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What is cannabis?
Cannabis, or Cannabis sativa, is a species of flowering plant that has been used in many ways throughout human history. Indigenous to Asia, cannabis is now cultivated across the world before being processed for a variety of applications. Although most commonly associated with the distinctive psychoactive quality of the cannabinoid THC, cannabis is also known for its versatility in manufacturing textiles, papers, plastics, biofuels, and more.
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What’s the difference between ‘marijuana’ and ‘hemp’?
Cannabis can be broadly divided into two categories: ‘marijuana’ and ‘hemp.’ The primary differences between ‘marijuana’ and ‘hemp’ in how the plant is grown and processed, as well as the cannabinoid content.
In the United States, hemp is legally defined as cannabis that contains no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight; this includes hemp-derived extracts, cannabinoids and other derivatives. Hemp products come in a variety of forms, including consumables that can be either non-intoxicating, or even psychoactive.
‘Marijuana,’ by contrast, is cannabis that is grown to have a high percentage of natural delta-9 THC content. It is used for both medical and recreational purposes, where permitted by law. In the United States, ‘marijuana’ is federally illegal, although a number of states have decriminalized it within their jurisdictions or created legal frameworks for the sale and consumption of ‘marijuana’ by adult consumers.
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What are cannabinoids? What is the endocannabinoid system?
There are two types of cannabinoids: phytocannabindoids and endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids are naturally produced by the human body, and phytocannabinoids can be found in the cannabis plant. These chemical compounds can have a variety of effects on the human body through their interactions with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) which helps to regulate nerve, brain, and immune cell activity. The exact mechanisms through which the endocannabinoid system and cannabinoids work are still being studied, with exciting new research happening every day. As we learn more about the ECS, we continue to unlock new and more effective ways of using cannabis as a therapeutic.
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What is CBD? CBG? CBN?
CBD, CBG, and CBN are naturally occurring compounds in cannabis that can be incorporated into wellness routines. Many people choose these cannabinoids for their potential to support relaxation, promote comfort, and enhance general wellness.
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What is THC? What are Delta-8, Delta-9, Delta-10, THC-O, etc.?
These cannabinoids are known for their distinct characteristics and effects. People often choose them to support a calming experience or add balance to their wellness routine.
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What does full-spectrum mean? What about broad-spectrum? Isolate?
In the cannabis world, you’ll often find products labeled as “full-spectrum” or “broad-spectrum” or “isolate.” These are terms used to describe the type of product and what kind of cannabinoids, and other cannabis compounds, you can expect to be getting.
Simply put, full-spectrum products are products that contain a, well, full-spectrum of the compounds found in the cannabis plant. This can include trace amounts of delta-9 THC — up to 0.3% by dry weight — in addition to trace amounts of other minor cannabinoids. It is thought that full spectrum products are more effective at lower doses than a comparable isolate, as consumers may benefit from the ‘entourage effect.’
Those who are seeking the entourage effect but also don’t wish to consume THC may find benefit from broad-spectrum products. Broad-spectrum means that a product still contains trace amounts of other minor cannabinoids but is free of THC.
Finally, there are isolates. Isolate products are products that only contain a single cannabinoid. They are chosen for a variety of reasons, including avoiding THC and personal preference.
It’s important to note that, due to the nature of the cannabis plant, flower products are always going to be full-spectrum. In order to remove or isolate specific cannabinoids, the compounds from the cannabis plant must be extracted and refined.
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What is the entourage effect?
The entourage effect refers to the theorized synergistic properties of the various cannabinoids and other compounds found in cannabis. Most often, when one consumes cannabis they’re also consuming a wide variety of minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and other chemicals found in the plant rather than an individual, isolated cannabinoid. It is proposed that the interaction between all of these constituent elements is responsible for the unique effects and benefits found in different strains and varieties. For these reasons, we encourage consumers who are able to experiment with different full-spectrum products to find what works best for them.
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What do Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid mean?
In the world of cannabis, you’ll often hear about strains and products being classified into one of three different groups: sativas, indicas, and hybrids. While there’s a lot of misinformation and urban legends out there about what these terms mean, we use them today to describe the different types of experiences many users report when consuming different cannabis strains. These differences are largely the effect of each strain’s unique terpene profile and cannabinoid content, which is why you’ll find similar effects in strains from the same family, like Diesels or Hazes or Kushes.
Sativas are generally known by consumers for promoting an uplifting, stimulating effect and a ‘head high’. Many users report increased focus, creativity, and motivation, as well as some benefits in easing stress or anxiety. Sativas are also often referred to as ‘daytime strains’ and
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What are terpenes?
