Washington State approved mmj in 1998, and I got my recommendation from my gastro in 2006 (?) or thereabouts. I had only used a water pipe/bong (except in travel situations) and then discovered edibles. If you can purchase canna-butter and make your own -- and I will say it takes some trial and error and a good supplier of consistently potent butter -- edibles can deliver a body high that lasts up to twice as long once it sets in. However, many people eat too much impatient for it to take effect. For me it is anywhere from 1/2-2 hours before I feel it kick in. I will not drive an hour after ingesting, because it is not unusual to be shopping along at the mall and feel it kick in (a lifting feeling, and relaxing). I am a pretty good baker, and the last time I baked cookies, I gobbled a few too many . . . DO NOT DO THIS! In fact, at all times I let my partner know of my state, be it from mmj or other pain meds -- so she always knows what I have taken in case of an unrelated emergency.

In California you should be able to find some high quality tested edibles that you could experiment with for finding the right dosage for you. Here is a product that gives concentration levels and a little primer on use of edibles. I am a lightweight with edibles, and have found that approx 7 mg is a dose for me. Most recommend beginning with 10mg and waiting to see what the effects are. Edibles are best if you must travel with medicine, or are visiting friends or relatives who might frown on you "lighting up" in their home or around kids.

Concentrates have become a very popular way of dosing as well. The oil or wax concentrate is dabbed onto a heated "nail" on a rig similar to a bong, and what you inhale is devoid of smoke and ash from combusting leaves and stems. I find the effects longer lasting, but am still learning.

Some strains I have found useful, beside Trainwreck, are Super Silver Haze, said to have been developed for MS patients, Jack Herer (relieves stress), and Harlequin (great for pain - high in CBD's which work on inflammation.)

A website called Leafly is excellent for profiling different strains and telling you which local dispensaries carry it.