Choosing the right products at a dispensary for you can be difficult at times. Especially when it is one of your first times going; it can actually be quite overwhelming. Sometimes, you simply may not know exactly what it is that you want/need from that dispensary. It’s always a good idea to go in with a plan, and tell this to your budtender, so we’ve got you covered.
Walking into a dispensary with a plan will aid you in selecting the correct products. This does not mean you necessarily need to walk in knowing exactly which strains you want, but instead you will be able to narrow down to a few. However, sometimes it does work to remember and search for the same strains. In that case, you will need to check out some strain reviews.
Click Here For Our Strain Reviews!
Once you understand what you are generally searching for, you can speak with a budtender at the dispensary and talk about what you want. A good idea for shopping at dispensaries is, if it’s local, to establish a good relationship with your budtender, that way they remember you and what you like. First, let’s talk about what you need to think about in order for you to know what you like.
Recreational or Medicinal?
The first question that you should ask yourself is: do you use cannabis for recreational or medicinal purposes, or possibly both? This will help you set aside some strains that do not match your desires. If you use cannabis as both recreation and medicine, then try to figure out which of those two you lean more towards.
If you lean more towards recreational use, then you can focus on finding some of these strains. There are some cannabis strains that are praised by recreational stoners for their effects and potency. Recently, we have put together a list of the best recreational strains out there; these strains may be suitable for you. One of my personal favorites for recreational use is Green Crack.
Link To “The Best Recreational Strains Out There” Post
Use cannabis more medicinally? Then you need to focus on strains that match your conditions. Certain strains work well with treating certain health issues. For example, indica strains are known to be great pain relievers. You can narrow your list by first writing down all of your conditions. Whether it be pain, stress, anxiety, insomnia, lack of appetite, muscle spasms, and many more, cannabis can help. But you should search for strains that narrow in on your certain conditions.
Check Out This Post Here For Good Medical Strains
The post above will take you to a list of medical strains that is a good starting point for understanding how different strains can help your conditions. In addition to this, you could also tell your budtender directly about your health conditions and they may be able to recommend their available strains based on that.
How Are You Consuming It?
What is your preferred way of consuming cannabis? Do you smoke it? Many also enjoy eating it. You could even get it in oil form to drop under your tongue. There are also capsules, drinks, topicals; the list goes on and on. You should decide on your favorite method, that way you can understand exactly which products to search for.
Obviously, cannabis buds will not work for each of those methods. If you are smoking it, then purchase buds. Also, if you are creating your own edibles, then you should also purchase buds. But these are the only two methods that require buds. If you use cannabis oil, the dispensary may carry some. This also goes for cannabis capsules, though these seem to be a bit less common than oil. Most dispensaries sell edibles, both eatables and drinkables.
Related Post: Review on Cannabis Capsules
Many medical marijuana users prefer to not smoke their cannabis, and instead consume it via edible or capsule. While I do know many marijuana patients who still enjoy smoking, it is true that edibles and capsules are popular among those who use cannabis for medicinal purposes. Some edibles are healthier than others, such as our recipe for sugar-free THC lollipops. If you are a medical user and cannot smoke due to health reasons, try an edible or capsule. Many medical patients also enjoy microdosing.
What Is Your Tolerance?
Another thing that you should think about is your tolerance. How much have you used cannabis? Has it been years? Are you brand new to it? This is important for understanding the strength in the products that you need. How potent should your cannabis be? This is where knowledge about THC can help out.
Those who are quite experienced with cannabis and have been using it for at least a year and on can look at more potent products. For example, only experienced stoners should purchase cannabis concentrates. These products are far more potent than regular buds and rookies may not be able to handle them. But if you are looking for a strong high, then concentrates will do the trick. Also, medical users tend to stay away from dabbing concentrates, as the smoke from these is much more intense on the lungs.
Related Post: Six Types of Cannabis Concentrates
For rookies, you should stick to regular cannabis buds if you are smoking. Cannabis buds range in THC levels, so pay attention to these. Rookies should get buds that contain anywhere from 10-20% THC, as this is good enough to get you high. Experienced stoners and those looking for strong highs should look for THC levels around 20-30%.
If you are not smoking, then look for edibles, capsules and topicals with low doses (for rookies). It is best to ask your budtender about these specific products and which they have available. However, they should know which of their products have low potency and which have higher.
What’s Your Budget?
Lastly, you should understand how much money you wish to spend at this dispensary. This is a good thing to think about before walking in, that way you do not spend more than you need to. Of course, keep this information private. You can answer any of the other questions above in the comment section below, but please do not answer this one publicly.
Certain cannabis products are more expensive than others. For instance, since concentrates are far more potent than regular buds, they are also more expensive. On average, a gram of cannabis bud will go for $10, while a gram of cannabis honey oil may go for $30. These are averages, of course, and I have seen honey oil prices far beyond $30. Though concentrates are very much worth it, in my opinion, due to their potency and quickness of effects.
These is also private reserve, which is simply really good cannabis buds. This stuff usually goes for $15 a gram. Should you want to purchase buds, yet some of the best, then get this stuff. But remember, it is more potent than normal bud.
Prices for edibles and capsules vary, and you should discuss this with the budtender directly. Just remember, know how much you want to spend beforehand and then you can judge how much of each product you should purchase. This way you won’t overdo it, yet you can still get what you need. And remember, you can always come back another time and try something new again!
Now you should have a plan when walking into the dispensary next time, and every time after that. Remember, why are you using the cannabis, what is your preferred method of consumption, what is your tolerance and how much money do you want to spend? Answer those and discuss it with your budtender so they can help you select the perfect products! Thanks for reading!
