To say that the cannabis industry has undergone monumental change over the last 20 years is to state the obvious. What used to be considered the cannabis market prior to the mid-1990s has evolved radically since California began leading the charge to legalize medical cannabis some 25 years ago. Cannabis in 2022 is not your grandfather’s pot, that much is sure.

Legalization across the country is leading some former cannabis users to return to the herb of their youth as they grow older. At least that is the contention of The Fresh Toast contributor and editor Maria Loreto. She contends that older Americans are finding their way back to cannabis as both a medical and recreational product.

If you find yourself a part of that group of ‘new’ cannabis users, you will discover that things are a bit different. The basics are the same, but the details are not. Below are some things to consider.

Different State Laws

First and foremost are the different laws between the states. For example, Colorado is one of eighteen states that allow adults to use cannabis recreationally. Colorado also has a medical program. By contrast, Utah is one of twenty states that has legalized medical cannabis but not recreational use. The point is that you need to know the law in your state.

Because laws differ from one state to the next, what applies in your state may not apply to neighboring states. This is important if you frequently travel across state lines and hope to take your cannabis with you. You might not be able to.

Different Cannabis Products

More than two decades ago, the only way to consume cannabis was to get your hands on some raw buds and either smoke them or add them to your recipes. Today, there are so many more options that it can be difficult to wrap your brain around all of them.

Deseret Wellness is a medical cannabis pharmacy in Provo, Utah. They offer cannabis buds alongside vape cartridges, tinctures, oils, gummies, and topical products. But even their selection just barely scratches the surface. If your state allows, you can probably buy everything from cannabis cookies to THC-infused beverages. There is a lot to learn in terms of product availability.

Different Delivery Methods

Along with all the different products come different delivery methods. Perhaps you are already familiar with smoking and using cannabis edibles. Vaping is similar to smoking, except for the fact that there is no combustion involved. Tinctures involve something completely different. You can also dab. Simply put, smoking and eating are not the only ways to consume cannabis in 2022.

Different Cannabinoids and Terpenes

Two decades ago, almost all cannabis consumption was related to THC, the cannabinoid that makes you high. We know so much more about cannabis these days. We know that THC is only one of more than a hundred cannabinoids and terpenes found in cannabis plants. Many of those other compounds offer health and wellness benefits.

Perhaps THC is not really what you are after. You might be better off consuming CBD. It pays to talk things over with a medical professional or someone in the cannabis industry who knows all the differences between individual cannabinoid and terpene profiles.

Cannabis in 2022 is not your grandfather’s pot. You are still welcome to smoke cannabis in states that legally allow it. But today’s cannabis industry goes well beyond lighting up joints in the backyard. There is a lot to learn before getting back into cannabis full throttle. Take it slow and do it right. You will not be disappointed.