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CONSUMER HANDBOOK

COMPLETE GUIDE TO CANNABIS

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABOUT US

INTRODUCTION

NEW TO CANNABIS?

CANNABIS CONSUMPTION TIPS

GETTING THE DOSAGE RIGHT

WHAT’S ON MY LABEL

WHAT IS CBD?

DO’S AND DONT’S

CANNABIS WARNINGS

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We’re Northeast Alternatives, and We’re Here to Help

ABOUT US INTRODUCTION

CHRIS HARKINS

Our core values are quality, commitment, innovation, integrity and community engagement. All of which stem from our leadership team’s own experience of empowering family members to take charge of their health by using medical marijuana.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or you could lead a class on rolling a joint, we’re always on the hunt for ways to help you find a new experience. Our friendly patient advocates are highly educated and happy to help. We’re dedicated to improving your buying experience and to being the Northeast’s best medical cannabis dispensary. Stop in today to speak with our team, explore the menu, and to take in the full NEA experience. We look forward to seeing you soon!

We’re located at 999 William S. Canning Blvd. Fall River, MA 02721. Feel free to give us a call at 508-567-6761 or drop us a note at support@nealternatives.com. You can also find us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Visit our website nealternatives.com to browse our menu, place an order, or to learn more about cannabis.

Got questions? Give us a shout. We can’t wait to help you elevate your cannabis experience.

Co-Founder & CEO

Northeast Alternatives (NEA) is a medical marijuana dispensary, and 21+ recreational cannabis store located in Fall River, MA. We truly believe in the life-changing benefits of cannabis and are committed to producing high-quality, safe, 100% compliant products that meet and exceed the expectations of our patients and customers each and every time. We offer a wide variety of products including flower, edibles, concentrates, and topicals and are happy to help you find the product that best meets your needs.

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Getting started with cannabis? Here are a few things to keep in mind.

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New to Cannabis? Start Here!

Perfect for newbies, or a guide for people who want to try something new, here are some cannabis basics.

Cannabis strains come in three main varieties - Sativa, Indica, or a Hybrid of the two.

Strains have varying percentages of THC, which correlates to how strong the high will be as well as how fast it will hit. You may have heard that Sativas and Indicas have different effects, but the truth is that it’s much more down to the cannabinoids and terpenoids in a particular strain, and your own body chemistry that dictates the effects. So, finding what you’re looking for may require some trial and error and guidance from our amazing team of budtenders.

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CannabisConsumption Tips

SmokingSmoking is one of the most common ways to ingest cannabis. It’s popular because the effects are felt almost immediately and grabbing a pre-roll or a pipe is a relatively easy way to try it out. Keep in mind that smoking is not particularly discreet as it comes with a strong cannabis aroma and that smoking can be difficult for individuals with lung issues. If smoking’s where you want to start, ask one of our patient advocates for a strain recommendation and start slowly by inhaling once and waiting to see how that makes you feel.

VapingVaping is a discrete and easy way to consume marijuana that has minimal setup. Consumers enjoy it because it’s convenient, the effects kick in immediately, and there’s less telltale odor. If you’d like to start with vaping, ask one our team for their strain recommendations and start with one inhalation to see how it makes you feel.

EdiblesEdibles infused with marijuana are slow acting products, which means that it can take up to two hours to feel its effects. Edibles can take the form of liquids,

baked goods, candies, or tinctures. Start slowly with a single 5mg serving of edible to see how it affects you. You can always take another serving at a later time if you don’t feel the effects. However, consider things like when you’ve last eaten, etc. before upping your dosage.

TopicalsTopicals are non-psychoactive balms, salves, and oils that users apply directly to the body instead of consuming. They can act as a muscle relaxant and as an antiseptic ointment, so they’re great for aches and pains and massages.

TincturesA tincture is a liquid concentrate. Usually carried in coconut oil or glycerin, tinctures are available in a variety of flavors and dosages and are a great alternative for those not interested in consuming edibles, smoking, or vaping.

DabbingA dab usually refers to a dose of concentrate that is heated on a hot surface and then inhaled through a glass rig or electronic dab pen. Dabs are not recommended for a new user. They are much more intense than smoking or vaping and require more set up. However, if you’ve been using cannabis for a while and want to try something new, here are a few tips. Make sure there is water on hand, and somewhere you can lay down if you get the spins. Dabs hit hard, so you should start with one and see how you feel. Just like with flower, we recommend starting with the lower percentage concentrates and working your way up.

