Complete Guide to Cannabis Products: Flower, Concentrates, Edibles, Vapes, and More

Cannabis Flower: The Classic Choice

Cannabis flower, also called bud or buds, is the dried and cured flowers of the cannabis plant. It remains the most popular product type because it's affordable, familiar, and offers full control over consumption.

How it's consumed: Flower is typically smoked in a joint, blunt, pipe, or water pipe (bong). Some people use dry herb vaporizers, which heat flower without combustion.

Onset time: 5-15 minutes when smoked or vaped.

Duration: Effects typically last 2-4 hours.

Strengths: Affordable entry point, wide variety of strains, full control over portion size, immediate effects, full terpene profile preserved.

Things to know: Smoking produces odor and smoke. Vaping reduces both. Quality varies significantly. Understanding strain types helps you pick flower that aligns with your preferences.

Best for: First-time users, those wanting immediate effects, cannabis consumers on a budget, people who value ritual and control.

Concentrates: Potency and Variety

Cannabis concentrates are products where cannabinoids and terpenes are extracted from the plant material, resulting in highly potent products. Michigan has strict testing and labeling, so you'll know exactly what you're getting.

Concentrates come in different forms:

• Live Rosin: A solventless concentrate made from fresh-frozen flower, known for full flavor and high potency. Learn how live rosin differs from live resin and why extraction method matters.
• Live Resin: A solvent-based concentrate made from fresh-frozen flower, offering excellent flavor and potency.
• Hash: A traditional solventless concentrate, simpler to make and often more affordable.
• RSO (Rick Simpson Oil): A full-spectrum extract often used therapeutically. RSO has a unique consumption method and user base.
• Distillate: Highly purified cannabinoids with minimal terpenes, very potent and often clear or golden.

How they're consumed: Most concentrates are consumed via dab rigs, e-nails, or vape pens (carts). Some can be sprinkled into joints or added to flower in bowls.

Onset time: 5-30 minutes depending on consumption method.

Duration: 2-8 hours depending on the individual and product.

Strengths: High potency, excellent flavor (especially rosin and live resin), small amount goes a long way, precise dosing with cartridges, long shelf life.

Things to know: Concentrates are more expensive upfront but last longer. Potency ranges from 50-95% THC. Solventless options like rosin are considered premium. At Olswell, our RKIVE Reserve line specializes in live rosin made from our Adrian location's farm-to-table process.

Best for: Experienced cannabis consumers, those seeking high potency, flavor enthusiasts, people who want discretion, medical users needing consistent dosing.

Edibles: Long-Lasting Effects

Cannabis edibles are food products infused with cannabinoid extracts. Michigan law caps individual servings at 10mg THC, making dosing predictable.

Types of edibles:

• Gummies and candies
• Chocolate bars and candy
• Baked goods (brownies, cookies)
• Beverages
• Mints and lozenges
• Savory snacks

How they're consumed: Simply eat or drink them. Many people split larger products into smaller doses.

Onset time: 45 minutes to 3 hours, typically 1-2 hours. Effects feel more gradual than smoking.

Duration: 4-8 hours or longer, sometimes with a "tail" effect lasting into the next day.

Strengths: Precise, labeled dosing (each piece is labeled THC/CBD), discreet, no smoking, tasty, long-lasting effects, good for sleep or extended relief.

Things to know: Onset is slower than smoking because cannabinoids must be digested. Start with 5-10mg if you're new to cannabis. Effects can feel different from smoking - often more body-focused and less immediate. Our detailed edibles guide covers dosing, timing, and Michigan regulations.

Best for: First-time users (if starting with low doses), those seeking long-lasting relief, people who don't want to smoke, sleep-focused consumers, discreet use scenarios.

Vape Cartridges: Convenience and Discretion

Vape cartridges (carts) are pre-filled with cannabis oil or distillate and attach to a battery. They're one of the fastest-growing product categories in Michigan.

Types:

• 510-thread carts: Universal compatibility, work with any 510 battery
• Proprietary pod systems: Brand-specific, often with integrated batteries
• Live resin carts: Full-flavor option with real plant terpenes
• Distillate carts: Potent, minimal flavor, clear appearance

How they're consumed: Attach to a battery and inhale. Most operate with button presses or draw activation.

Onset time: 5-15 minutes.

Duration: 2-4 hours.

