Maryland has one of the most successful legal cannabis industries in the country, with numerous marijuana companies applying to get their respective licenses to grow, harvest, produce and distribute cannabis products. It also has a well-received medical marijuana program, which has been thriving over the past months.
In fact, the state’s medical cannabis market sales are quickly nearing $500,000 million annually. According to expert assessments, Maryland’s efficiency in handling the medical marijuana program contributes a huge deal with the market’s success. Industry players are able to refer to clear-cut and transparent regulations. The state’s regulator, the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission, has also stabilized patient access and compliance.
Because of the success of the program, more and more residents are becoming interested in the potentials of the plant. Some of these patients have developed their own way to make their consumption more effective and efficient. This is precisely what Otha Smith II did when he created the application Tetragram. The main purpose of this app is to keep track of the effects of 22 marijuana compounds available in Maryland
How the App Works
For those who are new to the scene, cannabis products in Maryland have labels showing how much of the 22 chemical compounds the products contain. The application lets users log the effects on their body and mind when they consume items with certain levels of a compound. Aside from the more well-known compounds called cannabinoids such as cannabinoids (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the plant also contains terpenes like alpha-pinene and myrcene.
While cannabinoids have more widely recognized effects on the body and mind, many people are not that much aware that terpenes have physical and mental effects, as well. Tetragram lets Maryland consumers list down the exact products they used, its chemical composition and its effects on them. This way, consumers can simply take a look at the entries provided by other users and see whether the product is fit for them.
The idea came to Smith as he consumed products that are low in alpha-pinene, a compound found in cannabis, pine trees and rosemary that promotes energy. Smith opts for products that are low in this compound to avoid getting an energy boost as he naturally has high energy levels. To counter his excessive energy, he chooses items that are high in myrcene, a compound found in marijuana and hops that has sedative properties.
Tetragram gathers aggregate data which can help patients and cannabis healthcare workers gain a better understanding of the potentially positive and negative effects of using the plan. For patients, this app can help them find first-hand feedback from other patients and minimize the need to rely on budtender recommendations. With this, they can reduce the risk of trying products and strains that may have negative effects on their specific case.
The app also seeks to dispel some misconceptions about the plant. It introduces lesser-known compounds contained by marijuana, thus informing users that there is more to it than CBD and THC. By making terpenes more known, users can factor in their effects when trying out new products. This is helpful, especially for those who might encounter products that are incompatible to their needs and immediately concludes that cannabis only has negative effects.
Smith himself is a medical marijuana cardholder in Maryland, who was overwhelmed with the variety of choices available when he first obtained his card. Shad Ewart, professor at Anne Arundel Community College, is optimistic about the potential of Smith’s Tetragram. With the lack of reliable and sound consumer data regarding usage and effect, the app can help build a pool of entries that can be used by the cannabis community as a guide in cultivating and developing products.
Aside from the logging feature, Smith said that there is more to come including review sharing with friends and doctors. They developers are also planning to add a way for users to interact without divulging personally identifiable information.
Using Tetragram to Monitor Your Cannabis Intake
With the potential of this application to benefit Tetragram offers not only to patients but also to cultivators and dispensaries, you might be interested in contributing to the community using this application. Here are some of the things you should do when using this app:
Know Your Needs
Any medical marijuana patient probably has an idea of what their body and mind needs. For example, patients who experience chronic pain are prescribed MMJ because of this debilitating condition or symptom. However, it is important to know what exactly it is your body needs, just like Smith who opted for products without energy-boosting effects because of his naturally high energy.
So, if you find yourself lacking the energy to get through the day, you need to look for products that contain compounds that can give you energy. CBD and alpha-pinene are chemical contents that can make you feel more energized, so opt for items that have higher levels of these.
Take a Look at User Recommendations
Before heading to your dispensary, you might want to look at user recommendations entered into Tetragram. Remember that the main purpose of this app is to let you make your own entries and view those entered by others. Make sure to browse through products and their effects to see whether or not they fit your needs.
Observe the Effects
Once you get your hands on your preferred product, the next thing you should do is to consume it and see how it affects your body and mind. Take time to feel the effects. Is it making you feel relaxed or is it amping up your energy? Are you able to think more clearly or are you feeling sedated?
Taking note of these properties can help you know whether you are getting the intended effects. Moreover, it aids in your goal to contribute to the community through the app.
Log the Product and Effects Correctly
Lastly, you should take the time to log your findings. However, see to it that you enter accurate information when it comes to the percentage of content of the product. Your observation regarding the effects should also be accurate. Avoid exaggerating or minimizing your description. Remember, others will rely on these reviews.
Where Can You Get Cannabis Products Nowadays?
You might be interested in contributing to Tetragram’s database but one of the most apparent challenges over the past months is buying cannabis because of the stay-at-home orders due to the virus pandemic. Well, you will be glad to know that Maryland's dispensaries continue to operate because they were officially considered essential services and businesses.
However, keep in mind that these stores, just like many others, may impose safety protocols such as social or physical distancing rules and wearing masks. Some actions may also not be allowed such as sniffing products and deli-style sales. Additionally, you may see the staff constantly cleaning and disinfecting the store.
Convenient and Safe Tips for Buying Cannabis
If you are worried about purchasing products because of the public health issue, there are some things you can do to minimize the risks. Check out these useful tips:
Have it Delivered
At the start of the lockdowns back in March, the Maryland government has allowed dispensaries to deliver cannabis products. With the use of Tetragram, there is no need to browse for products you will potentially buy because you already know what you need and want. You just need to ask your dispensary if they offer weed delivery, send in your order and wait for it to arrive right at your doorstep.
Choose Curbside Pickups
Those who are going out or have no problem doing errands can pick curbside pickups. You just need to place your order and wait for the store to inform you that your order is ready. Then, simply drive to the dispensary and park in designated parking spots where staff will collect your payment, check your ID or card, then give your order.
This is a great way to minimize your wait time, especially if you are doing errands outside your home while also reducing contact and practicing distancing.
If You Prefer Store Visits, Wear Protective Gear
Nothing beats the experience of visiting your favorite shops and browsing their products. This gives you an idea about new items you can try while also having your budtender nearby so that you can ask questions and get immediate answers. If you prefer visiting your dispensary, then you should see to it that you wear protective gear.
As mentioned, many commercial establishments require the wearing of masks before they let customers into the shop. Be prepared to wear a mask before heading to your favorite dispensary. You might also want to bring hand sanitizers or alcohol to clean your hands before and after the purchase.
The Bottom Line
Tetragram is a big step toward making Maryland’s cannabis community much more vibrant, successful and friendly to all concerned. With these tips, you can contribute to the industry by logging your experience. Just make sure to choose among the best ways to safely purchase your products and you are good to go.