There are so many ways to use and enjoy cannabis. Pretty much everyone is familiar with the tried and true method of smoking, but there’s so much more to explore. You can try edibles, you can use topicals, you can vape, you can go with a tincture, or you can even dab. No matter what method you choose, start slowly to see how it affects you. First-time users may not feel very high, which is normal. Don’t get frustrated. Go slow and try again later or on another day. Read on to learn more about your options.

When it comes to cannabis consumption, there’s something for everyone. Just

remember, if you’re new to marijuana take it slow, and when in doubt, ask an expert. Our friendly patient advocates

are always excited to answer any of your burning questions.

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Getting the Dosage Right

YOUR GUIDE TO GETTING STARTED WITH DOSING

When beginning your journey with cannabis, it’s important that you don’t dive in too quickly. A great place to start is to speak to one of our trained patient advocates about your particular needs. They’ll

be able to guide you toward the best consumption vector for you and can recommend the proper dosage.

There’s no need to rush into partaking in large amounts of cannabis.

TopicalsApply small amount to

affected area, 1-2 Pumps

Edibles5mg- remember, edibles kick in slowly, so don’t up your dosage too quickly!

DabbingNot recommended for

new users.

VapingOne Puff

Capsules10mg

SmokingOne Puff

Tinctures5mg or less

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Remember, it’s all about starting small and working your way up from there.

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What’s on My Label?

There’s more to cannabis than the high. You may have heard of THC, but did you know that it is only one among many cannabinoids at work in cannabis products? Here are some of the common cannabinoids at work in this amazing plant.

Terpenes are compounds that are also part of the cannabis plant. They are abundant in nature and can be found in multiple plants, including

cannabis. Researchers believe that terpenes play an important role in the so-called “Entourage Effect.” This term describes how terpenes and cannabinoids work together to bring about desired effects, so

using a THC or CBD dominant strain or product may not actually get you the results you’re looking for. It may be better to go with a whole flower or full spectrum product.

Making sense of common cannabis terms.

Tetrahydrocannabinol acid (THCA) - The most prevalent cannabinoidproduced in cannabis plants. It hasnumerous helpful benefits, however,most heating methods commonlyused for ingesting cannabis destroythe THCA (and most other acid formsof the cannabinoids).

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) - The primary psychoactive component that shows promise in easing pain and may be neuroprotective. It forms when THCA is heated through combustion or vaporization, or by heating raw flowers for infusion into alternative dosage products.

Cannabidiol (CBD) - May be effective in relieving anxiety, inflammation, and nausea, but is notparticularly psychoactive. Studies have shown that higher CBD-to-THC ratios result in lessintense undesirable psychoactive effects. Currently, there are more than 25 CBD-rich strains that have been identified.

Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) - The acidic precursor to CBD, CBDA is non-psychoactive and may be useful as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, and anti-emetic agent. CBDA may also have antibacterial, antioxidant, and cancer-fighting properties.

BisabololBisabolol has a very

light, sweet floral aroma.

It is known to have antimicrobial

and anti-inflammatory effects on the body. Strains high in this terpene include Harle-

Tsu, ACDC, OG Shark, and Rockstar.

CaryophylleneCaryophyllene is a spicy terpene. It has antibacterial, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, analgesic, antiproliferative, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. Strains include Bubba Kush, Chem Dawg, Sour Diesel, and OG Kush.

OcimeneOcimene is recognized by its sweet, fragrant, herbaceous, and woody aromas. It is often used in perfumes for its pleasant odor. Strains include Golden Goat, Chernobyl, and Space Queen.

LinaloolLinalool has a floral scent with spicy tones. It has analgesic, antidepressant, anti-epileptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-psychotic, anxiolytic, and sedative effects. Strains include Master Kush, Sour Diesel, and Locomotion.

MyrceneMyrcene is the most prevalent terpene found in many varieties of cannabis. Strains that are high in myrcene will result in a lazy feeling, while the strains with low levels will produce a more energetic high. Strains include Pure Kush, White Widow, Himalayan Gold, and Jack Herer.

