When it comes to getting the most out of your cannabis retail and product experience, there is one person you can count on to answer the questions you have before you pick out your perfect cannabis match: your dispensary budtender. Much like your favorite coffee shop barista is an expert on the coffee they serve, your local budtender is a cannabis specialist ready to help you get the most out of your cannabis experience. They are tasked with helping you choose the right cannabis product and the best format for you to experience, whether it be flower, edibles, oils, or vaping liquids.
Where Do You Start?
If you’ve never been to a dispensary before, that first visit can feel awkward, nerve-wracking, or even intimidating.
“What do I need to bring with me, how do I know what to ask?”
Don’t worry, we’ve got you.
We’ve put together a list of common questions that you might want to ask your budtender to help you get the info you need and narrow down the product choices to find the best fit(s) for you.
1. What am I even looking for? What does my body need?
Start with a body scan. Not a literal scan, of course, but more of a self-assessment or check-in. If it sounds a little woo-woo to you, we get it. But give it a shot. Close your eyes, and connect with how you are feeling both physically and mentally. Maybe you’re feeling over-tired, or maybe your stress is getting overwhelming. Maybe ask yourself what brought you into a dispensary in the first place. The good news is that different cannabis products and strains of cannabis flower (i.e., the raw plant) have different, relatively specific effects on the body.
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a complex human body system known for “cell signaling,” a function that coordinates all cell actions in the human body. The body produces endocannabinoid compounds that work within the cells and are, in fact, similar to the naturally occurring cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. THC is arguably the most well-known of these cannabinoids. Cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant interact with the endocannabinoid receptors in the body, which in turn gives us that relaxation, energetic, or mellow feeling we’re looking for when we consume cannabis.
So, get specific about the effect that you’re looking for, and talk to your budtender about which products match that desired effect. You’ll find that there will be lots of choices for you!
2. Do I have to smoke cannabis?
Cannabis can either be ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin in the form of a topical cream/ointment. If you’re looking to inhale your cannabis, then it’s worth breaking down the options. Traditional smoking methods (joints, bongs, pipes) actually combust (a.k.a., incinerate) the plant material to release the cannabinoids in the flower. Vaporizing, on the other hand, involves gently heating the product until the terpenes and cannabinoids become a vapor. The gentle vapor makes inhaling cannabis a smoother, more pleasurable experience. You can vaporize oils, distillates, and rosins, or if you prefer to stick to the more natural approach, you can even vaporize the cannabis flower with a plant-based vaporization device, like the G Pen Dash.
3. Can you explain the significance and relevance of the CBD:THC ratios?
CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are two cannabinoids found naturally in the cannabis plant. Each cannabis product has a naturally occurring ratio of volume of cannabinoids. Manufactured products like edibles and distillates often adjust the ratio through a manufactured process for desired effects. When combined in different proportions, different experiences can be achieved. Often, CBD serves to balance some of THC’s noticeable psychoactive effects (i.e., that “high” feeling).
The first number in the ratio refers to the amount of CBD, while the second number refers to the THC. For example, a ratio of 1:1 will deliver a very mild psychoactive effect while a ratio of 1:10 may be very successful in relieving pain but will have more intense psychoactive effects. Knowing the effect you are looking to achieve is crucial in having a successful cannabis experience.
Are you looking for that high feeling? Or are you looking for some anxiety relief or pain management? Finding a ratio of CBD to THC that works for you may take some testing, but ultimately, you’ll be better able to determine a product that works best for you.
4. What are “indica,” “sativa,” and “hybrid”?
You’re going to hear the words “indica” and “sativa” and “hybrid” used frequently in regards to cannabis strains. Indica is a classification of cannabis strains that are thought to have more relaxing qualities, while sativa is a classification of cannabis strains that are generally thought to have more energizing effects on the body and mind. Most cannabis products include a combination of the two (a hybrid), and the plants are bred to balance each other for the desired effects. Just like there are many varieties of tomatoes (e.g., heirloom, cherry, plum, etc.) there are many varieties of cannabis.
5. How is cannabis grown?
If you’re looking for cannabis flower (i.e., the dried plant in its most natural form), you might be curious as to how the plant is actually grown. Cannabis can be grown outdoors in an agricultural setting or indoors in specially designed indoor grow operations. Much of the cannabis flower you find in dispensaries will be grown indoors because it can be temperature controlled and pest-free, while outdoor operations are subject to sun, wind, rain, and bugs. Each state has strict regulations on both plants and cultivation, so you can be sure that the flower you’re buying is clean, natural, and free of any harmful chemicals.
6. How do I figure out the right dose?
There are no official guidelines for dosing in the traditional sense for recreational cannabis consumption. The basic rule of thumb is to start slowly, wait a bit after consuming, and then slowly smoke or consume more if you feel comfortable. If you’re interested in an edible product, the brand will often include consumption guidelines on the packaging alongside the product. If you’re interested in cannabis flower, plant-based vaporizers are a great, user-friendly option to control your dosage. Simply load your desired amount of flower into the device, turn on it, and inhale just enough to achieve that just-right feeling. Thanks to advancements in vaporization technology, this whole process can be done in a matter of minutes which allows for a really quick and discreet experience.
7. What products do you recommend for beginners like me?
This is a great question because it’ll prompt new questions from budtenders like, where do you plan on consuming your products? How often do you plan on consuming? What kind of experience are you looking to have?
A plant-based vaporizer might be great as a discreet option that’s easy on the lungs, while an edible might be best for someone who needs to fall asleep fast and stay asleep.
---
With these questions in your back pocket, you can feel confident in choosing the cannabis product that suits you best. Check out our product page to learn more about HUUE™’s plant-based vaporizer products. Enjoy responsibly!
