Education

Shopping for cannabis is a bit different from your typcial store trip, but at MOM we work hard to make it the most comfortable and easy shopping experience possible. When you arrive, have the items listed above in “What do I need to bring to shop at Megan’s Organic Market” ready to provide the receptionist. Our receptionist will collect these as well as other necessary information from you before you enter the shopping area, at which time they will return your items. Keep your ID (and medical recommendation if you have one) close at hand as you will need these again at checkout.

You will find MOM provides an open-concept shopping experience that allows you to interact with products at your own pace. This is a unique opportunity among cannabis storefronts, as most do not allow customers to pick up products and manage their own shopping experience.

We want you to get the experience you want so much that we provide two shopping basket options at reception or upon entry. Check out the accompanying sign and pick your preferred. One will let our budtenders know that you prefer to shop independently, they may still check in but will allow you to navigate the store as you wish. The other notifies our budtenders that you would prefer some assistance. And always feel free to ask for help if you need, our budtenders are there to share their knowledge and help you make the best decision!

After you have collected the items you wish to purchase head to checkout. At checkout they will scan your ID and accept payment for your items. And now you are all set! Enjoy your products and come say high soon.

If you have any questions about products you have previously purchased, our budtenders can access past purchases and provide support as needed.

If you have any questions while at the store, please ask any available budtender. Our staff is extremely knowledgeable on all things cannabis and happy to help! If you have questions while not at one of our locations, give us a call or reach out through our contact page and someone will be with you as soon as possible.

Absolutely! We offer express pickup at all locations and curbside pickup at select locations. To place an order for pickup, choose the appropriate store location shop, fill up your basket, and proceed to checkout. The checkout window will have a list of pickup “types" available at that location. Choose your preferred method and click save in the “Type” box. Proceed with completing the checkout page and place your order.

If you select express pickup, when your order is ready please come into the shop. Make sure you bring a government-issued photo id, medical recommendation if applicable, and cash, debit, or ACH payment method. Go directly to the “Express Pickup” counter after reception.

If you selected curbside pickup, make sure all vehicle occupants are 21+ and have legal government-issued ID. If there are any underage passengers, our budtenders will not be able to deliver your order. Upon arrival, pull into the designated curbside pickup parking spots which are indicated by signs. Follow the instructions on the sign in front of your parking spot and call the number listed to let our budtenders know you are there. They will come to your vehicle to accept your ID, medical recommendation if applicable, and payment method. Once age verification and payment are complete, they will bring our your order immediately.

All online orders are held for 24 hours. If you will not be able to make it in in that timeframe, you can call the appropriate store (see contact page) and speak to a budtender about your options.

THC. CBD. CBG. CBN. THCV. THCA. No, these aren’t just a random jumble of letters. They represent different cannabinoids, which are naturally occurring compounds that have an effect on our body’s endocannabinoid system. The human endocannabinoid system works to regulate and restore homeostasis at a physiological level, and regulates such functions as sleep, mood, and appetite. 

 

Phytocannabinoids (cannabinoids found in plants) and naturally occuring endocannabinoids affect cannabis consumers by interacting with the body’s CB1 and CB2 receptors. Think of it like the cannabinoids giving the receptors a high five. After consuming cannabis, CB receptors interact with the endocannabinoid system to produce a multitude of effects. These effects can vary depending on which CB receptors are activated. CB1 receptors are primarily concentrated in our central nervous system, while CB2 receptors primarily are tied to our peripheral nervous system, including immune cells.

 

THC and other psychotropic (changes to the nervous system, altering perception, mood, cognition, or behavior) cannabinoids bind to CB1 receptors found in the brain and central nervous system. Cannabinoids that bind to these sites are partly responsible for intoxicating highs from cannabis. CBD, which is non-psychotropic, also binds to CB1 receptors when THC is present. At low doses, CBD diminishes THC’s psychotropic effects and opens up more medicinal pathways. At very high doses, CBD can actually amplify the intoxicating nature of THC.

 

THC: A psychoactive cannabinoid associated with the “high” of consuming cannabis. Evidence suggests THC is anti-bacterial, antiemetic (effective against vomiting and nausea), anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective (protecting nerve cells against damage or degeneration), and an appetite stimulant.

