liver’s first-pass metabolism.

Onset time: Faster than edibles generally 10 to 60 minutes.

Duration: Shorter than edibles typically 2 to 4 hours.

Topical (creams, lotions, balms, patches) localized, no high

How it works: Applied to the skin for targeted relief from pain, inflammation, or irritation. Cannabinoids interact with receptors under the skin but usually don’t enter the bloodstream, so no psychoactive effects.

Onset time: Almost immediate often within minutes for localized relief.

Duration: Short-lived typically an hour or two.

Exception: Transdermal patches are designed to deliver cannabinoids into the bloodstream for systemic, longer-lasting effects and those can produce a high.

Suppositories (rectal/vaginal) systemic without the high

How it works: Capsules inserted rectally or vaginally, absorbed through the intestinal lining into the bloodstream. Often delivers therapeutic effects without psychoactive impact.

Onset time: Around 10 to 15 minutes.

Duration: Between 4 and 8 hours.

Indica, Sativa, Hybrid what do these terms actually mean? Less than you might think.

Originally, these were botanical classifications describing the plant’s physical structure, not the effects it produces. But over time, they’ve become shorthand for expected experiences and that’s where things get misleading.

  • Indica: Shorter, bushier plants. Commonly marketed as relaxing, sedating, or “body-heavy” the evening couch-lock strain.
  • Sativa: Taller, lankier plants. Associated with uplifting, energetic, cerebral “head highs” the daytime creativity boost.
  • Hybrid: A cross between Indica and Sativa genetics. Most strains you’ll find today are hybrids, marketed as offering balanced or mixed effects.

Here’s the problem: these labels are unreliable.

Research shows that Indica vs. Sativa doesn’t predict how a strain will actually affect you. The real driver of your experience? The strain’s unique chemical profile specifically its cannabinoids and terpenes.

Terpenes are the real game-changer.

Terpenes are aromatic compounds that give each strain its distinctive smell and flavor. But they do way more than that. Terpenes are bioactive they work together with cannabinoids like THC and CBD in the entourage effect to shape the psychoactive and therapeutic effects you feel.

For example:

  • Myrcene is often linked to sedative, calming effects.
  • Limonene and Pinene are associated with uplifting, focusing, or energizing experiences.

Bottom line: Skip the Indica/Sativa guessing game. Look at the terpene profile and cannabinoid ratios instead — that’s where the real insight into effects lives.

Does a higher THC percentage make a strain better? Not quite and here’s why that matters.

• The entourage effect is everything. Cannabis isn’t just about THC. The overall experience depends on the entire cannabinoid and terpene profile working together that’s the entourage effect. Think of it like an orchestra: one instrument playing solo doesn’t create the same depth as the whole ensemble.

• High THC alone can backfire. Sure, THC delivers powerful painkilling effects and euphoria, but isolated high-THC products are often poorly tolerated. Crank up the THC without the other compounds, and you increase the risk of anxiety, paranoia, mental fog, and a racing heart.

• Other compounds keep THC in check. CBD and terpenes are crucial because they modulate how THC affects you. They can dial down the intense psychoactive effects like anxiety or memory impairment while boosting the therapeutic benefits. It’s a balancing act.

• Balanced ratios often work better. For many people dealing with chronic pain or neuropathic pain, balanced THC:CBD ratios (like the classic 1:1 “golden ratio”) deliver more consistent relief than high-THC products alone.

• It’s highly individual. Your body chemistry is unique. The “best” strain for you depends on your specific needs, metabolism, and tolerance which is why there’s no one size fits all answer.

The golden rule for edibles: Always start low and go slow

Because your liver converts THC into 11-hydroxy-THC a more potent compound edibles hit harder and last longer than any other method. That delay is everything. Here’s how to dose safely:

Dosing guide (in milligrams):

Beginner dose (2.5 to 5 mg): If you’re brand new or know you’re sensitive, start here. This micro dose isn’t about getting high it’s about safely figuring out how your body responds.

The sweet spot (5 to 10 mg): This is where most beginners find noticeable but manageable effects mild euphoria, symptom relief, nothing overwhelming. Just know that 5 mg is often considered moderate, so if you’re truly new, start closer to 2.5 mg.

Experienced user territory (10 to 20 mg): This range is for people with some tolerance. If you take 10 mg without experience, you’re risking anxiety and panic it’s a fast track to discomfort.

High doses (20 mg and up): Anything over 20 mg is almost exclusively for medical patients or daily, highly experienced consumers. Don’t go here unless you know exactly what you’re doing.

