Know what to ask for at the cannabis dispensary

One of the largest barriers people face when they are new to the cannabis dispensary is knowing what to ask for and how to ask for it. Anyone who’s taken their maiden voyage to the dispensary can tell you that it can be overwhelming. By understanding how products are categorized, consumed, and talked about you’ll be better prepared and more likely to find the right product for your specific needs.

Initially, it’s important to understand that cannabis can be used in a variety of ways. It can be eaten, smoked, vaporized, or rubbed into the skin. Cannabis products are developed to fit into one of these categories. Before you choose any cannabis product, you should know some basic cannabis facts and also decide how you want to consume it. An explanation of these commonly used cannabis terms will provide a basic foundation to start from.

• Indica and Sativa

• Terpenes

• Flower

• Edibles

• Cannabis Oil

• Vape Cartridges

• Tinctures

• Topicals

Indica and Sativa

Cannabis cultivation and consumption dates back thousands of years and can be found in the written record of the first civilizations. These original cannabis strains were the genesis of modern-day Indica and Sativa. Indica, known for its pain relief, sleep-inducing, whole body high is a much different experience than a Sativa, known to promote creativity, focus, and motivation. Meticulous thought has since been put into the breeding of strains to produce a plethora of substrains with intended outcomes and intense terpene profiles.

What they hey is a terpene?

Terpenes are the flavor profile of the cannabis strain which gives the plant its aroma. A popular cannabis terpene is limonene. It smells like lemons and is often found in Sativa dominant strains. The plant develops the terpenes to protect itself from being eaten and to attract pollinators. The unintended byproduct is that terpenes have a host of health benefits for human beings as well. Cannabis pioneers understand that and have found ways to isolate each terpene and reintroduce it back into their products for the benefit of their customers.

Flower is the manicured marijuana bud

Displayed in clear jars at the dispensary, this dried marijuana bud is meant for smoking or vaping. It comes from the female cannabis plant and can contain very high levels of THC. You’ll find a selection of different strain names: OG Kush, Purple Candy, Mako Haze, etc., with a label indicating whether it’s Indica, Sativa, or a Hybrid of both. Hybrids can be Indica or Sativa dominant, providing the consumer with the best of both worlds.

Edibles come in many forms

Edible cannabis often presents itself as a cannabis-infused candy, baked good, drink, or tincture. So if you’re interested in eating your cannabis, you’ll have plenty of selection to choose from. Edibles are available in low doses which are great for micro-dosing, a strategy of using small doses consistently to achieve certain mental and physical advancements.

Cannabis oil concentrates

Cannabis oil is available for vaping, eating, and using topically. It’s a concentrated formulation derived from an extraction process that separates the compounds from the plant material. The important thing to look for is an oil derived from Co2 extraction, not one that’s been manufactured with dangerous solvents, i.e., butane. At most cannabis dispensaries a selection of vape cartridges, disposable vape pens, tinctures, and topical balms made from cannabis oil extract occupy the retail space.

Vape carts and pens

Vape cartridges hold .5G or 1G of concentrated cannabis oils which are meant to be used with a 510 battery (atomizer). These cartridges come in a variety of formulations. Some formulations boast the benefits of compound isolation, while others promote the advantages of whole-plant and live resin formulation. All of them are highly concentrated cannabis that may or may not be formulated with the consumer’s health in mind. Disposable vape pens are an alternative to to the vaporizer cart and battery set up. They allow the consumer to try vaping without commitment.

Tinctures do double duty

Tinctures are formulated with cannabis oil and a base which is often made of coconut oil. They’re packaged in 15ml and 30ml dropper bottles and come in a variety of formulas that are labeled for precise dosing. The great thing about tinctures is that they are both an edible and a topical, meaning you can eat it and rub it into your skin for pain relief making them one of the most versatile cannabis products available.

Topicals for pain relief

Topical cannabis products “topicals” come in many forms. There are balms, oils, lotions, and sprays that are meant to be applied to the skin and rubbed into the affected area to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Just like any other cannabis product, topicals are formulated with customized compound ratios that can contain terpene profiles and specific cannabinoids (cannabis compounds) to achieve certain therapeutic results.

The one thing that all of these terms have in common is science. Cannabis science has evolved in such a way that a cannabis dispensary glossary is becoming necessary to navigate the cannabis product landscape. Understanding how to communicate what you need from the dispensary staff is key to getting the right products for your specific condition or desired experience.

Knowing the difference between Indica and Sativa could significantly change your outcome. Deciding how you want to consume your cannabis also plays a large role in your overall experience. All of these things start with a conversation. As your cannabis vocabulary grows, so will your curiosity to learn more and the cannabis industry won’t disappoint you. There are terms like shatter, kief, and wax that one can pursue when comfortable with the basic language of the recreational cannabis dispensary.