Cannabis (Cannabis sativa) is a plant that can be used in food, drinks and medicine, as well as for religious, spiritual and recreational purposes. Despite being federally illegal, cannabis can be used recreationally in 18 states and medically in 37 states.

The plant can be grown indoors or outdoors anywhere in the world. It takes on its iconic seven-pointed shape for most of its life until the end—where it flowers and produces buds. Those are then harvested, dried and cured before being sent to your local dispensary.

THC (short for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is known for providing a handful of different feelings. These can range from the desired euphoria and relaxation effects to the less pleasant side effects of paranoia and anxiety. Despite being seen as recreational, THC can provide medical benefits such as nausea, loss of appetite and insomnia.

CBD (short for cannabidiol) is non-psychoactive, meaning the user won’t feel high after consuming it. Still, CBD is often relied on for its everyday benefits, such as increased relaxation and general stress relief. Beyond that, its medical applications include anxiety, seizures and more.

Delta-8 THC is a recently emerging minor cannabinoid. It’s a lot like THC in that it produces similar effects, though the major difference is that it’s far less potent. It also exists in a legal grey area, as it can be extracted from CBD, making delta-8 THC legal in states where delta-9 THC isn’t. The benefits are more or less the same, including mild euphoria and pain relief.

Indica plants are shorter and bushier, containing short and wide leaves. Indica strains have high levels of CBD and moderate levels of THC, producing a relaxing body high that can increase appetite, induce “couch-lock” or aid in falling asleep, making it ideal for nighttime use.

Sativa plants are narrower and thinner, containing long and slim leaves. Sativa strains have high levels of THC and low levels of CBD, bringing about feelings of alertness, euphoria and increased energy that make it best for daytime use.

Hybrid strains fall somewhere between Indica and Sativa strains. The qualities of a hybrid depend on the properties of the parent plants. Moreover, the percentage ratio of THC to CBD in the plant determines whether the strain is Sativa heavy, Indica heavy or evenly balanced. Generally, cannabis breeders cross two strains with the intent of cultivating a new strain for medical efficacy or compromising between the effects of Indica and Sativa.

Cannabis oil is made of a cannabis concentrate and a carrier oil. The concentrate is suspended in the oil so that it can be evenly distributed in every drop.

Cannabis oil is more highly concentrated than flower. If you’ve never used a cannabis concentrate before, you should proceed with caution until you know how it affects you.

Cannabis tincture is a cannabis concentrate preserved in high-proof alcohol. They can have a bitter flavor because of the alcohol—though they may have other vegetable glycerin or other products added to them to mask that taste—but this also gives them a longer shelf-life.

Cannabis tinctures, like oils, are highly concentrated products. Start by using just a little bit, and continue to re-dose periodically until you achieve your desired high.

If you use cannabis for medical reasons, you may want to consider a cannabis patch. A cannabis patch is basically a sticker that releases a steady stream of CBD and/or THC into your bloodstream.

Cannabis patches are ideal for medical users because they can provide consistent relief from pain, nausea, and other ailments treated with medical marijuana.

They also provide maximum control over how much THC you are ingesting, so they are ideal for users who don’t primarily want to feel high.

Smoking flower is considered to be the quickest way to get high due to its fast onset effects, cost-effectiveness and simplicity. The peak hits after roughly 30 minutes, with the overall experience lasting for up to three hours. Some cons of smoking include the lingering smell, carcinogenic compounds in the smoke and throat pain or frequent coughing from the smoke.

Concentrates are what the name implies—a concentrated form of cannabis made by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes directly from the cannabis plant. It can come in a variety of forms, including wax, oil, dabs and shatter, and is mostly inhaled through a vaporizer or a dab rig.

Concentrates can be extremely potent in comparison to cannabis flower, ranging from 40% to 99% THC. The effects are instant and remove the smell, allowing for a somewhat more discreet experience. On the other hand, it’s easy to go overboard when using, making dosing a little tricky.

Edibles commonly come in the form of brownies or cookies, though any food or drink can be infused with cannabis. The onset relies on your metabolism, taking anywhere between 30 minutes and two hours to kick in. The high also lasts far longer, going up to 4–6 hours, and in extreme cases, up to 12 hours. There’s no smoke or smell involved with edibles, making them great for discreet use or traveling. For beginners, it’s best to go slow as the delayed reaction may make it difficult to dose properly.