The timing rule: patience is mandatory.

• Onset time: Edibles take 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in because of digestion. That’s a long window, and it varies person to person.

• Wait it out: If you feel nothing after an hour, do not take more. This is the number one mistake. Wait at least three, maybe even four hours before considering a second dose. If both doses peak together, you’re in for an extremely unpleasant ride.

• It’s highly individual: Your tolerance, metabolism, body weight, and whether you’ve eaten all affect how edibles hit you. These numbers are guideposts, not guarantees.

Bottom line: Edibles are a guessing game until you know your body. Start with the smallest dose, wait the full window, and give yourself room to learn. Patience isn’t optional it’s the difference between a good experience and a bad one.

Why do edibles hit so much harder than smoking or vaping? It’s all about the liver.

When you eat cannabis, it takes a completely different route through your body and that changes everything.

The journey:

  • The scenic route: Unlike inhalation, where THC goes straight into your bloodstream through your lungs, eating cannabis sends it on a much longer trip through your stomach and digestive tract. That’s why the delay exists in the first place.
  • First stop the liver: After digestion, THC gets absorbed and heads to the liver your body’s main processing plant. This stage is called first-pass metabolism.
  • Chemical transformation: Here’s where it gets interesting. The liver converts delta-9 THC into a totally different compound: 11-hydroxy-THC.
  • The supercharged high: 11-hydroxy-THC is significantly more potent than the delta-9 THC you started with, and it crosses the blood-brain barrier much more easily. That’s why edibles feel stronger and last way, way longer than inhaled cannabis.

Why the wait matters:

This liver conversion is the reason for the delayed onset — anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, sometimes even up to 4 hours for some people. It’s also why patience is the number one safety rule with edibles. That slow burn is the price of the potency.

Bottom line: Your liver transforms THC into something stronger, and that process takes time. Respect the delay it’s not a bug, it’s a feature.

Took too much? Here’s your game plan for riding it out.

If your edible experience feels overwhelming, remember: this is temporary, you’re safe, and it will pass. Here’s how to manage it:

Step 1: Don’t panic remind yourself this is temporary

The most important thing you can do is stay calm and keep repeating: “This will pass.” While a cannabis overdose is rarely life-threatening medically, it can be extremely distressing psychologically.

Common symptoms include: Intense anxiety, paranoia, panic attacks, rapid heart rate, dizziness, and nausea. Because edibles can last 4 to 6 hours or more, you’ll need to manage these uncomfortable effects while your body metabolizes the potent 11-hydroxy-THC.

Step 2: Change your environment

Move to a comfortable, quiet, safe space ideally your own home. Put on a comfort movie or some chill music. Create a low-stress zone.

Step 3: Hydrate and snack

Sip water and eat something simple. Staying hydrated and having a little food in your system can help ease nausea and ground you.

Step 4: Consider CBD

Some people find that taking a bit of CBD can take the edge off THC’s intensity. It won’t reverse the effects, but it may help you feel more balanced.

Bottom line: You’re going to be okay. This is uncomfortable, but it’s not dangerous and it will end. Breathe, hydrate, and give your body time to process.

The Body and Cannabis

What is the endocannabinoid system (ECS)? Think of it as your body’s master control panel for balance.

Discovered in the early 1990s while researchers were studying how THC affects the body, the ECS is a fundamental cell-signaling network found in all mammals.

The ECS is your body’s regulator of homeostasis

Its primary job is to maintain equilibrium across virtually all your physiological systems — sleep, mood, appetite, memory, pain, immune function, inflammation, and reproduction. Here’s the thing: the ECS is active whether you use cannabis or not. It’s always working to keep you in balance.

Three core components:

1. Endocannabinoids — your body’s own signaling molecules

Your body produces these on demand. The two main ones are anandamide (AEA) — sometimes called the “bliss molecule” and linked to runner’s high — and 2-AG.

2. Cannabinoid receptors — the locks

These are protein structures where cannabinoids bind. Think of them as locks waiting for keys.

• CB1 receptors: Mostly in the central nervous system (your brain and spinal cord).

• CB2 receptors: Mostly in the immune system and peripheral nervous system.

3. Enzymes — the cleanup crew

Enzymes create endocannabinoids when needed and break them down once their job is done.

 

How cannabis interacts with the ECS:

• Cannabis compounds called phytocannabinoids — act like external keys that fit into your ECS receptors.

