Cannabis Product Recommendations: How to Choose the Right Product for You

Selecting the right cannabis product can feel overwhelming, given the wide variety of options available. The key to making the best choice is understanding how different products align with your needs, preferences, and lifestyle. In The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook, we break this process down into four big decisions:
1. Timing – How long do you want the effects to last?
2. Euphoria – Do you want a noticeable “high” or just therapeutic benefits?
3. Daytime vs. Nighttime – Will you be using cannabis to stay alert and productive, or to relax and sleep?
4. Strength of Impact – How strong do you want the effects to be?
By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a cannabis product that best suits your needs. Let’s explore each decision in depth, using guidance from the book.
1. Timing: How Long Should the Effects Last?

(Reference: Chapter 3, Page 45)
Different cannabis products have different onset times (how quickly you feel the effects) and durations (how long they last). Here’s what you need to know:
• Inhaled cannabis (smoking or vaping): Effects start within minutes and last 2–4 hours. Good for fast relief and flexible dosing.
• Edibles & capsules: Effects take 30–90 minutes to begin but last 6–8 hours (or longer for some people). Ideal for long-lasting relief.
• Tinctures: Placed under the tongue, effects start within 15–45 minutes and last about 4–6 hours. A good middle-ground option.
• Topicals: Provide localized relief without intoxication, lasting several hours. Best for pain, inflammation, and skin conditions.
If you need quick relief for pain or anxiety, inhaling may be best. If you want sustained effects for sleep or chronic pain, edibles or capsules are a better choice.
2. Euphoria: Do You Want to Feel High?

(Reference: Chapter 5, Page 78)
Not all cannabis products create a strong psychoactive effect. Choosing the right level of euphoria depends on your personal comfort and medical needs:
• THC-dominant products produce a noticeable high. These are useful for pain relief, relaxation, and creativity, but may cause intoxication.
• CBD-dominant products provide therapeutic benefits without the high. Great for anxiety, inflammation, and general wellness.
• Balanced THC:CBD ratios (like 1:1 products) offer mild euphoria with reduced psychoactive intensity.
If you want symptom relief without intoxication, start with CBD-rich or low-THC products. If you’re comfortable with some euphoria, a balanced 1:1 THC:CBD ratio may be a good starting point.
3. Daytime vs. Nighttime Use

(Reference: Chapter 6, Page 101)
When you use cannabis matters just as much as what you use. Some products help keep you energized and focused, while others promote deep relaxation.
• Daytime (Energizing & Focused) Options:
• Sativa-dominant strains (or products labeled “daytime”) help with creativity, focus, and mood.
• Microdosing small amounts of THC (like 2.5 mg) can provide therapeutic benefits without sedation.
• CBD-dominant options are good for managing anxiety, inflammation, and pain without drowsiness.
• Nighttime (Relaxation & Sleep) Options:
• Indica-dominant strains (or products labeled “nighttime”) promote deep relaxation.
• Higher-THC edibles can provide long-lasting effects that aid sleep.
• CBN-infused products are particularly good for insomnia.
For work or social settings, go with low-THC or CBD-heavy products. For sleep or deep relaxation, choose higher-THC or CBN-infused options.
4. Strength of Impact: How Potent Should It Be?

(Reference: Chapter 4, Page 62)
Dosing is crucial for having a good cannabis experience. A product’s potency depends on both THC/CBD levels and dosage size. Here’s a general guide:
• Microdose (1–2.5 mg THC): Minimal intoxication, good for anxiety, stress, and mild pain.
• Low dose (2.5–5 mg THC): Mild euphoria, good for beginners.
• Moderate dose (5–10 mg THC): Stronger effects, good for pain, sleep, and moderate tolerance.
• High dose (10–20 mg+ THC): Intense effects, best for experienced users.
Start with a low dose and increase gradually to avoid unwanted side effects like anxiety or dizziness. If you’re new to cannabis, consider a CBD-dominant product first.
Putting It All Together: Choosing the Right Product for You

Decision | Best for Quick Relief | Best for Long-Lasting Relief | Best for No High |
---|---|---|---|
Timing | Inhaled (smoking/vaping) | Edibles, capsules | Topicals (localized relief) |
Euphoria | THC-dominant | 1:1 THC:CBD balance | CBD-dominant |
Day/Night | Sativa (daytime) | Indica, CBN (nighttime) | CBD (anytime) |
Strength | 1–5 mg THC (mild) | 10–20 mg THC (strong) | CBD-only or microdose |
By considering these four big decisions, you can confidently select a cannabis product that fits your lifestyle, tolerance, and therapeutic needs.
If you’re unsure where to start, consider talking to a cannabis-trained healthcare professional or experimenting with low doses until you find what works best.
For more details on specific product recommendations, see Chapter 7 (Page 120) in The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook.