An Insider’s View on Washington D.C.’s Best Medical Cannabis Dispensary
Medically reviewed by Katherine Golden, RN, and Eloise Theisen, NP
Written by Denise Gonzalez-Walker
We recently caught up with Stephanie Kahn, BSN, for her perspective as a cannabis nurse and Takoma Wellness Center medical dispensary co-founder. Stephanie shared her insights from leading Washington, D.C.’s longest running legal medical dispensary and what she wished every new cannabis patient knew before visiting a dispensary.
(Note: This blog post was edited on 9/9/21 to more accurately reflect Washington, D.C., cannabis regulations.)
Step into Leaf411 member Takoma Wellness Center medical cannabis dispensary in Washington, D.C., and the first thing you’ll notice is the hamsa, a hand-shaped design that is believed to offer protection and good fortune, that traces back to ancient Mesopotamia.
The hamsa symbol is fitting, given that it shares a long history that runs parallel with cannabis. The cannabis plant can also be tracked back thousands of years ago when it was used medicinally, including in Mesopotamia. The hamsa symbol also holds an important place in the Jewish culture shared by founders Stephanie Kahn, BSN, Rabbi Jeffrey Kahn and their son Joshua Kahn.
With a background in healthcare and the spiritual community, the Kahns already had extensive experience helping patients before entering the cannabis industry. One cannot help but think of Takoma Wellness Center’s extensive hamsa collection as a symbol of their caring and hope for the patients who visit the store.
Navigating Washington, D.C.’s unique cannabis landscape
Takoma Wellness Center holds a unique spot as the oldest and longest running legal medical dispensary in Washington, D.C. While cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, the plant is legally sold for medical use in the nation’s capital, and possession of small amounts for personal use has been decriminalized.
District residents also support adult use (recreational) cannabis; however, Washington, D.C., is unique in that it’s not a state but a district that is ultimately governed by the US Congress. So far, Congress has blocked the district’s efforts to create a legal adult use cannabis marketplace.
District of Columbia dispensary Takoma Wellness Center accepts out-of-state MMJ cards
Cannabis cannot cross state lines, but marijuana medical cards can in a few states as well as in Washington, D.C. Medical dispensaries in the district accept valid medical cards from any state with a legal medical cannabis program, when that person is visiting the district and buying medicine in-person. (Dispensaries are not allowed to deliver or ship product across state lines due to ongoing federal prohibition that regulates all interstate commerce.)
For Takoma Wellness Center which is located only a few blocks from the Maryland state line and approximately 10 miles from Virginia, this means that over 50% of their customers come from outside the district, mostly from neighboring states. As nearby state marketplaces evolve, however, the mix of patients continues to change.
“We used to get a lot of patients from New Jersey and Pennsylvania, but as their own state programs have improved, there’s less need for their residents to travel to find cannabis medicine that works for their needs,” Stephanie says.
Of course, the capital is also a popular place for people from around the country to visit. For patients who are unable to bring their cannabis medicine with them when traveling, finding a trustworthy local source like Takoma Wellness Center can be a godsend.
Building a medical dispensary around the needs of cannabis patients
Takoma Wellness Center was built around not only providing a wide range of products but also exceptional service to patients, with patient consultants (similar to budtenders) who spend time educating visitors on different options. That commitment has remained even during pandemic challenges.
“Prior to the pandemic, we would spend a lot of time with our patients. That all changed last year with restrictions and the need for social distancing,” Stephanie says.
“A lot of the changes were positive. We were allowed to implement online ordering, curbside service and delivery. The downside, though, was that we were not able to spend the same amount of time in store consulting with patients.”
In response, Takoma Wellness Center developed virtual consults and protocols for patients to check in outside, reducing the time most people needed to spend inside the store. Stephanie says that their relationship with Leaf411 has also helped, with Leaf hotline nurses who are able to guide patients on the phone while looking over Takoma Wellness Center’s extensive online menu.
What are the top reasons patients turn to medical cannabis?
Takoma Wellness Center serves patients who are seeking alternatives for a wide range of conditions.
“Pain and anxiety top the list, when it comes to the information that patients share with us. We have patients visiting us who have autoimmune diseases, multiple sclerosis (MS), Lyme disease, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, fibromyalgia, cancer pain and chemo side effects, who are seeking relief,” Stephanie says.
“We also have a couple of pain doctors in the area who are suggesting cannabis as an alternative to opioids for some of their patients. In my mind, this is a very positive development,” Stephanie says, though she also acknowledges that many other pain clinics continue testing patients for THC, with positive THC tests disqualifying them from continuing with prescription-based pain medications.
Advice for both new and experienced cannabis patients
Stephanie has spent years helping patients understand the ever-changing cannabis landscape, with Takoma Wellness Center’s product selection informed both by Stephanie’s cannabis nursing background and years of experience hearing from patients on what has worked best. She’s also seen common missteps that new patients make on their first dispensary visit and has some general advice to share.