• THC (tetrahydrocannabinol): The psychoactive compound. It binds directly to CB1 and CB2 receptors, mimicking your body’s own endocannabinoids.

• CBD (cannabidiol): Non-intoxicating. Instead of binding strongly to receptors, CBD is thought to work by blocking the enzymes that break down your endocannabinoids so they stick around longer and keep working.

Endocannabinoid deficiency and modulation:

Some researchers believe that clinical endocannabinoid deficiency — when your body can’t produce enough of its own cannabinoids — may contribute to certain health issues. Consuming external cannabinoids, especially in small doses, may help your body upregulate its own ECS by producing more receptors and endocannabinoids.

The entourage effect — the whole is greater than the sum of its parts:

For maximum therapeutic benefit, cannabinoids work best as whole-plant extracts that include terpenes, flavonoids, and other compounds. They all work together synergistically — that’s the entourage effect. Isolated compounds, like pure THC or CBD alone, lack this cooperative boost.

Bottom line: The ECS is your body’s built-in system for staying balanced. Cannabis compounds tap into that system, but the magic happens when all the plant’s components work together.

 

What is the “entourage effect”? It’s the idea that cannabis compounds work better together than alone.

The entourage effect is one of the most important concepts in cannabis science and it changes how we think about the plant’s therapeutic potential.

The whole is greater than the sum of its parts

The entourage effect describes therapeutic synergy: cannabinoids (like THC and CBD), terpenes, and flavonoids work together to create stronger, more effective results than any single compound could achieve on its own.

Think of it like an orchestra each instrument is great solo, but together they create something richer and more complex.

THC and CBD: A powerful duo

CBD can modulate how THC affects you. When they’re together, CBD often reduces THC’s potential negative side effects like anxiety or memory impairment while enhancing the therapeutic benefits. The result? A more tolerable, balanced experience.

Terpenes amplify the effects

• Terpenes aren’t just about smell and flavor they actively shape your experience.

• Myrcene may enhance THC’s relaxing, sedative effects, making it easier to unwind or sleep.

• Limonene can boost CBD’s mood-lifting properties, adding an uplifting edge.

Full-spectrum products deliver the entourage effect

Because of this synergy, many people prefer full-spectrum cannabis products (which contain a wide range of compounds) over isolates (single cannabinoids like pure THC or CBD).

Clinical studies back this up: patients dealing with chronic pain often report better results with balanced THC:CBD formulations than with THC alone.

Bottom line: Isolated cannabinoids can be effective, but the magic happens when the whole plant works together. That’s the entourage effect and it’s why full-spectrum products tend to deliver more robust, well-rounded benefits.

What are cannabinoids? They’re the chemical compounds that make cannabis, well, cannabis.

  • Cannabinoids are responsible for the plant’s unique effects and medicinal properties — and there’s a lot more to them than just THC and CBD.
  • Phytocannabinoids are the cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Scientists have identified over 100 different types so far 
  • The term “cannabinoid” also refers to compounds your body makes naturally endocannabinoids and lab-created versions called synthetic cannabinoids.

Where they come from:

  • All cannabinoids in the plant start as CBGA (cannabigerolic acid) often called the “mother of all cannabinoids.” Cannabis initially produces cannabinoids in their acid forms, like THCA or CBDA. 
  • These need to be “activated” usually by heat, through a process called decarboxylation to convert into the neutral compounds we know, like THC and CBD.

How they work:

  • Cannabinoids interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) a complex cell-signaling network that regulates balance (homeostasis) across virtually all your physiological systems. 
  • They bind to specific receptors CB1 and CB2 found throughout your body and nervous system.

What they do:

By modulating the ECS, cannabinoids influence a wide range of functions: mood, pain response, sleep, appetite, and immune function, just to name a few.

Bottom line: Cannabinoids are the active compounds in cannabis that interact with your body’s own signaling system to produce effects both therapeutic and psychoactive. They’re the reason cannabis does what it does.

What are the main cannabinoids in cannabis and what do they actually do?

Each cannabinoid interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) in its own way, producing distinct effects.

THC (Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol) the psychoactive powerhouse

  • Effects: The compound behind the classic cannabis “high” euphoria, altered perception, relaxation. Commonly used for pain relief, nausea, appetite stimulation, and muscle tension.

CBD (Cannabidiol) the calming counterbalance

  • Effects: Non-intoxicating (no high), but psychoactive in that it can ease anxiety and improve mood. Widely used for anxiety, inflammation, chronic pain, and seizures.