You’re probably familiar with the distinctive, pungent aroma of cannabis. Or perhaps you love the scent of lavender, or citrus. Well, those smells come from terpenes—naturally-occurring aromatic compounds found in many plants and flowers. In cannabis, terpenes are responsible for determining the unique smell and flavor of different strains; imagine the petrol-like odor of diesel strains compared with the more musky, earthy quality of a kush. Additionally, terpenes work in combination with phytocannabinoids like THC and CBD, and help to impart some of the specific effects we associate with Sativa, Indica, and Hybrids. A common analogy we use is essential oils (which, by the way, are full of terpenes) or aromatherapy, and how a citrus scent can be invigorating and energizing while a bit of lavender can help aid calm and relaxation.
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What can cannabis potentially help with?
Many people incorporate cannabis into their daily routines for its versatile range of benefits, such as promoting relaxation and a sense of well-being.
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What kind of products do you carry?
Greener Things carries a wide variety of cannabis products suitable for many different methods of consumption, including inhalables, sublingual tinctures, traditional edibles, topicals, and more. Our products can be used therapeutically, medicinally, and recreationally—including hemp-derived THC products.
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Are your products safe?
Safety is top priority. That’s why we only carry products that have gone through third-party laboratory testing for potency and purity. We don’t stock anything that we wouldn’t personally use ourselves or share with our friends, family, and pets. Lab results are available on site.
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Are your products legal?
Yes! The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, more commonly known as the “2018 Farm Bill,” legalized the cultivation of hemp and the sale of hemp-derived products containing no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight on the federal level. All of our products are compliant with the 2018 Farm Bill and contain no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight.
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Do you carry organic, vegan, or gluten-free options?
We do! We mindfully source our products to include the highest quality ingredients and seek out accessible options to satisfy all of our customers. While not all of our products are organic, vegan, or gluten-free, our educated staff will be happy to help you make an appropriate selection for your personal needs.
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Will your products show up on drug screenings?
Some of our products contain trace cannabinoids that could potentially be detected in drug screenings. We recommend consulting with your testing provider if you have concerns.
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What is the GREENER THINGS LOYALTY PROGRAM?
Join the Greener Things Loyalty Program – It’s Free!
- Earn 1 point for every dollar you spend (before tax).
- Redeem 420 points for $17 off your next purchase.
- Points never expire and can be combined with other discounts.
- Plus, enjoy exclusive deals and special offers sent to you by text (you can opt out anytime).
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Do you offer free shipping or delivery?
Free First-Class Shipping on orders over $50.
Priority Shipping for orders under $50 (rates apply):
- Small flat rate: $10.20
- Medium flat rate: $17.10
- Large flat rate: $22.80
Orders ship via USPS. Same-day delivery is not available.
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Do I need a medical ID to shop at Greener Things?
You do not need to be a medical marijuana patient to shop at Greener Things.
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Do I have to be a certain age to shop at Greener Things? Do I need an ID?
You need to be an adult over the age of 21 (or 18 for some CBD only products) with a valid photo ID in order to purchase products at Greener Things.
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Where can I buy seeds?
We currently carry a limited selection of seeds available for purchase in our showroom.
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Why don’t you sell marijuana products? Will you be in the future?
Although adult use of marijuana products is legal in Virginia, the commonwealth does not allow for recreational sales at present. Currently, the only legal way to purchase marijuana products in Virginia is through one of the approved medical marijuana dispensaries, which require a doctor’s recommendation. When Virginia begins to offer permits for recreational marijuana sales, we will be applying for consideration. So stay tuned!
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Will CBD (CBG, CBN, etc.) get me high?
No. CBD, CBG, CBN, and similar cannabinoids are considered to be non-psychoactive and do not cause the same euphoric headchange effect found in THCs. “Relaxing, but not intoxicating” is how some users describe the effects. However, as with all supplements, individual reactions may be different.
- Should I choose a tincture, an edible, a vape, or a flower product? What about topicals?
Choosing the appropriate cannabis product for your needs may seem overwhelming, but our educated staff is always happy to guide you in making a selection. Knowing a bit about the different types of cannabis products can also be helpful in determining the best product for you.
Perhaps the most well-known type of cannabis products is an inhalable, which includes both flower and vaporizer oil cartridges. These products take effect very quickly, making them ideal for people seeking immediate results. Some customers prefer vaporizer products over flower, due to their higher potency levels and purity.
Edibles are another popular way to consume cannabis and are popular among those seeking a longer duration of effects, as well as those looking to avoid inhalation or smoking. Edibles can also help make dosing more precise and come in a variety of different potencies per serving.
Tinctures and sublingual oils occupy a unique place between a traditional edible and an inhalable. Because they are consumed sublingually—or underneath the tongue—they take effect more quickly than a traditional edible while still lasting much longer than inhaled cannabis. They also offer more variability and precision in dosing, as the user can measure out a custom volume for each dose, depending on need.
Finally, topical products are another
- How long do your products take to start working? How long do they last?
With cannabis, the method of use plays a critical role in how long it takes to start feeling the effects, as well as how long those effects will last.
