Questions about mediacal cannabis
INSA FAQs
Medical Cannabis FAQs
I am new to medical cannabis and want to try something that my physician recommended for the symptoms of my qualifying condition but will have limited other cerebral effects.
For those who are new to medical cannabis look for products with higher CBD levels low THC levels, or a topical as a starting point.
Products that are high in CBD and low in THC are a good starting point, with a less intense psychoactive effect than high THC products. Topicals like lotions and salves can also be a great option, even when they include THC, users do not typically report psychoactive effects. Topicals are often chosen by patients seeking relief from symptoms of their qualifying condition without cerebral effects.
How Do I Know If My Condition is Qualified For Medical Cannabis?
Your doctor can recommend medical cannabis for the treatment of conditions registered with the state of Ohio. See our Patient Resources to learn more.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CBD AND THC?
THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is the psychoactive component of medical cannabis that is responsible for its uplifting aspects. CBD or cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive component of cannabis. Both come from the same part of the cannabis plant, but they attach to different receptors in our bodies accounting for the different effects. Talk to your recommending physician about how CBD, THC or both can be used to treat symptoms of your qualifying condition.
Products
Edibles
HOW DO EDIBLES COMPARE TO FLOWER?
Everyone responds to cannabis very differently. That is doubly true for edibles. For some people who are experienced cannabis consumers, edibles will still affect them very strongly, others have reported taking a larger dosage and feeling nothing. It is very dependent on your digestive system and other factors. Consuming flower is more consistent in how it affects people. You typically feel the effects within 1 to 15 minutes. With edibles the effects can be delayed up to two hours. We always recommend that you take it very slow. You can always take another puff or eat another serving, but you cannot undo one.
WHAT DOES A HYBRID EDIBLE MEAN?
There are many different types of edibles. Some are formulated to be energizing, or sativa like, others are formulated to be more sedative. A hybrid edible is made to be in the middle, according to customers, it tends to be a more body focused experience for people.
NEW TO EDIBLES. WHAT IS A GOOD DOSE TO START WITH?
If you are new to medical cannabis, it is always a good idea to start off with a single serving. You can always have another serving but you cannot undo one. Consult with your recommending physician to determine the appropriate dosage for you.
WHICH EDIBLE IS REPORTED TO BE BEST FOR RELAXING?
CBD is known to be an excellent anxiety reliever. Sometimes THC products can set off people’s anxiety, but CBD products are known to have a lower chance of this occurring. CBD is reported to raise your serotonin levels, making for a happy relaxing experience that is not inebriating. With that being said, some people report responding better to items with THC to resolve their anxiety, everyone is a little different in this respect. If you are new to cannabis, it is always a good idea to start off with a single serving. You can always have another serving but you cannot undo one. Tip: Edibles work more effectively when eaten with something a little fatty.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SUGAR AND FAT-BASED EDIBLE?
Sometimes people are known to respond differently to sugar based and fat-based edibles. A lot of customers report a sugar-based edible like a fruit chew can be good for mood elevation, instead of a fat-based edible like chocolate. Sugar-based edibles can sometimes take effect faster. However, if you are a concerned about the THC, try a 1:1 CBD to THC chew, as they tend to be less strong. In either case, make sure to start off with one serving the first time and wait a full 2 hours before having more to see how they affect you.
Flower
WHAT IS A GOOD DOSE FOR ME THE FIRST TIME?
When trying flower for the first time, make sure to take it slow. Select a medical cannabis that is lower in THC, the 12-16% range is a good place to start according to other customers. After one inhalation, wait a good 20 to 30 minutes before having more to make sure it is not an overwhelming experience. Remember, you can always administer another dose, but you cannot undo one!
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SATIVA, HYBRID, AND INDICA?
Sativas, Hybrids, and Indicas are different categories of cannabis plants. Indica strains typically produce a full-body sensation. Sativa strains typically produce a cerebral (head) sensation. Hybrids strains are in between with some leaning more to Sativa dominance and others leaning to Indica dominance. Although this is generally true individual experience may vary, consult your recommending physician.
WHICH FLOWERS ARE typically used for daytime medicating?
Though everyone is different, medical cannabis classified as Sativa, are typically used for daytime medicating.
WHICH FLOWERS ARE typically used for nighttime medicating?
Indica dominant strains tend to produce a full body effect and are typically used for nighttime medicating. Cultivars with high CBD content can produce similar effects.
Which flower is said to be best for treating chronic pain?
WHY IS SOME FLOWER LOWER THAN 20% TAC?
Vaporizers
NEW TO VAPORIZING. WHICH VAPORIZER SHOULD I START WITH?
WILL BELOW FREEZING TEMPS AFFECT VAPORIZER PRODUCTS?
WHICH VAPORIZERS ARE Typically used FOR DAYTIME MEdication?
WHICH VAPORIZER ARE Typically used FOR nighttime MEdication?
WHICH VAPORIZER IS KNOWN TO BE BEST FOR CHRONIC PAIN?
Everyone responds to cannabis differently, Talk to your recommending physician about recommended vaporizers for chronic pain relief.
HOW DO YOU USE A CARTRIDGE?
Tinctures
How do you use a Tincture?
Tinctures typically provide effects that are comparable to a combination of the effects of a vaporizer and an edible. You drop it under your tongue and wait for it to absorb there as much as possible, so that is bypasses the digestive system and enters the bloodstream directly. This can cut down on how long it takes for you to feel the effects; tinctures typically take 25-45 minutes to work. If you add the drops to food, they are reported to work like a traditional edible.
Topicals
Do Topicals get you high?
TOPICALS DON’T TYPICALLY HAVE PSYCHOACTIVE EFFECTS – WILL THEY SHOW UP ON A DRUG TEST?
