The cannabis industry is not easy to navigate – especially for a beginner. The lack of regulation makes it difficult to know who to turn to. Even doctors who may recommend weed to improve wellness are limited in what they can say to patients due to legal technicalities.
So, who can you trust? Why not ask your budtender?
Budtenders are not just weed store shop assistants. They are hired because they have a comprehensive knowledge of weed. They know about the products they sell and can answer many of your questions.
So what questions should you ask your budtender? Here are a few to consider.
Questions to Ask Your Budtender
What are the Different Types of Cannabis Strains?
Cannabis strains are likely the biggest factor in how weed will affect you. They are generally divided into three categories: Indica, Sativa, and hybrid. Indica is energizing, sativa boosts relaxation, and hybrid offers a combination of the two.
But these generalizations don’t clearly indicate weed’s effects. Terpenes, cannabinoids, and trichomes produce variations that can be an even stronger indication of what to expect. Let’s start with a brief description of each one.
- Cannabinoids: Cannabis contains various cannabis compounds called cannabinoids. They have varying effects. The two most popular are THC which has wellness benefits and is psychoactive, and CBD which has similar wellness effects and is not psychoactive. But there are also compounds like CBN which has relaxation effects, CBG which is a powerful anti-inflammatory, and the list goes on.
- Terpenes: Terpenes are naturally occurring plant chemical compounds. They are found in various plants, including weed. They are responsible for how a plant smells and its color. They can also affect the taste of vegetative plants. Terpenes provide various health benefits. Popular terpenes found in weed include linalool which alleviates stress, and myrcene which has antibacterial and antifungal properties and sedative effects.
- Trichomes: Trichomes are tiny hairs that grow on cannabis and other plants. They protect it from pests and UV rays. These resinous structures store the plant’s cannabinoids and terpenes. The heavier the trichome coat, the more potent the weed will be.
When you go to a cannabis store, you will see products that are labeled ‘indica’, ‘sativa’, or ‘hybrid’. But these products will also have names like “Pineapple Express” or “Acapulco Gold”. These stain names will be more telling of weed’s effects.
Ask your budtender which strain is right for you. Explain your symptoms and they will get you headed in the right direction.
How Much Should I Take?
Dosing is a critical component of the weed experience. If you take too little, the weed won’t affect you as expected. Take too much and you could experience unpleasant side effects.
Weed comes in various strengths which are measured in milligrams (MG). The higher the milligrams, the more potent the weed will be.
You can also change your dosage with the amount of weed you consume. For example, if you have a potent gummy, you can consume half to ensure you don’t overdo it.
Generally, it’s best to start low. You can always take more if you don’t feel the effects. If you take too much, there’s no going back.
Ask your budtender what dose you will take. They will give you a good idea of how much you should consume depending on the product you are using.
What Should I Know About Cannabis Edibles?
Cannabis edibles are tricky because they take longer to hit than other weed products. Ask your budtender for dosing information, including how much you should take and how long you should wait for weed to hit. Your budtender will also provide you with other product information such as which brands use all-natural ingredients and which make the tastiest products.
What Brands Are Reputable?
The cannabis market is highly unregulated. Many brands take advantage of the lack of regulation and produce products that are not as pure and potent as advertised. So, which brands should you trust?
Trusted brands generally use lab testing. They send their products to a third-party lab where it is tested for purity and potency. The lab results may be published on the website or available by customer request.
Ask your budtender which brands are reputable and which do lab testing. Most licensed dispensaries will only carry lab-tested brands, but you never know.
Additionally, your budtender should have a deep knowledge of each brand. They can recommend the brands you should try based on cultivation methods, extraction methods, and other factors.
What are Your Weed Purchasing Options?
Consumers who are considering using a dispensary on an ongoing basis will want to know about their weed-purchasing options. Ask your budtender what their dispensary offers. Here’s a breakdown of the questions you may want to ask.
- Online: If you prefer ordering online, you should ask your budtender questions like, “How long does it take you to ship an item?”, “What’s your online return policy?”, and “What are your shipping fees?”
- Weed delivery: If weed delivery is your bag, ask your budtender, “How long does it take for a weed delivery to arrive?”, “What are your weed delivery fees?”, “Do your drivers accept cards?”, “How does the weed delivery process work?”
- In-Store: In-store purchases are straightforward. You can ask your budtender relevant questions while you are shopping.
Purchasing weed can get confusing. Your budtender will provide you with the information you require.
Don’t hold back. Ask your budtender everything you need to know. They will help you feel confident about your weed experience.
South Coast Safe Access offers a team of knowledgeable budtenders that will help you find the products that are suited to your needs. We offer a wide selection and attentive service. Contact us to elevate your level of well-being.