“A lot of cannabis naïve patients come in wanting to try edibles first. However, we really encourage them to first try tinctures instead. It’s much easier to adjust your dose with tinctures, which is especially important if you’re starting low and going slow,” Stephanie says.
She also sees both new and experienced cannabis users missing out on the full potential of plant medicine when they only focus on finding the highest-THC products.
“Whether the patient has been buying on the street for 30 years or they’re new to cannabis, we often see them looking for the highest THC product when a ratio product containing a balance of THC and CBD might actually provide better relief,” Stephanie says. “Obviously we’re not going to force education on them, but we do encourage patients to explore different product types and often have discounts to make it easier to try new things.”
When trying new products, Stephanie suggests that patients resist the urge to “stock up,” since cannabis products cannot be returned to the store.
“We’ve had customers who are brand new to cannabis who want to buy a half-ounce of cannabis flower or an extra-strength tincture because they believe it will be better than regular strength. While we’re not going to deny them that purchase, we do try to educate them and explain what the problems they might encounter,” Stephanie says.
Stephanie as well as Takoma Wellness Center staff also suggest that patients start low and go slow, understanding that everyone’s endocannabinoid system is different.
“The dose that works best for your friend may either be not enough or way too much for you. The best way to find your ideal dose is to start low and go slow, building up to the dose that works for you,” Stephanie says.
Looking for the best local, family-owned D.C. dispensary with deep ties to the area?
Today’s patients and consumers have more options than ever when it comes to shopping for cannabis medicine. Many are eager to support local businesses that are making a difference and building a sustainable, equitable cannabis industry.
Takoma Wellness Center’s ties to the community run deep. Both of Stephanie’s parents grew up in Washington, D.C. within blocks of the medical dispensary’s current location. It was her parents’ experience using cannabis on doctors’ recommendations that inspired the Kahns to open a medical dispensary. As Stephanie says, “The story of medical cannabis in our city is personal to us—it’s also our family story.” (Read more about their story here.)
Stephanie is humble when it comes to ways the dispensary reinvests in the community. When asked, she shares that Takoma Wellness Center hires from the community, offering full health benefits, paid time off and above minimum wage pay. The dispensary has also participated in National Expungement Week and supports various community groups and programs.
Takoma Wellness Center has earned Washington City Paper’s Best of D.C. Best Dispensary award for five consecutive years thanks to its commitment to patients and the community, as well as its vast product selection.
Also, as a Leaf411 business member, Takoma Wellness Center also helps ensure that cannabis education is freely available to all patients, regardless of where they live.
Katherine Golden, Leaf411 founder and CEO/ED says, “Based on the calls we receive from Takoma Wellness Center customers, we can tell that their staff really care about helping patients only purchase what they need, saving them money and reducing buyers remorse by providing resources like Leaf411.”
How to Dose THC: How Much THC Is Too Much?
As the ‘70s folk-rock songsters Brewer and Shipley learned, there really is such a thing as “One Toke Over the Line.” And for many cannabis consumers both new or returning to the fold, “how much THC is a lot” isn’t an idle question. While imbibing too much cannabis is very rarely dangerous, it can be unpleasant. And that’s the last thing we want you to experience.
As experienced cannabis consultants, we’re familiar with many of our customers’ concerns about accidental overindulgence. In the interest of fostering the most pleasant cannabis experiences possible, we’d like to share what we know about how to dose THC and know your limits.
We’ll also include a vital piece of information: a THC mg dosage chart to help you understand exactly how much THC is too much. It’s our goal that you feel comfortable, knowledgeable, and prepared for a positive experience with cannabis.
This guide covers how much cannabis you can safely consume as a beginner (and what to do if you’ve accidentally overindulged). By the time you’re done reading it, you should have a solid grounding in the mechanics of cannabis dosing.
How Much THC Is a Lot? A Very Personal Question
THC, of course, is the cannabinoid most directly responsible for the marijuana plant’s intoxicating properties. Before legalization, there were many horror stories about cannabis enthusiasts eating one infused brownie too many and vanishing into a black hole of paranoid couch lock. Nowadays, thanks to clearer, more consistent measuring of THC levels on packaged products, it’s easier than ever to make sure you get the appropriate dose for your experience level, metabolism, age, and body type.
But there’s a wrinkle in all this. Have you ever heard the expression “this isn’t your grandparents’ weed”? As the legal cannabis market grows and extraction and processing technologies improve, many cannabis products have become far more potent than they were even a few years ago. As a result, consumers who haven’t indulged since pre-legalization may find the cannabis they encounter is far stronger than expected!
So: How much THC is too much? The slightly unhelpful—but truly honest answer is—it depends! Some variables include your prior experience with cannabis, your age, your gender, how much food you consumed prior to taking an edible, and other factors. While a given person might feel plenty medicated after ingesting 5 mg, others might not feel much psychoactivity at all.
That’s why it’s imperative—especially for newer consumers—to approach dosages of slower-acting products such as edibles and tinctures with caution. “Start low and go slow” is the watchword here, and we recommend you wait and only gradually increase dosage from there.