Strengths: Extremely discreet, portable, precise dosing per puff, fast-acting, no preparation needed, clean (no combustion with vaping), wide variety of terpene profiles.

Things to know: Quality matters significantly. Our vape cartridge buyer's guide covers hardware, distillate vs. live resin, and what to look for. Michigan has strict testing requirements, so check lab results.

Best for: On-the-go users, those seeking discretion, flavor enthusiasts (with live resin carts), people who want precise dosing, those sensitive to smoke.

Pre-Rolls: Ready to Go

Pre-rolls are cannabis joints or blunts rolled by manufacturers and ready to smoke immediately.

Types:

• Single pre-rolls: Individual joints, typically 0.5-1g
• Infused pre-rolls: Rolled with concentrates inside or added
• Multi-packs: Several joints in one package
• Blunt wraps: Cannabis rolled in a larger tobacco-free wrap

How they're consumed: Light and smoke like a regular cigarette or joint.

Onset time: 5-15 minutes.

Duration: 1-3 hours depending on size and potency.

Strengths: Zero preparation, convenient, good for social use, quality control by manufacturer, wide variety available.

Things to know: Quality varies widely. Not all pre-rolls are created equal - learn what separates quality from low-grade. Some premium pre-rolls use flower and concentrates together. Play brand pre-rolls offer affordable convenience.

Best for: Social consumers, convenience-seekers, travel situations, people who don't want to roll, first-time users wanting simplicity.

Tinctures: Discreet and Long-Lasting

Cannabis tinctures are liquid extracts made by infusing cannabis into alcohol or oil (often MCT oil for alcohol-free options).

How they're consumed: Drops placed under the tongue for absorption through sublingual tissue, or mixed into food/drinks.

Onset time: 15-45 minutes (sublingual), 1-2 hours (if swallowed with food).

Duration: 4-12 hours.

Strengths: Discreet, precise dosing with dropper, no smoking, long shelf life, easy to customize dosing, can be taken with or without food.

Things to know: Sublingual absorption is faster than swallowing. Effects from tinctures tend to be smooth and gradual. Many people prefer tinctures for sleep or consistent daytime relief.

Best for: Medical users, those seeking precision dosing, people preferring not to smoke or eat, sleep-focused use, morning consumers wanting discreet options.

Topicals: Non-Intoxicating Local Relief

Cannabis topicals are balms, lotions, salves, and patches infused with cannabinoids, applied directly to skin.

Types:

• Creams and lotions: Moisturizing, absorb into skin
• Balms and salves: Thicker, stay on skin longer
• Transdermal patches: Deliver cannabinoids through skin barrier into bloodstream
• Bath bombs and soaks: Cannabis-infused bath products

How they're used: Applied directly to skin over affected areas.

Onset time: 15 minutes to 2 hours (varies by type and skin).

Duration: 4-8 hours typically, longer for patches.

Key point: Most topicals don't cause intoxication because cannabinoids don't cross into the bloodstream in significant amounts. Transdermal patches are the exception - they're designed to deliver cannabinoids systemically.

Strengths: Non-intoxicating (except patches), targeted relief, no smoking, easy to dose, good for specific body areas, can be used anytime including work.

Things to know: Topicals work best for localized discomfort and require understanding of transdermal vs. topical types. Michigan regulations distinguish between the two. Quality of ingredients matters since these touch your skin.

Best for: Those seeking non-intoxicating relief, athletes, people with joint or muscle concerns, those wanting discreet daytime use, anyone avoiding smoking or eating cannabis.

Understanding Cannabinoids and Terpenes

Regardless of product type, two things drive effects: cannabinoids and terpenes.

Cannabinoids are the active compounds in cannabis:

• THC (tetrahydrocannabinol): Psychoactive, causes the "high," also has therapeutic applications
• CBD (cannabidiol): Non-intoxicating, often used for relaxation without psychoactivity

Terpenes are aromatic compounds that give cannabis its smell and flavor, and they also modulate effects. Terpenes matter more than you might think - learn about the entourage effect.

Reading your product label tells you the cannabinoid ratio and terpene profile, helping you make informed choices.

