Recreational use of marijuana / cannabis is now allowed for adults in Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Vermont. (Also, possession is decriminalized – meaning subject only to fines – in New Hampshire.) So, a visit to New England is a nice opportunity for people over age 21 to enhance their vacation by smoking or ingesting cannabis in edible forms.
Vacation also is a time to try something new and maybe a bit adventurous, right? People who have little or no experience in smoking or ingesting pot may want to try it but not know how to begin. The short answer is to seek guidance from staff members at pot shops. These people are knowledgeable and eager to guide you. Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Vermont have an abundance of recreational pot shops for customers over age 21.
There are few places to legally smoke it outside one’s own home. You may not smoke marijuana in all the places where smoking tobacco is prohibited, like public facilities, commercial lodgings, restaurants, and other indoor public spaces. You may not smoke pot outdoors or in a car while it is being driven. This leaves a few options, including smoking in a private home or on a private boat, with permission.
Another option is buying the various types of edibles that you may consumer without smoking. Especially if you are new to cannabis use, you must be careful about size of dose when using edibles. The high from edibles comes on much more slowly than when smoking weed, so people may be tempted to take unadvisable second helpings. Get expert advice and follow it when you use edibles.
Budtender is the term used for expert sales people at pot shops. They are like your concierge to marijuana products and use. Part of their job is to educate you. Never hesitate to ask questions to your budtender about products, delivery systems (smoking, edibles, tinctures), and dosage levels. These people are trained to advise and guide you. Don’t be shy about seeking help or admitting to lack of knowledge when you are working with a budtender.
Strains are different breeds of the cannabis plant, usually created with the purpose of creating different effects on the user.
The word strain is often thrown around alongside indica, sativa, and hybrid. These words refer to categories of marijuana; usually, people think of indica weed as being relaxing; sativa as being energizing, and hybrid as being a blend of the two. However, the terms indica and sativa are used so broadly as to be almost meaningless.
“Strain” refers to a particular and established breed of plant. Let’s hasten to add that you don’t need to be an expert at any of this to choose, buy, and enjoy marijuana; as always, your bud tender is your ally and guide.
If you want to do some research before buying, though, keep in mind that strains are created with certain effects in mind. Here are some of the most well-known strains and how they work on the body, as described by user reviews in Leafly.
Parents want to enjoy family vacations with their kids, but if adults want to partake in some cannabis, complications can arise with children nearby. Experts and seasoned parents know how to manage family travel and marijuana, starting with frank talk with the young ones.
Cannabis chemicals – The cannabis plant contains hundreds of chemicals compounds:
THC – Creates a feeling or euphoria, and may relieve pain and nausea.
CBD – this non-intoxicating compound will not get you high. For many people, CBD may relieve inflammation and pain.
Indica – tends to be physically sedating and very relaxing. Remember: Indica could send you “in-da-couch”
Sativa – creates invigorating and cerebral effects. Best for socializing, physical adventures, mental or physical projects.
Smoking pot is traditional and sociable, with the advantage that control is dosage is easy. It is easy to inhale small amounts and wait for the effect to come on, which is usually quick, then to adjust intake. Can be harsh on the throat.
Vaping is easier on the throat and portable vape pens allow discreet intake.
Edibles, such as candies, are a work-around to blowing smoke in the air. It’s very important to manage the dosage, because the effect can come on very slowly, which might encourage people to nibble second helpings way too soon. Start slowly and dose low. The high from edibles is more intense and longer-lasting than with smoking. Ask your budtender for advice on dosage and follow it!
Use these links for recreational marijuana laws for each New England state:
Cannabis in Connecticut
Cannabis in Massachusetts
Cannabis in Vermont
Cannabis in Rhode Island
Cannabis in New Hampshire
Cannabis in Maine