PinenePinene is a naturally occurring terpenoid and the most common in nature. It is accountable for the pine taste in many popular strains. Just like many other terpenes, it also has analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and antioxidant properties. Strains include AK-47, Bubba Kush, Trainwreck, and Purple Kush.

Common Cannabinoids

Common Terpenes

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Publilius Syrus (85-43 BC)

Good health and good sense are two of life’s greatest blessings.

Don’t want the euphoria, but still looking for some-thing that will help ease aches and pains? High CBD strains are just the thing for you.

Cannabidiol or CBD, is a cannabinoid that is less psychoactive than it’s more excited cousin, THC. Strains that are high in CBD don’t give you that “high,” but are said to help with anxiety and stress, contain anti-inflammatory properties, protects and heal the skin, defends against bone disease and broken bones, helps maintain brain health, reduces the risk of cancer, and helps create better cholesterol profiles.

NEA has several strains with rare genetics that allow patients to have less of a psychoactive experience. Please ask about our Wife 20:1 (CBD Dominant), Cherry Wine 1:19, and our Sour Tsunami 1:1 strains.

What is CBD?

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When trying cannabis, use your head.

Don’t Mix Cannabis with AlcoholThis one should go without saying, but don’t mix alcohol and cannabis.The results can be quite unfortunate.

Don’t Drive or Use Heavy MachineryDon’t get behind the wheel or operate heavy machinery under the influence of cannabis. Driving while under the influence is prohibited by law and must be avoided at all costs.

Don’t Consume Cannabis on an Empty StomachIt’s never a good idea to try cannabis without eating a full meal. Eating helps to lower the intensity of its effects and makes the experience more enjoyable.

Don’t Consume Too MuchRemember to start with a small amount and to add more slowly. Anxiety, para-noia, and other intense feelings may pop up if you use too much cannabis. If you feel as though you’ve done too much, stay calm and in a safe, comfortable place. These effects will pass with time.

Do Consult Your Doctor if PregnantThere may be additional health risks associated with the con-sumption of cannabis for women who are pregnant, breast-feeding or planning on becoming pregnant. Please consult your doctor.

Do Keep Cannabis Away from ChildrenMake sure to store your products away from children in its original child-proof packaging and to clearly mark it as cannabis. Do not store can-nabis with other food where it may be accidentally ingested. As when starting anything

new, it’s best to go slowly and to make sure that you implement a few common-sense do’s and don’ts.

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Research has yet to prove that physical dependence on cannabis is pos-sible, however, psychological dependence is possible as it is with any overused substance.

Be aware that as you use cannabis your tolerance may increase, which means that you may feel as though you need to take higher and higher doses in order to feel the desired effects. However, instead of continuing to up your dosage, a better option may be to take a break from cannabis. Even lowering the amount of use or abstaining from use for a short period of time (generally one to two weeks) helps to reset the brain. Read more about tolerance breaks here: https://www.leafly.com/news/science-tech/thc-tolerance-heres-why-t-breaks-work-so-quickly.

You may be experiencing cannabis use disorder or cannabis dependence if you feel a strong desire to take cannabis, have difficulties in controlling its use, are persistent in use despite harmful consequences, or are giving a higher priority to cannabis use than to other activities and obligations. If you believe you may be experiencing cannabis use disorder, consult your doctor right away.

If you’re concerned about cannabis withdrawal, be on the lookout for the following common symptoms: irritability, anger/aggression, anxiety, sleep difficulty, decreased appetite, and restlessness. Less common symptoms may include depressed mood and physical discomfort.

If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse of any kind, please explore the resources available here: https://helplinema.org/.

Please remember that NEA cannabis has not been analyzed or approved by the FDA. In addition, there is limited information on the side effects and that there are health risks associated with using cannabis.

Consumers may not sell marijuana purchased at an NEA dispensary to any other individual. For more information regarding penalties for possession or distribution of cannabis in violation of Massachusetts law, please visit: https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter94C

Cannabis Tolerance, Dependence & Withdrawal

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Cannabis Use Disorder

Cannabis Withdrawal

Important Warnings

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NEA FALL RIVER

999 William S. Canning Blvd.

Fall River, MA 02721

support@nealternatives.com

DAILY HOURS OF OPERATION

10:00am - 9:00pm MON-SAT

12:00pm - 9:00pm SUN

CONSUMER HANDBOOK

COMPLETE GUIDE TO CANNABIS