Fire Island offers many different cannabis products. In this blog, we are going to talk about the mother of all cannabis products: flower. Cannabis flower was given to us by Mother Earth. But, how has it been used and how do we use it now?
Keep reading as we discuss the history of cannabis flower and modern day consumption methods. We’ll also highlight some popular strains on the Fire Island menu.
Cannabis Flower: Historical Use
The origins of the use of cannabis were not rooted in recreational use but rather in medicinal use. Cannabis was used as an herbal medicine in Asia as early as 2800 BC. Emperor Shen Nung, who is considered the ‘father of Chinese medicine,’ listed cannabis in his pharmacopeia.
In the years following – the medicinal, recreational, and even religious use of cannabis can be found in ancient texts of the Indian Hindus, Assyrians, Greeks, and Romans. In the 1830s, cannabis was introduced to Western medicine by William Brooke O’Shaughnessy, an Irish physician who brought it back from India.
Despite government efforts to eradicate the use of cannabis, researchers continued to study the plant and its benefits. In 1940, Roger Adams and Alexander Todd isolated cannabidiol (CBD). In 1964, Raphael Mechoulam isolated THC. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the endocannabinoid system was discovered, proving that cannabis has medicinal properties.
In 1996, California passed the Compassionate Use Act, which legalized the use of medicinal marijuana. Since then, more and more states (with Michigan proudly among them) have allowed the medicinal and recreational use of marijuana. Today, the push for federal legalization is stronger than ever.
The Various Consumption Methods
Unless it is altered to a different state, cannabis flower is typically inhaled. The flower is ground and then heated to release cannabinoids. It is then inhaled, which allows the compounds to enter directly into the bloodstream.
Inhalation of cannabis is generally the quickest way to feel the effects. Here are some various ways to inhale cannabis flower:
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Joint/Blunt/Pre-Roll
A joint or pre-roll is similar to a cigarette; cannabis flower is rolled up in a paper and lit with an open flame. A blunt is a joint that is rolled in an empty cigar, a tobacco leaf, or a blunt wrap.
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Pipe
A pipe is a smoking device that has a small bowl for the flower and a tube for inhalation. The flower is lit with an open flame and inhaled.
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Bong/Water Pipe
A bong is a water pipe that has a bowl for the flower, like a pipe, but the smoke is pulled through water before being inhaled. The water acts to cool and filter the smoke before inhalation.
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Vaporizer
A vaporizer acts like an oven that heats up the flower. This releases the cannabinoids to be inhaled without the use of an open flame. Vaporizers can come in portable pen form or tabletop form, and are considered a healthier alternative to smoking.
Fire Island Cannabis — On Our Menu
Looking to try out some cannabis flower? Here are some popular strains available on our menu:
Blue Dream
Blue Dream is a sativa-dominant hybrid that produces cerebral stimulation and full body relaxation. As a bonus: it smells and tastes like blueberry pie! It’s great for anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Cookies N Cream
Cookies N Cream is an ideal ‘middle-of-the-road’ hybrid that will provide a balanced cannabis experience. Medicinally, it’s most commonly used for pain, stress, nausea, and depression.
Grape Ape
Grape Ape is an indica-dominant hybrid with a sweet grape scent. It provides carefree relaxation and is known for its potential alleviation of pain, stress, and anxiety.
Want to know more about cannabis flower? Send us a message or visit our store to get more information from one of our knowledgable budtenders.
