Ask Ethel
Get the scoop on all cannabis-related questions from Arkansas’ expert advice columnist, Ethel Mertz.
By Ethel Mertz
Photography By Ebony Blevins
Consider me your modern-day Ethel Mertz from “I Love Lucy.” I want to be your friend, your confidante, and a guide to all your cannabis-related questions.
Dear Ethel,
I am ready to dip my toes into the world of cannabis to help with my PTSD. But I feel overwhelmed when I look at all the options out there today and don’t know the best way to approach cannabis. Where do I begin?
Best,
Canna Novice
Dear Canna Novice,
I highly recommend communicating this with your physician when you go for your certification. Have you received your certification from your primary care physician, or did you go to a physician that is familiar and studied in the endocannabinoid system? If it is the former, I recommend reaching out to a physician that has educated themselves thoroughly on the endocannabinoid system and how cannabis can assist/help/alleviate your diagnosis.
After you work with your physician, I recommend letting the front desk staff at whichever dispensary you enter, let them know it’s your first time. Let them know you have several questions and aren’t quite comfortable standing at the register to make quick decisions for yourself just yet. Most dispensaries will offer you a consultation as well as introduce you to staff that will eventually become friendly faces for you. Remember, your journey with cannabis is yours and it does take time.
Love,
Ethel
Dear Ethel,
I’m seeing more and more Delta-8 products around and have been told it’s the same thing as “regular weed”. What’s the difference, and why don’t I need a med card for Delta-8?
Best,
Discombobulated-8
Dear Discombobulated-8,
It’s understandable to have your bobulation out of whack regarding Delta-8.
Delta-8 IS almost identical to the delta-9 that is THC in marijuana. The main difference is in the locations of a bond between two of its carbon atoms. This variation means there’s less attraction between delta-8 and the cannabinoid receptor found on cells in your body. Additionally, delta-9 THC medical marijuana product are produced from cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant and are strictly regulated and subject to stringent testing standards. Delta-8 products are created using unregulated, chemically synthesized cannabinoids that are, often, entirely untested.
I’m a long-time cannabis user, and won’t touch delta-8 products, for what it’s worth.
Hope this helps!
Love,
Ethel
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“I’m a long time cannabis user, and won’t touch delta-8…”