Possibly. Depending on the sensitivity of the test and the frequency and location of application, THC from topically applied medical cannabis may show up on a drug test.
Our Dispensaries
Massachusetts Customers
WHAT KIND OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
We accept cash. We have an ATM at all locations for your convenience. ATM transactions come with small fees. View all accepted payments CLICK HERE
DO I HAVE TO HAVE A MEDICAL CARD TO COME INTO AN INSA DISPENSARY?
To visit Insa at 506 Cottage Street in Springfield, a valid Massachusetts medical card and government issued ID is required for admission. To visit our Easthampton, Salem or Downtown Springfield (1200 W Columbus Ave) locations, just a valid, government-issued ID is required.
CAN I USE MY OUT OF STATE PATIENT CARD TO MAKE MEDICAL PURCHASES?
Unfortunately, Massachusetts regulations do not allow the sale of medical products to out of state patients. However, if you are 21+ and have a valid ID, you can still purchase recreational products at our Easthampton, Salem, or or Downtown Springfield (1200 W Columbus Ave) location, though you will have to pay the tax.
WHAT FORMS OF ID ARE VALID FOR ENTRY INTO AN INSA DISPENSARY?
Any non-defaced, government-issued, 21+ ID that has a name, date of birth, and picture, is valid for entry. This includes: US State Drivers’ License, US State Identification Card, US Passport, US Passport Card, and Military ID. We do not accept paper temporary IDs. If you still have a question about your specific ID, please let us know before visiting the store.
HOW DO I PLACE AN ORDER VIA PHONE?
Call 877-500-insa between the hours of 9am-7pm 7 days a week to speak with a retail expert to place an order or get answers to your cannabis questions.
HOW DO YOU MAKE AN ORDER ONLINE?
1. Visit insa.com
2. Select the store you will be picking up from
3. Select the items you would like, and add them to the cart
4. When you are done selecting items, scroll back to the very top of the page. At the top right-hand corner, click the shopping cart icon
5. If everything looks good, select the blue “Proceed to Checkout” button
6. Fill in the Customer Information and select a pickup time 7. Click “Place Order”, and come to the store at your selected time
SOMETHING CAME UP, CAN I PICK UP MY ORDER ONLINE TOMORROW?
Unfortunately, we cannot hold orders overnight. But you are more than welcome to place a new order when you are able to pick up.
WHEN IS THE EARLIEST I CAN PLACE MY ORDER?
The earliest you can place your order is the day before after the close of business.
HOW CAN I GET A MEDICAL MARIJUANA CARD?
For information on becoming a patient, or maintaining your patient status, please check our our patient-benefits page. This includes everything you need to become an MMJ patient here in Massachusetts.
CAN I BUY MEDICAL PRODUCT AT A RECREATIONAL DISPENSARY?
Salem and Downtown Springfield (1200 W Columbus Ave) do not have medical licenses, and so it cannot sell medical product. You may still shop at any of our recreational dispensaries, but you would have to pay the tax. We have medical locations in Easthampton and Springfield (506 Cottage Street).
CAN I BUY RECREATIONAL PRODUCT AT A MEDICAL DISPENSARY?
To shop at a medical dispensary, you need a Massachusetts medical card. We have recreational locations in Easthampton, Downtown Springfield (1200 W Columbus Ave), and Salem.
WHERE CAN I USE CANNABIS?
You cannot smoke adult use cannabis in a place where you are prohibited from smoking tobacco and you cannot consume adult use cannabis in a public place. Cities and towns may pass bylaws or ordinances authorizing exceptions in certain areas for social consumption.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR A PICK UP ORDER?
Medical and recreational customers will come into the facility and be directed to a retail associate to pick up their order.
DO YOU HAVE ANY DEALS FOR RECREATIONAL USERS?
The tax for cannabis products for recreational use is 20%. The prices listed on the website do not include tax.
HOW MUCH PRODUCT CAN I BUY?
The state limit for adult use customers is 28 grams or its equivalency. A gram of concentrate or a 100mg edible works out to be 5.6 grams of flower. You can purchase a maximum of 5 grams of concentrates or 5 100mg edibles per day if nothing else is on your order.
CAN YOU SHIP PRODUCTS?
Unfortunately, due to federal and state regulations we cannot ship cannabis products at this time.
CAN YOU SHIP/EMAIL GIFT CARDS?
Unfortunately, due to state regulations we have to be able to confirm your identity and age in person for any purchase. Also, regulations will not allow us to accept payment virtually, so there wouldn’t be a way to mail you a gift card at this time.
Massachusetts Medical Patients
WHAT KIND OF DISCOUNTS DO NEW CERTIFIED / RECERTIFIED PATIENTS GET?
- New Customer Discount: 2 $50 off coupons. Max one per visit on purchases of $100 or more.
- Card Renewal: 2 $50 off coupons. Max one per visit on purchases $100 or more.
WHAT SALES AND DISCOUNTS DO YOU OFFER?
We offer two kinds of veteran discounts, and compassion discounts for state certified medical patients with proof of hardship. A medical patient qualifies for the compassion discount if their income is at 300% or below the federal poverty line. To qualify for these discounts, you must first bring in documentation, and then we can add the discount to your profile. These are our current weekly discounts that are subject to change: Please check our our patient-benefits page for more info. Unfortunately, due to state regulations, we cannot offer discounts on recreational cannabis products.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BECOMING A MEDICAL PATIENT?
There are many benefits to becoming a medical patient. The first is that you no longer have to pay the 20% state tax on all cannabis products. Also, as a medical patient you qualify for discounts and sale pricing that an adult use customer does not. When you get your certification, there are new patient discounts at several dispensaries that you can take advantage of to offset the cost of signing up. If you want more information on becoming a medical patient check out our our patient-benefits page for more info. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to ask!