Frequently Asked Questions about Cannabis and Starbird

We are recreational only.

We are open everyday from 9am-10pm.

We accept cash, debit cards and ACH direct payments.  You can sign up for ACH direct payments during checkout for your online order.  Simply select “Pay Online Now!”.  There is no additional fee for paying online.

We also have an ATM inside our store.  There is a $3.50 merchant fee for using your debit card at checkout, or at the ATM. If you use your debit card at checkout, your total will be rounded to the nearest multiple of $5, and the difference will be returned to you in cash.

We have our own, large, free parking lot. Easy in and out!

Yes!

You may! Please feel free to use the dock on the back of the building during high tide. Never operate any vehicle while under the influence.

Dogs are permitted, however no persons under 21 may enter the premises.

We do not deliver but do offer pre-order options for pickup.

The traditional belief that Cannabis sativa and Cannabis Indica have distinct effects (sativa being uplifting and Indica being sedating) is not scientifically substantiated.

The actual difference between these strains is not clear-cut due to extensive interbreeding and hybridization, which makes it challenging to predict their effects based on appearance or classification alone. Both sativa and Indica strains can contain a variety of terpenes, the aromatic compounds contributing to the plant's effects, and these terpenes are not exclusive to one type or the other. The effects of a cannabis strain are more accurately determined by its specific blend of cannabinoids and terpenes, rather than the broad categories of sativa or Indica.

While traveling, all cannabis products must be stored in a trunk or locked glove box. You may not cross state borders, never operate a vehicle under the influence.

All sales are final. Faulty or broken products may be returned within 5 days of the original Purchase. Please seek management with further inquiry.

Yes, we have a loyalty program.  Per MA adult use regulations, loyalty points can only be applied to non-cannabis products.  You will earn 1 point for every $1.00 spent.  For every 100 points $5 will be automatically added to your account.

Customers are permitted one ounce of flower or its equivalent of product per day per MA law.

Yes, we will be!

We already offer a line of full spectrum CBD tincture and will be aiming to offer more of our own products soon, stay tuned!

Marijuana refers to the dried flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds of the cannabis plant, containing compounds like THC and CBD.

Cannabis can be consumed by smoking, using edibles, applying topicals, or vaping.

No, the cannabinoids are absorbed into the body within the first few seconds of inhaling, so there is no need to hold longer for a better high.

There have been no reported deaths from cannabis ingestion in adults and teenagers, according to the Department of Justice. However, consuming too much can lead to discomfort and anxiety.

If you feel too high, you might try drinking water or juice, eating citrus fruits, consuming CBD oil, or relaxing with calming music.

Cannabis is not physically addictive, but it can be psychologically addictive.

Cannabis offers many therapeutic benefits, including treating nausea, boosting appetite, and helping with anxiety, sleep disorders, depression, and PTSD.

THC is psychoactive, while CBD is non-psychoactive. THC creates the high experience, while CBD has therapeutic properties without intoxication. Both CBD and THC are cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant.

Yes, the amount of CBD and THC and the terpenes in each strain will affect how they make you feel.

Safety concerns include potential effects on memory, cognitive functioning, cardiac and lung effects, addiction, and interactions with other drugs.

Cannabis can be consumed by inhalation, with a tincture, as an edible, or as a topical lotion.

Health and safety risks exist for each method of consumption, and scientists do not have enough evidence to say one way is safer than another.

Factors include previous experience, biology, sex, how the drug is taken, how much is used, and if it is used with other substances

When selecting cannabis flower to help with anxiety, there are several characteristics you should focus on:

1. Balanced THC to CBD Ratio
   A 1:1 THC to CBD ratio is ideal for anxiety relief. CBD helps counteract the psychoactive effects of THC, providing relaxation without excessive euphoria or paranoia, which can sometimes exacerbate anxiety.

2. Terpene Profile
   Look for flower high in calming terpenes such as:

   • Linalool (also found in lavender) – promotes calming, anti-anxiety effects.

   • Myrcene (found in mangoes) – offers sedative properties and muscle relaxation.

   • Beta-caryophyllene (spicy, peppery) – has potential anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory benefits.

