Cannabis Consultant Audrey Duran Shares Some of Her Favorite Tips and Products
You know that feeling of rushing through a dispensary, feeling intimidated or overwhelmed and then leaving with a product you’re not sure will give you what you’re looking for? Most consumers, whether they’re new to cannabis or have been enjoying its benefits for a while, can relate.
Lighthouse Dispensary in Coachella is on a mission to remedy that. With its open, organized layout and thoughtful staff, Lighthouse Dispensary prides itself on providing guests with a highly personalized and educational experience, which allows people to leave feeling empowered and secure in their purchase.
“We really take pride in how our staff is able to give [customers] time and attention—to give them that comfort to be able to open up to us,” Audrey Duran, cannabis consultant at Lighthouse Dispensary, explains.
“We get to building those connections and comfort levels by helping them as best as we can…and making [information] more available to help give everybody the wellness they need.”
Looking to level up your cannabis experience? Here are some helpful tips from Duran to help you make the most of it.
Tip 1: Discover how CBD can improve wellness.
The cannabis plant has a rich medicinal history that dates back to 2800 BC, but cannabidiol (CBD) wasn’t isolated from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) until 1940. To this day, there is still a misconception about the difference between these two properties.
“CBD is a major cannabinoid found in cannabis, notable for its non-psychoactive properties. Unlike THC, CBD does not induce a ‘high,’ making it an attractive option for therapeutic use,” Duran says.
“CBD can also mitigate some of the psychoactive effects of THC, providing a more balanced experience.”
CBD-only and CBD-forward products are a great option for anyone interested in seeing how CBD can help lower anxiety, improve sleep and manage pain. However, Duran notes that “everyone has a different recipe,” and she urges customers to log and track different products’ effects so she can help them find what dose, form and strain works best for them.
Duran’s recommendation: Papa & Barkley Tincture (available in high CBD). This high-quality tincture is known for its anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant and neuroprotective properties. It’s an ideal option for those seeking the medicinal benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive effects.
Tip 2: Explore the benefits of cannabis terpenes.
If you’re taking a wellness-forward approach to your next cannabis purchase, Duran recommends asking your consultant about terpenes.
“Cannabis terpenes are the compounds responsible for the plant’s distinctive taste and aroma. These terpenes are not unique to cannabis—they are found throughout nature, in plants, foods, and even animals,” Duran notes. “Terpenes provide various therapeutic benefits—similar to those found in lavender, pine and sage—but without the psychoactive effects of cannabis. Specifically, cannabis terpenes offer a wide range of medicinal properties, including antifungal, analgesic, antiparasitic, anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects.”
Duran’s recommendation: Fig Farms (flower). This product is rich in terpenes, providing a robust flavor profile and a variety of therapeutic benefits.
Tip 3: Enhance effects with high-fat edibles.
“Consuming edibles with a higher fat content can significantly enhance the effects of the product. Fat helps increase the absorption of cannabinoids in the digestive system, leading to a more potent and longer-lasting experience,” Duran shares.
Because cannabinoids are lipophilic, they need lipids, fats or oils to fully dissolve before passing through your system. To ensure that you’re able to fully enjoy the benefits of your THC, Duran recommends consuming food with a high-fat content before taking your edible (but aim to take it on an empty stomach—more on that later) or making sure that your edible has a high enough fat content.
Duran’s recommendation: Big Pete’s Crispy Marshmallow Treat (available in Birthday Cake, Chocolate and Original). These treats combine delicious flavors with high-fat content to ensure an enhanced and enjoyable experience.
Tip 4: Consider stomach fullness when taking edibles.
“The onset time of edibles can vary based on whether they are consumed on an empty or full stomach. Consuming an edible on an empty stomach generally leads to faster absorption and a quicker onset of effects,” Duran says. This is another reason to consider choosing edibles with a higher fat content if you want stronger, faster effects.
However, taking your edible with a full stomach can help you find a lighter, more balanced experience if you’re looking for more mellow effects. “Eating edibles after a meal can slow the absorption process, resulting in a delayed onset,” Duran adds.
Duran’s recommendation: Wyld Gummies (available in Indica, Hybrid, Sativa and a mix of CBD ratios). These gummies offer a convenient and tasty way to consume cannabis with options to suit various preferences and needs.
Tip 5: Try cannabis tinctures and capsules for better sleep.
“For a restful night’s sleep, we recommend using Absolute Xtracts Sleepytime products. These products are formulated to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality,” Duran suggests.
“Whether you choose a tincture or capsules, consuming them with a warm beverage like tea can enhance the onset of effects and soothe the digestive system, leading to an uninterrupted and restorative sleep.”
Remember to keep an open mind and take note of what works for your body and body chemistry. By doing this, Duran and the Lighthouse Dispensary team are confident they can help you find the product that gets you your desired results.
Duran’s recommendation: ABX Sleepytime Tincture/Capsules. These products are designed to help you unwind and achieve a peaceful night’s sleep, leveraging the calming properties of cannabis.
Lighthouse Dispensary
84160 Avenue 48
Coachella, CA 92236
442.256.3627
Born and raised near the Pacific Coast, Jordan Nishkian is a California girl through and through. She graduated from Cal State Long Beach with a BA in Creative Writing and a BA in Anthropology, and her favorite place to be is curled up in a comfy chair with a book in her hand and a pen in her hair.