Even with rapid-onset formats such as smoking or vaping, we recommend you wait at least 15 minutes before ingesting more cannabis. A given strain might be much more potent that the products you’re used to, and while you can always take more cannabis, you can’t take less.
All the cannabis-infused edibles we sell are clearly labeled with the amount of THC each serving contains, and we strongly recommend you always follow the edible dosage guidelines on the package. Also, keep in mind that this list is strictly for THC, and edibles with a combination of THC and CBD can affect you slightly differently. Why? That’s because clinical research (and anecdotal evidence) indicate that CBD tends to mitigate the psychoactivity associated with an excess of THC. It’s as if the cannabis plant has its own built-in “emergency brake” to make sure the experience isn’t too overpowering!
For the best possible experience, it’s always a good idea to have a real-life conversation with your friendly neighborhood budtender about your familiarity with cannabis, past experiences, and general metabolic characteristics.
How Much THC Is Too Much? Can You Overdose on Marijuana?
Let’s get this out of the way first: If you mean “fatal overdose,” you can’t (although a mysterious case from 2019 did raise questions). But you can definitely have too much and wish you hadn’t. The good news is that, typically, the experience is typically fairly brief.
In many of the cases reported by hospital ERs, patients inexperienced with cannabis have imbibed too quickly and are suffering from delusions: Paranoid behavior, visual or auditory hallucinations, and other such symptoms. It’s important to note that such cases typically occur in people who already suffer psychiatric disorders or are prone to them.
In short, overdosing on cannabis happens most often to people who don’t use THC products often and accidentally exceed their limits. It’s also more common when people mix cannabis with alcohol or other substances that can increase the effects.
How Many MG to Get High: THC Milligram Dosage Chart
So, how much THC is too much? Here are ranges to help you set general expectations. Again, it’s helpful to remember that everyone’s physiology is a bit different.
1 – 5 mg THC
This is generally regarded as the smallest of THC dosages, making it perfect for beginners as well as those of us who’d like to microdose. At this level we’ll typically feel mild relief of pain, stress, anxiety, and other symptoms. Some consumers experience heightened creativity as well.
5 – 15 mg THC
At this level of dosage, you’ll tend to feel stronger symptom relief. This is also where most consumers tend to feel a heightened sense of euphoria. You might also experience slight impairment of coordination and alteration of your perception of time. Anything under 15 mg is a good choice for helping with insomnia (especially with indica-dominant strains), while more energizing sativa-dominant strains can foster increased social interaction in some users.
15 – 30 mg THC
We recommend caution with inexperienced consumers ingesting dosages above 15 mg. This level is where newbies tend to experience paranoia, while seasoned users enjoy the heightened euphoria and relaxation. It’s also a good choice for cannabis patients who have developed tolerances to lower doses.
30 – 50 mg THC
At this dosage, most people experience impaired coordination and altered perception. That said, medical patients who have difficulty absorbing cannabinoids into their GI tract are helped by edible dosages of this level.
50 – 100 mg THC
This level is only for those experienced with THC. Even in seasoned consumers, negative side effects like paranoia and rapid heart rate can occur. Coordination is almost always impaired at this stage.
Beyond 100 mg THC
This level of dosage is only recommended for the most experienced consumers. Often called a “heroic dose,” it’s only for those who have taken high doses in this range before.
THC Dose: Signs You May Have Overindulged
It’s all very well for us to tell you overdosing on marijuana isn’t dangerous. When you’re in the middle of a bad experience, it can still feel overwhelming. Here are some telltale signs you might have ingested too much THC:
- You feel generalized, free-floating anxiety or paranoia
- You’re confused and unable to distinguish what’s happening from your imagination
- Your heart is racing
- You feel nauseated
- You feel dehydrated
How to Dose THC: What if I’ve Taken Too Much?
Suppose you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, to begin take a few deep breaths! Next, consider these tips to stop feeling so high:
- Stay calm. It might feel like forever, but these effects will only last a few minutes. We promise you’ll feel better soon!
- “Mom” yourself. What are the foods you find most comforting? How about a nice glass of water, or a piece of fruit? Feeding your body something nourishing and straightforward is a great way to get centered.
- Lie down and rest. You’ll feel better if you let your body relax and your mind roam. Find a dark, quiet place where you can be still and dream for a while.
- Get outside. If you’re feeling too anxious to stay still, indulging in a bit of nature time in a familiar place, like a garden or back yard, can help calm and focus your mind.
The most important thing you can do if you think you’ve consumed too much cannabis is try to stay cool, calm, and collected. Remember, this too shall pass!
How Much THC Is a Lot? Final Thoughts
Especially if you’re new to the world of cannabis, knowing how much THC is too much is vital information. We can’t say it enough times: “Start low, go slow.” Trust us, it’ll come in handy.
If you’re interested in learning more about how THC works in your body, we’d love to help! As Washington’s #1 family-run medical marijuana dispensary, we’re dedicated to helping you get the very most from your cannabis experience. Have any other questions about THC dosage? Just ask! We’re always here to help.
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