Sira Naturals focuses on providing customers premium cannabis which is sustainably grown and sold with integrity. The company, which was founded in 2013, offers highly-praised products including cannabis flower, concentrates, edibles, and topicals. We spoke with Senior Marketing Manager Andrew Sharp…
How do you think today’s recreational cannabis is different from cannabis of years past?
Cannabis cultivation, extraction and infusions practices have evolved significantly since the earlier days of making “special brownies” in college. With widespread legalization and acceptance of the benefits of medical cannabis over the past few decades, the cannabis industry has improved the quality and potency of flower to new heights and expanded the variety of products available today. In the 1970s cannabis flower contained on average around 6% THC, whereas nowadays, flower contains THC levels in the range of 10-35%.
As potency has dramatically increased, so has the variety of strains. Each strain has its own unique set of cannabinoids and other compounds which lead to varying effects for the end consumer. Many people find strains classified as “sativa” to have uplifting, cerebral effects, perfect for daytime activities. Another major strain classification, “indica,” offers heavy body relaxation that’s great for nighttime use. A lot of strains are classified as “hybrid” as well, due to years of crossbreeding sativa and indica plants. Strains in this category often have a mix of sativa and indica properties. (You can explore an overview on the differences between these strain classifications and their effects here.)
Apart from flower, vape cartridges with cannabis oil allow users to consume cannabis without smoking it and offer a more discreet, mobile option. In addition to vape cartridges, edibles come in a huge variety from gummies to chocolate to candy and mints! Edibles sold on the recreational market have a dosage cap of 5mg of THC, a great starting dose for those new to cannabis. Topicals and salves are also available at several retailers and offer regional and localized pain relief without the psychoactive high found in most edibles, vape cartridges and flower.
How do you suggest women aged 60+ who haven’t tried cannabis in a while – or ever – get started?
We recommend women aged 60+ who are interested in using cannabis start by deciding what they would like to use cannabis for. For example, to treat arthritis pain, aide in sleep, relax and unwind, find extra energy on the golf course, fuel a night of fun with your partner, etc. In addition, determine what forms of consumption you are comfortable with – smoking, vaping, eating an edible, using a topical, etc. From there, you’ll be able to narrow down a product that works best for you based on the recommendation from your local budtender/cannabis retail associate.
If you are new to cannabis or interested in trying it again after a long time, we recommend starting with a topical, as they provide strong direct relief without a psychoactive high. If you are looking for mild, psychoactive effects, we’d recommend an edible with low CBD and THC (often marketed as 1:1 CBD:THC ratio products). This is a great way to get mild psychoactive effects without the sedation/ high associated with higher THC products. If you’re looking to vape or smoke, we’d recommended using a low THC strain or 1:1 Vape and take a few tokes and see how you feel. Vaping is a great way to test these waters as you do not need to put it out like you would a joint or bowl and you can better measure its effects.
What are your most requested products from women in the 60+ age group?
Our most requested products at Sira Naturals for consumers in the 60+ age group are topicals such as Nordic Goddess Body Balm. It combines a unique mix of plant extracts and healing herbs to create a rejuvenating experience for your skin. Its moisturizing ingredients including shea butter, tropical coconut oil, and cocoa butter complement cannabis-extracted CBD to provide anti- inflammatory and pain-relieving benefits.
In addition, we produce a cannabis infused, all-natural and organic lubricant called Purient that many of our older customers use to enhance their sex life or to treat menopause/vaginal dryness and cramps.
TFor novice users, or those looking to experience the mild high of low dose edibles like our Wicked Sour Watermelon Gummies. They are a chewy, low-dose gummy that is infused with premium, full-spectrum cannabis oil. They’re the perfect size so you can control your dosing.
You can find Sira Naturals products at recreational dispensaries throughout Massachusetts. For more information visit www.siranaturals.org, or email [email protected]