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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Cannabis capsules offer easy, precise dosing

Capsules that contain CBD and/or THC will often include other herbal ingredients purported to maintain health and wellness. (Getty Images)
Kate A. Miner EVERCANNABIS Correspondent
If you are considering trying cannabis but the idea of smoking or vaping doesn’t appeal, then capsules could be an alternative. Though they’re still relatively new, capsules are quickly making their way into the spotlight, providing a safe, convenient and less stigma-inducing way to enjoy some of the benefits. Capsules offer an element of simplicity, and a more precise way to measure the amount of cannabis you are ingesting. Each capsule is a pre-measured dose making them a viable option for consumers who aren’t excited about using syringes or eating sugary edibles. Healthcare practitioners will often recommend capsules since they can prescribe an exact milligram amount to a patient. Additionally, capsules have no waste and can easily be integrated into your regular vitamin/supplement routine. They can also be transported safely and discreetly. Some Washington producers/processors are finding success creating capsules, including Fairwinds, based in Vancouver. The company is committed to creating highly-engineered nutraceutical cannabis wellness products, and one of the state’s leading capsule manufacturers. “We use advanced, world-class cannabis cultivation and processing technologies alongside unique Eastern medicine philosophies and formulations,” explained Steve Schechterle, marketing director, “And we aspire to redefine the way society approaches health and wellness.” Fairwinds founders James and Wendy Hull wanted to share their passion for healthy living, nutrition and natural medicine, which is why, when they ventured into cannabis, they pushed for higher standards in cultivation and processing to provide the most effective and safe products. Fairwinds offers 10 types of capsules, each with specific CBD/THC ratios and combinations for specific needs. Its capsules are formulated with fortified cannabis terpenes and premium flower, in a powerful herbal blend, that is cryogenically frozen to preserve potency allowing it to better absorb into the bloodstream. Besides dosage size and how you take them, how are cannabis capsules different than other forms? It really comes down to what effects you want. “If you’re using cannabis to help you sleep, you most likely want a product that will provide a longer-lasting experience,” Schechterle said. “If you want something for a more immediate effect, smoking or vaping is the way to go, but the experience is shorter. Capsules provide a slow and gradual onset, with different lengths of experience depending on your body type and the different ingredients within the capsule.” Budtenders, especially those with medical marijuana training or state certification, should be able to explain more details about capsules. They can let you know about other brands worth exploring, including Canada’s Wildflower out of Canada and Ceres, which is based in Washington.
Kate A. Miner has a degree in visual anthropology, and has worked in marketing and advertising for many years. She writes, takes photos and teaches yoga.