Inhalable products, such as flower or vaporizer oil cartridges, have the quickest onset time. When the smoke or vapor carries the cannabinoids into your lungs, they almost immediately begin entering the bloodstream. The peak effect can be felt 5-10 minutes after inhalation and will typically last for 1-3 hours.
Sublingual products, such as our oil tinctures, are known for having a relatively quick onset time and long-lasting effects. Typically, effects can be felt 15-30 minutes after consumption, and can last anywhere between 4-6 hours.
Edible products, such as gummies or chocolates, have the longest onset time of all, but the trade off is that their effects also last a long time. It can be between one and two hours before you feel the effects, which can last for 6-8 hours.
Topical products are unique and work by targeting a local area rather than introducing the cannabinoids to the entire body through the bloodstream. A topical can take between 15 minutes and an hour to be fully absorbed and begin working, at which point the effects can typically be felt for 2-3 hours. However, as topicals are non-psychoactive, they can be safely reapplied as often as needed.
It’s important to note that these are rough guidelines. Every person is unique and differences in metabolism, activity levels, and more can have an influence on your experience. For this reason, we encourage users to ‘start low and go slow’ to figure out what dose is best for them. Taking a small amount of cannabis and waiting to see how it affects you before take more can help you to dial in your appropriate dosage and avoid accidentally taking more than intended.
- I think I took too much and don’t feel good. What should I do?
Accidentally taking more cannabis than intended can be an uncomfortable experience! But the good news is that there have been zero reports of fatal overdoses on cannabis and long term side effects are very rare. The effects of cannabis should wear off after a few hours and many users report that a nap or good night’s sleep will help restore them to baseline. If symptoms persist for several days or worsen, seek medical attention.
- Can I travel with your products?
While our products are compliant with the 2018 Farm Bill and thus are federally legal, local regulations may be different. Additionally, private companies—such as those providing transportation, lodging, and other accommodations—may have policies in place restricting cannabis use and possession. We encourage customers to verify local laws and relevant company policies before traveling with our products.
- What’s the best way to store my products?
When storing your cannabis products, it’s important to keep in mind temperature, moisture, and light exposure. As with many botanical products, fluctuations in these variables can accelerate the natural degradation of quality. We recommend storing your products in a cool, dark, stable environment to the best of your ability. Resealing your products, including edibles and flowers and concentrates, in an airtight container can also help to preserve quality.
- What’s the shelf life of your products?
Cannabis is a botanical product and, as such, does not have an indefinite shelf life.
For flower products, properly storing in an airtight container away from heat, light, and moisture can keep your flower fresh for, on average, six months to a year; the longer it is stored, the more it will begin to lose its aroma and potency.
For edible products, the shelf life is more variable and depends a lot on the shelf life of the other ingredients. Baked goods like cookies or cereal bars, for example, may have a shorter shelf life than a gummy or syrup. We recommend storing your edibles as you would any other food product and to consult the manufacturer guidelines.
For oil cartridges and similar concentrates, if stored in a cool, dark place they can be kept for between 6 and 12 months before beginning to lose potency. We also recommend that customers store their oil cartridges and vaporizer devices upright and sealed to prevent leaks.
For sublingual oils or tinctures, the shelf life can depend on whether the product has an alcohol or oil base. At Greener Things, all of our sublingual products are made with an MCT carrier oil base and have a recommended shelf life of 18 to 24 months.
For topical products, the additional ingredients present in the cream or salve can help to stabilize the cannabis extracts and increase the shelf life. Generally speaking, your topical will retain its potency for one to two years. As with all cannabis products, storage is important, and we recommend storing in a cool, dry, dark location.
With the exception of edibles and sublingual oils or tinctures, which contain food quality ingredients that may spoil over time, consuming a cannabis product past its recommended use by date is unlikely to have any negative effects. However, all cannabis products will eventually begin to lose their potency, aroma, and flavor, which can have an impact on the user experience.
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I’m unsatisfied with my purchase! What’s your return policy?
Due to the nature of our products, we are unable to offer refunds or returns. However, your satisfaction is our priority and if you have a problem or concern about your purchase, please reach out to us so we can do our best to make it right. In the case of a defective product or manufacturer’s error, we will be more than happy to exchange the product and correct the error.
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I noticed you don’t carry a certain product. Will you consider adding it as an option?
Absolutely! While we can’t guarantee that we’ll be able to add every product you suggest to our shelves, we take suggestions from our customers seriously. Many of our favorite products were first brought to our attention by customers before we started carrying them. To give us your suggestion, please email purchasing@greenerthings.care
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Do you do special orders?
We strive to meet the needs of every single one of our customers. If you have a special request or order, reach out to a member of staff who will pass your request on to our management team. While we are not able to accommodate every special request, we will try our best to make sure you are satisfied.
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How can I apply to work with Greener Things?
If you’re a cannabis lover looking to start a career with Greener Things, please submit a copy of your resume and a cover letter to info@greenerthings.care
- Should I choose a tincture, an edible, a vape, or a flower product? What about topicals?