 

CBD: A non-psychoactive cannabinoid, evidence suggests CBD reduces anxiety and depression, has pain relieving properties, reduces compulsive behavior, is anti-inflammatory, helps with bone tissue health, and is neuroprotective (protecting nerve cells against damage or degeneration).

 

CBN: Unlike CBD, which is non-psychoactive, CBN in large doses can produce mild psychoactive reactions. CBN has been shown to act as a pain reducer and sleep aid, as well as having anti-arthritic, antioxidant, and anti-anxiety properties.

 

THCV: A close cousin to THC, THCV has a significantly less potent psychoactive effect. THCV has shown to have appetite suppressant, anti-convulsant, and antiepileptic properties. 

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CBC: A non-psychoactive cannabinoid, CBC has been shown to have pain relieving, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-insomnia properties.

 

CBG: Another non-psychoactive, CBG has shown to assist with reducing intraocular pressure, aids with sleep, and has anti-anxiety, bone stimulating, and anti-inflammatory properties.

 

CBGV: Non-psychoactive, CBGV is shown to inhibit cancer cell growth, boost CBD metabolism, allowing CBD to have a more potent effect, and act as an anti-inflammatory.

 

THCA: Unlike its relative THC, THCA is considered to be non-psychoactive. THCA has shown to be antiemetic (effective against vomiting and nausea), assist with sleep, and have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective (protecting nerve cells against damage or degeneration) properties.

 

Although there are more than 100 different phytocannabinoids (cannabinoids found in plants) isolated in the cannabis plant, two of the most prevalent and well studied are THC and CBD. While CBD alone has many therapeutic benefits, these are enhanced when paired with THC. The Entourage Effect theorizes that a larger or more impactful effect is received when multiple cannabinoids (i.e. CBD & THC) are delivered simultaneously rather than in isolation.

 

In addition to cannabinoids, terpenes are another naturally occuring compound in cannabis plants. Terpenes in cannabis are found in trichomes, or sticky glands attached to the cannabis flower. They can also be found in many plants, including some of your favorite fruits and spices. Terpenes produce distinct aromas in cannabis, as well as contribute to its flavor profiles.

 

The following are five of the most common terpenes in cannabis, listed from most calming to most energizing:

• Myrcene: Calming effect for most. Has an herbal flavor and smell. Also found in hops, mango, and lemongrass.

• Pinene: Calming effect for most. Has a pine flavor and smell. Also found in pine needles, rosemary, basil, and dill.

• Caryophyllene: Typical effect falls mid-way between calming and energizing. Has a peppery flavor and smell. Also found in black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon.

• Limonene: Energizing effect for most. Has a citrus flavor and smell. Also found in fruit rinds, rosemary, juniper, and peppermint.

• Terpinolene: Energizing effect for most. Has a fruity flavor and smell. Also found in nutmeg, tea tree, cumin, and lilacs.

Cultivars (aka strains) of cannabis are characterized by different cannabinoid and terpene profiles which in turn lead to different physical and psychological effects. Cultivars are essentially different varieties of cannabis that can be said to fall into the general categories of Sativa, Indica, or Hybrid. Due to the nature of cannabis cultivation and innovative crossbreeding of plants, the argument exists that almost all cannabis falls under the Hybrid category. However, when shopping for your favorite product, lab results (including THC percentage) and cultivar classification are essential to understanding potential effects. 

 

In general the three cultivars can be described as having the following potential effects:

• Sativa: uplifting, heightened creative thinking, giggly, euphoric.

• Popular Sativas are Sour Diesel, Jack Herer, and Green Crack.

• Indica: relaxing, stress relieving, pain reducing, sedating

• Popular Indicas are Granddaddy Purple, Hindu Kush, and Northern Lights.

• Hybrid: a balance of mind and body, anxiety reducing, relaxing.

• Popular Hybrids are OG Kush, Girl Scout Cookies, and Pineapple Express.

TIP: When looking at products, check to see if Hybrid is preceded by “Sativa” or “Indica.” The inclusion of one of these indicates that the product potentially has dominant effects associated with the listed cultivar.

