’Tis the Season for Gifting Cannabis
Holiday Picks from Sarah Gagnon, Jenna Masters, and Grace Griffin
November 30, 2021
LOCAL DISPENSARIES have cultivated some incredibly knowledgeable cannabis guides who are ready to offer great advice for the holidays. So we asked a handful of them for suggestions. Canna Provisions guide Sarah Gagnon, top left, studied at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and then Boston University before returning home to the Berkshires during the pandemic and approaching Canna Provisions in Lee for a role there. “It’s a product I enjoy using and sharing with people.”
Jenna Masters, top middle, is a longtime cannabis connoisseur and a dedicated patient services associate of Berkshire Roots in Pittsfield. She has always had a love for nature and holistic, plant-based approaches to wellness, and she is happy to share her knowledge with those in search of more information.
Grace Griffin, top right, a guide at Temescal Wellness in Pittsfield, has worked in cannabis since late-2020 and loves helping store guests discover the plant’s therapeutic power. She enjoys baking infused desserts, sampling cannabis seltzers, and smoking Sativa hybrids.
We asked Gagnon, Masters, and Griffin for their advice on gifting cannabis for the holidays. “Giving the gift of cannabis can make for some really great experiences for the people you love,” says Masters. “You’ll want to make sure to pass along to the recipient the caution of using their products safely and responsibly—and most important of all, remind them to enjoy the adventure!”
For Dad
Gagnon: If Dad is familiar with cannabis either now or back in his day, I would suggest grabbing a cluster of cannabis gifts, featuring a range of products. Getting him different cannabis bud options is never a bad idea for flower fans—ideally craft cannabis grown naturally in the Berkshires. If Dad is more of a novice, then I’d suggest products that allow one to experiment in small doses. To make it super easy, I would suggest any edibles or products with CBG and CBN, minor cannabinoids with a range of applications.
Griffin: For the dad with more cannabis experience, one of our CORE Concentrates waxes could elevate his experience by providing potent effects. Because of its versatility in consistency, Dad can use wax with a rig, dab straw, concentrate vapor pen, or even mixed up in a blunt or bowl.
For Mom
Gagnon: Moms turning to cannabis for overall wellness—looking for options for lab-tested, safe, adult-use cannabis—is part of the fun of being in the industry. The same options for Dad apply to Mom, noting that for Mom I like to suggest products that weave into their lifestyles.
Masters: I would suggest a sativa strain that is high in pinene or limonene terpenes. These terps are known for their vigor effects, a little extra pep in her step, a bit of motivation and creativity while she takes care of everyday tasks, making things a little more fun. If Mom needs to be more discrete—a dry flower vaporizer may be a great gift.
Griffin: If Mom is newer to cannabis, pick her up a tasty treat like cannabis-infused fruit chews, some of which can have both THC and CBD, making for the perfect entourage effect to help Mom relax and unwind from the busy holiday season.
For Grandma/Grandpa
Gagnon: Can’t go wrong with pain and muscle THC and menthol infused topicals which don’t get a user “high” given how the cannabinoids are absorbed transdermally. Any edibles with a 1:1 CBD:THC balance will be great suggestions, and for Grandma a nice package of Healing Rose CBD-infused bath salts will round out any new robe or slippers that you’re gifting.
Masters: For Grandma and Grandpa, the idea of getting “stoned” might be a little scary. However, there are many products out there that will not leave them feeling like a space cadet. Edibles, like chews or capsules with higher CBD and lower THC content, can be fantastic and may reduce inflammation and pain as well as offering some euphoric effects at the same time.
Griffin: How about infusing a family-favorite recipe with cannabis? For Grandma or Grandpa, cannabis flower is perfect for baking into cookies, brownies, or anything else!
For the Pet Owner
Gagnon: CBD products for pets have been a steady winner, and anything that helps pets with their joints, hips, as well as products that can help reduce anxiety and stress is a great suggestion. Also, talk to your vet too, they may have some products to suggest.
Masters: For your beloved fur-babies, THC can be dangerous, so we never recommend getting their goodies from the dispensary. There is always a chance our products may include some THC. We suggest stopping by your local pet store (such as Benson’s) for CBD products made specifically for them!
For Someone Who Doesn’t Ingest
Masters: Topicals are the way to go! Berkshire Roots offers a Soothing Stick, which is a body balm in an easy to apply stick style package. Just rub onto the area; you won’t get any of the intoxicating effects you get from smoking, vaping, or eating cannabis products.
For Your Lover
Gagnon: We carry plant-based simple pills that are for swallowing (not chewing!) that are made with the “Viagra of the Amazon” as well as low-dose THC and CBD, all meant to increase blood flow and desire. Add that to the availability of THC infused massage oils and even personal lubricants, and it’ll be easy to keep warm this winter with cannabis!
Masters: Something you can both enjoy is always fabulous! There is a new product that recently hit the market in Massachusetts—Bedroom Cannabis that is intended to be used as a personal lubricant and stimulant. Used alongside an edible containing extracts with aphrodisiac qualities, you could have an extraordinary night ahead of you.
Griffin: Flowers and chocolates? So 2015! The only thing better than getting your significant other a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates is switching it up with an infused chocolate bar and an eighth of frosty buds. But if you really want to impress that special someone, roast some marshmallows by the fire together and make some infused s’mores and a cup of hot chocolate to set the mood for love.
Safety Concerns
Gagnon: Low and slow, give the products a proper amount of time to work with your body to then judge how you feel. Often, first-time users—who might feel more comfortable trying edibles versus a range of tinctures, flower, or other products—don’t realize how the effects from edibles can last a lot longer and be more intense than trying anything inhaled, or taken under the tongue like a tincture.
Masters: It’s important to remember that cannabis products affect everyone a little differently and we are not able to make any claims, as we are not medical professionals or doctors. We advise that you consult with your doctor first if you have any concerns. We provide free virtual, phone, or in person consultations to help answer any questions prior. A big thing we focus on here at Berkshire Roots is “start low and go slow.” It is easy to over-medicate with cannabis products and always a better idea to start off at a lower dosage and work your way up to what feels right for you.
Griffin: Much of cannabis usage is trial and error. Temescal Wellness suggests they start with a small dose, maybe half an edible serving or a few puffs on a pre-roll, and see how they feel. Effects from smoking will come on almost immediately and last between one to two hours. Edibles can be a bit trickier to anticipate—effects will set in around one hour to 90 minutes after consumption and typically last between three and four hours. We always tell people to start low and go slow so they can reach whatever their desired effect may be. Happy consuming!
Cannabis is for use only by adults 21 years of age or older. Keep out of the reach of children. There is limited information on its side effects, and there may be associated health risks. Marijuana use during pregnancy and breastfeeding may pose potential harms. It is against the law to drive or operate machinery when under the influence. The effects of edibles may be delayed by two hours or more.