The federal government continues to limit research on marijuana and the individual benefits of its cannabis strains. As the industry grows, leaders do their best to make sure cannabis gets the name it deserves. It’s up to us, the consumers, to help make sure accurate information is spread from seed to ingestion. Because it’s a guarantee that those who are against cannabis legalization will use inaccurate information to defend their case.
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Why Are Strain Reviews Important?
Strain reviews offer consumers the ability to get a more personal reaction from all around and not just small group studies, although both would be great. Unfortunately, current study procedures could never involve everyone, and many people react in a different way.
Currently, those who have a different experience with a certain strain have no real power to be acknowledged for their individual experience. Also, given our bodies’ unique endocannabinoid systems, the cannabis experience is nothing if not subjective.
Strain reviews help people personally adjust to a strain and not rely fully on a broad study. Within this industry, the information provided is usually more clinical and precise than emotional. That detachment can provide accurate information, which is absolutely critical.
Discuss Potential Side Effects
Some people can consume any type of strain available, but others have to be careful which strain category they use. For instance, some people may have an issue with some sativa strains causing unwanted effects.
It’s similar to someone who has an issue with taking ibuprofen. You assume everyone takes it, but a few can’t and may not realize that they aren’t the only ones. By reading through others’ subjective experiences with certain strains and categories, a potential user can work through some of this trial-and-error vicariously and save themselves quite the headache down the line.
Explore Potential Strain Effects
It could happen. You read a description and expect the strain to have certain effects. Let’s say you think that it’s supposed to uplift one’s mood while providing energy.
But when you finally feel high, all you want to do is sleep.
It’s important that the marijuana writers and medical and recreational cannabis dispensaries are aware of previously unrecorded effects so that they can adjust their recommendations accordingly.
Strain Appearance
If you’re being told that your strain looks one way and you see not just a slight difference, but a whole other strain’s visual appearance, you tend to question if you’re getting the right strain. If you can’t believe in your purchase, what can you believe in? Can we not handle the truth?! Knowledge is power; the power to know what you’re getting and to recognize an imposter.
Strain Flavor & Aroma
No one wants to be told that the strain they purchased tastes like berry only to find out it tastes like diesel. Certain tastes could make a person nauseous. Some may want a softer aroma. The assumption for non-consumers is that all marijuana smells and tastes the same, but nothing could be further from the truth. Smell and taste vary from strain to strain, and some people may not want to tolerate the musky, harsh taste (while others may love it!).
THC/ Cannabinoid Content
You can’t determine specifics, but consumers can share their experience. If the breeders claim that strains have a high THC content, but every time it’s consumed, there’s a trend of negative responses, let them know so they can adjust.
The excitement is gone when you realize you paid for quality cannabis to get high but ended up with extreme disappointment. Have you ever met a person who bought a bad batch? Not the happiest occasion.
There’s a fight going on for cannabis, and accurate information is important. Why not hear it directly from the people who consume it? Most industries allow for reviews so products can be improved. Let’s help our industry confirm claims and grow in more ways than one.