Cannabis can be enjoyed in a myriad of ways. Choosing the best delivery method depends on your desired effect and experience level.

• Smoke (inhale): Smoking utilizes combustion to allow cannabinoids to enter the bloodstream through the lungs, resulting in a more rapid onset than edibles or tinctures.

• Vapor (inhale): Vaporizing allows cannabinoids to enter the bloodstream through the lungs, resulting in a more rapid onset than edibles.

• Edible (ingest): Eating cannabis brings cannabinoids through your intestines to your liver, where they are then processed. Edibles typically result in a much stronger effect.

• Topical (apply): Topical application is non-intoxicating since the cannabinoids do not make it to the bloodstream. This is a good option for delivering localized relief to areas of the body

• Sublingual (absorb): Sublingual absorption bypasses the digestive system, allowing for a faster onset and more efficient absorption compared to ingestion.

• Suppository (absorb): Suppositories bypass the digestive system and are absorbed directly through the mucus membrane, therefore the onset of effects is far quicker.

Since everyone’s relationship with cannabis is unique, and the same product can cause different effects in different individuals, the ultimate goal is to find what works for you as a consumer. The longstanding advice of “start low and go slow” is paramount in evaluating your mind and body’s reaction to the products you consume. This is particularly important when considering the delivery method of your product. The onset time of inhalation (smoking) is much quicker than that of edibles, due to the way our bodies absorb it. Inhaling cannabis vapor moves through your lungs and into your bloodstream, resulting in an almost immediate onset of effects.  Edibles are metabolized through both the stomach and liver, which lends to a much longer onset time (45 minutes to 2 hours, typically), and effects are felt for extended periods of time, comparatively. It is recommended that first time users begin with 2.5-5mg, and work their way up to their personal preferred  amount. 

 

Cannabis may alter how prescription drugs work in your body.Always consult a doctor about medicines you are taking or thinking about taking and their potential interactions and side effects with cannabis.

 

Ratio awareness is helpful when determining desired effects of a product. The ratio is based on the amount of a particular cannabinoid compared to another. For example, a topical balm may read “2:1” and include both CBD and THC. Unless otherwise noted on the packaging, ratios are typically marked CBD:THC. In the above example, this would mean there are 2 parts of CBD to 1 part THC in a dose. If you have any questions about ratios or dosing guidelines, do not hesitate to ask  your budtender. The MOM team bases our interaction on not only cannabis knowledge and care, but shared experiences from our community of other guests, team members, and ourselves. It is our pleasure to assist in ensuring an approachable and enjoyable cannabis experience.

It’s not just alcohol. If you are impaired from cannabis use (or any other impairment including sleepiness, external distractions, or certain medical conditions) do not operate a vehicle. 

If you are a passenger, don’t get into a car with a driver who is impaired. While they may appear fine, their reaction time and focus may be limited. Biking while impaired can also be dangerous and is illegal. Make sure you have a designated driver anytime you must travel after consuming cannabis.

 

There are a few things that make an optimal storage environment for cannabis, namely those that keep the product fresh as long as possible and those that keep everyone in the home safe. 

 

To optimize freshness, store cannabis products in a dark, cool, and airtight setting. Sunlight and artificial light can both have negative effects on cannabis. Make sure containers remain tightly closed. 

 

To ensure the safety of household members, visitors, and pets, cannabis should be kept in a secure and locked location. It should be kept out of sight and out of reach of children and pets. Consider a safe or lockbox with a combination or keypad for optimal safety measures. See “Do you have cannabis advice for parents” above for more information.

 

For questions about adverse or unwanted effects that occur after cannabis consumption or if a child has consumed cannabis, contact Poison Control for expert advice. Poison Control can be contacted at 1-800-222-1222. They are free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day. 

 

If you think a child needs immediate medical help, call 911.

 

If your pet is showing any signs of having ingested cannabis, take your pet to your veterinarian or the nearest emergency veterinary hospital for treatment. Signs of intoxication in pets vary and can include disorientation, instability, hyperactivity, sleepiness, and more.