3. Low to Moderate THC Content
   While THC can be beneficial in low doses for anxiety, higher concentrations can lead to increased feelings of stress or paranoia. Strains with lower THC levels (or higher CBD content to balance) are generally better.

4. Indica-Dominant or Hybrid
   Indica strains, or Indica-dominant hybrids, tend to be more calming and soothing than Sativas, which are typically more energizing. Indicas promote physical relaxation and mental tranquility, which can be helpful for anxiety.

Focusing on a 1:1 flower (equal parts THC and CBD) is especially beneficial because it balances the psychoactive effects with CBD’s calming, anti-inflammatory properties. The balanced ratio allows users to feel mild euphoria and relaxation without an overwhelming high, making it ideal for daytime use when stress or anxiety strikes without the need for heavy sedation.

There is no definitive evidence that cannabis causes dementia, though heavy long-term use may impact cognitive functions.

Cannabis has a complex relationship with mental health, and its effects on depression can vary depending on the individual, the specific cannabis product used, and the context in which it's consumed. Here's a breakdown of both potential outcomes:

Cannabis Alleviating Depression:

1. Mood Elevation
   Low to moderate doses of THC, the psychoactive component in cannabis, can elevate mood and induce feelings of euphoria, which may help alleviate short-term symptoms of depression or low mood.

2. CBD's Antidepressant Properties
   CBD, the non-psychoactive component in cannabis, has shown promise in studies for its potential to reduce anxiety and improve mood without the intoxicating effects of THC. It may help regulate serotonin levels, which are closely linked to mood stabilization.

3. Relaxation and Stress Relief
   Many people experience a reduction in stress, anxiety, and insomnia through the use of cannabis, which can indirectly help alleviate depression by improving overall well-being and relaxation.

4. Mindfulness and Mental Clarity
   In some cases, cannabis use can promote introspection, mindfulness, and emotional release, which could aid in processing difficult emotions associated with depression.

Cannabis Potentially Causing or Worsening Depression:

1. High THC Levels and Mood Instability
   High doses of THC can cause anxiety, paranoia, and, in some cases, lead to feelings of depression, particularly if used in excess. Chronic use of high-THC products without moderation may also lead to mood instability.

2. Long-Term Dependence and Withdrawal
   In some users, long-term cannabis use can lead to psychological dependence. If someone becomes reliant on cannabis for mood regulation, they may experience a worsening of depressive symptoms when not using it, especially during withdrawal periods.

3. Impact on Motivation
   In some cases, excessive cannabis use (particularly high-THC strains) can lead to "amotivational syndrome," where users feel a lack of drive or motivation, which could exacerbate feelings of depression over time.

4. Dopamine Regulation
   Long-term use of cannabis, particularly THC-rich varieties, can disrupt the brain’s dopamine system. Dopamine is crucial for regulating mood, and overuse can lead to decreased dopamine levels, potentially contributing to feelings of apathy or depression.

Key Takeaways:

• Moderation and product choice are critical when using cannabis to manage depression. A balanced THC to CBD ratio or CBD-dominant strains are less likely to cause adverse effects and may provide mood-enhancing benefits.

• For short-term relief, cannabis can help some individuals feel more relaxed and uplifted, but it’s not a replacement for long-term mental health care.

• Individual response varies widely, so it's important to monitor how cannabis affects your mood and consult a healthcare professional if you're using it for mental health reasons.

If you’re experiencing depression, it’s always a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider before incorporating cannabis into your wellness routine.

In rare cases, cannabis may raise heart rates and potentially increase the risk of heart attacks in people with pre-existing heart conditions.

Yes, cannabis can cause heart palpitations, especially in higher doses or for users with cardiovascular issues.

Chronic use of cannabis may lead to conditions like cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, which causes nausea and vomiting.

Some users report dizziness or vertigo after consuming cannabis, particularly when using potent strains.

Some studies suggest that CBD-rich cannabis may help alleviate symptoms of autism, particularly anxiety and aggression.

While research is limited, some evidence suggests cannabis could help manage symptoms like agitation in dementia patients.

Yes, cannabis is often used to manage pain, muscle spasms, and stiffness associated with multiple sclerosis.