CBG (Cannabigerol) the “mother cannabinoid”

  • Effects: Non-intoxicating. Called the “mother” because it’s the chemical precursor to THC, CBD, and CBC. Linked to anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and neuroprotective benefits. May also provide clear-headed focus and energy.

CBN (Cannabinol) the sleep aid

  • Effects: Mildly psychoactive and deeply sedating. CBN forms when THC ages and breaks down (oxidizes). Popular as a potential sleep aid, especially when paired with THC. Also being studied for appetite stimulation and anti-inflammatory effects.

THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) “Diet Weed”

  • Effects: At low doses, THCV can suppress appetite and boost energy — earning it the nickname “Diet Weed.” Potentially useful for weight loss and blood sugar regulation. At high doses, it can be psychoactive.

CBC (Cannabichromene) the team player

  • Effects: Non-intoxicating. Works synergistically with THC and CBD to amplify the entourage effect. Shows promise for pain relief, reducing inflammation (especially in osteoarthritis), fighting acne, and promoting neurogenesis (growth of new brain cells).

Cannabinoid acids (THCA & CBDA) the raw precursors

  • Fresh cannabis produces cannabinoids in their acid forms like THCA and CBDA. These are non-psychoactive until they’re heated (decarboxylated) and converted into THC and CBD.
  • THCA is being studied for anti-inflammatory properties (especially in autoimmune diseases) and anti-tumor effects.

Bottom line: Each cannabinoid brings something different to the table. Understanding their unique effects and how they work together — helps you find the right product for your needs.

What are terpenes — and why do they matter so much?

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis (and countless other plants) that do way more than just smell good. They’re key players in shaping your entire experience.

The basics:

  • Terpenes are aromatic architects. They’re organic molecules responsible for the unique scent and flavor of plants everything from fresh orange peel to pine, lavender, or black pepper.
  • They’re everywhere. Terpenes are part of a massive class of compounds found across the plant kingdom, but in cannabis, they’re produced in the same glandular structures trichomes where THC and CBD are made.

Why plants produce them:

  • Defense and communication. In nature, terpenes help plants survive. They attract pollinators, repel pests and predators, and protect against harmful microorganisms. They’re the plant’s survival toolkit.

Why they matter for cannabis:

  • They modulate your experience. Terpenes are critical because they modify and direct how cannabis affects you. Two strains with identical THC levels can feel completely different — and terpenes are the reason why.
  • The entourage effect. Terpenes work synergistically with cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Together, they create effects that are richer, more nuanced, and more effective than any single compound alone. That cooperative relationship is the entourage effect in action.

Bottom line: Terpenes aren’t just about aroma they’re active compounds that shape the therapeutic and psychoactive effects of cannabis. Understanding them helps you choose strains that match what you’re looking for.

What are the most important terpenes in cannabis and what do they do?

These terpenes are the “chemical personalities” that shape your experience. Understanding them helps you choose strains that match what you’re looking for.

Myrcene: The sedative heavyweight

  • Profile: One of the most common terpenes in cannabis sometimes making up over half the total terpene content in a strain. Earthy, musky scent, often described as clove-like or herbal.
  • Effects: Frequently linked to that classic “couch lock” relaxation and sedation. Myrcene is thought to increase cell membrane permeability, which might help cannabinoids absorb more efficiently into your system.

Pinene: The focus booster

  • Profile: Smells exactly like it sounds fresh pine or fir needles.
  • Effects: Associated with alertness and memory recall. Pinene might counteract some of the mental fog THC can cause, making it a solid choice if you need to stay sharp.

Limonene: The mood lifter

  • Profile: Bright, energizing citrus scent think lemon, orange, or grapefruit.
  • Effects: Commonly linked to mood elevation and anxiety reduction. Research also highlights its antifungal and antiviral properties.

Caryophyllene: The unique anti-inflammatory

  • Profile: Spicy, peppery aroma reminiscent of black pepper or cloves.
  • Unique mechanism: Caryophyllene is the only known terpene that also acts as a cannabinoid. It binds directly to CB2 receptors in your endocannabinoid system (found mostly in immune cells, not the brain), so it doesn’t produce a high.
  • Effects: Often highlighted for anti-inflammatory relief and immune response management. Because it targets CB2 receptors, it’s non-intoxicating but therapeutically active.

Bottom line: Terpenes aren’t just about aroma they actively shape your experience. Pay attention to the terpene profile, not just the THC percentage, to find what works best for you.

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