Choosing the Right Product for You

Here's a quick decision matrix:

| You want: | Best product | |---|---| | Immediate effects | Flower, pre-rolls, vape carts | | Long-lasting relief | Edibles, tinctures | | High potency | Concentrates, distillate carts | | Flavor-forward | Live rosin, live resin, flower | | Discreet/portable | Vape carts, mints, patches | | No intoxication | Topicals (non-transdermal), high-CBD products | | Budget-friendly | Flower, Play concentrates | | Premium quality | RKIVE Reserve live rosin, flower |

Finding Quality Products at Olswell

At Olswell Cannabis, all products sold across our four Michigan locations meet state testing requirements. We carry a range of brands and price points, from our affordable Play concentrate line to premium RKIVE Reserve live rosin produced in-house at our Adrian location.

Our staff can help you navigate product types and find what works for your needs. First-time customers get 25% off, and our Happy Hour from 5-9 PM daily offers additional savings. You can browse inventory and order ahead at Dutchie online ordering.

Related Reading

Dive deeper into specific product types:

• Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid: What Actually Matters
• Cannabis Edibles 101: Dosing, Timing, and Michigan Regulations
• Live Rosin vs. Live Resin: What's the Difference?
• How to Choose the Right Cannabis Vape Cartridge
• What Is RSO Oil? A Guide to Rick Simpson Oil
• Cannabis Terpenes and the Entourage Effect Explained
• Pre-Rolls vs. Hand-Rolled: Quality, Potency, and Convenience
• Cannabis Topicals: Balms, Patches, and Non-Intoxicating Relief
• How to Read a Cannabis Label: THC, CBD, Terpenes, and Testing Info
• Best Cannabis Strains by Effect: Relaxation, Energy, Creativity, and Sleep

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Medical Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Cannabis products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult with a healthcare provider before use.

Understanding Cannabis Consumption Methods

Each product category comes with its own consumption method, onset time, and duration of effects. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right product for your situation.

Inhalation methods like smoking flower or using vape cartridges produce effects within minutes. This fast onset makes it easier to control your experience since you can take a small amount, wait, and decide if you want more. Effects from inhalation typically last one to three hours.

Oral consumption through edibles and tinctures takes longer to feel. Edibles can take 30 to 90 minutes before effects begin, and those effects often last four to eight hours. The delayed onset catches some people off guard, which is why starting with a low dose of 5 milligrams is standard advice for new consumers.

Topical products applied to the skin work differently from other cannabis products. Most topicals provide localized relief without psychoactive effects, making them accessible for people who want the potential benefits of cannabinoids without feeling high. Transdermal patches are the exception, as they can deliver cannabinoids into the bloodstream.

Concentrates offer the highest potency per dose. Products like RKIVE Reserve hash rosin deliver intense flavor and effects in small amounts. These products are generally recommended for experienced consumers who understand their tolerance levels.

How Michigan Regulates Cannabis Products

Michigan's Cannabis Regulatory Agency oversees testing and labeling requirements for all products sold at licensed dispensaries like Olswell. Every product must pass laboratory testing for potency, pesticides, heavy metals, microbials, and residual solvents before it reaches the shelf.

Labels on Michigan cannabis products must include THC and CBD content, serving size information for edibles, harvest or production date, and the name of the licensed producer. Understanding these labels helps you make informed purchasing decisions. Our guide to reading cannabis labels breaks down everything you'll see on a Michigan cannabis product.

Purchase limits in Michigan allow up to 2.5 ounces of flower or 15 grams of concentrate per transaction for recreational customers. These limits apply per transaction, not per day, though the state's tracking system monitors purchases across dispensaries.

Choosing Your First Cannabis Product

If you're new to cannabis or returning after a long break, the number of product options can feel overwhelming. Here's a practical framework for making your first selection.

Start by considering your experience level and comfort with cannabis. Edibles with clearly marked low doses (5mg THC) offer predictable, controlled experiences for beginners. Pre-rolls provide a classic, straightforward option if you're comfortable with inhalation. Tinctures placed under the tongue offer precise dosing without smoking.

Consider the setting where you'll consume. If you're at home with no plans, a longer-lasting edible might be ideal. If you're heading outdoors or socializing, a vape cartridge offers discretion and quick effects. If you're looking for relief without any psychoactive effects, topicals are your best bet.

At any Olswell location, our team is available to help you work through these decisions. We don't rush anyone through the selection process, and we're happy to explain the differences between products in plain language. First-time visitors also receive 25% off, making it affordable to try something new.

Age Disclaimer: For adults 21 and older only. Must present valid government-issued photo ID. Please consume responsibly.