Cannabis dispensaries have grown significantly in popularity as more states legalize marijuana for medical and recreational use. Whether you’re new to cannabis or a seasoned user, visiting a dispensary can be an overwhelming experience due to the wide array of products available. This guide will break down the types of cannabis products you can find at a dispensary, explaining their uses, effects, and how they’re typically consumed.
1. Flower (Bud)
The most traditional form of cannabis is the flower, or “bud,” which is the dried, cured form of the cannabis plant. It’s sold by weight and can be used in various ways, most commonly by smoking or vaporizing. Flower comes in several strains that fall into three main categories:
- Indica: Known for its relaxing, body-centered effects, Indica strains are often used for stress relief, pain management, and sleep issues.
- Sativa: Sativa strains tend to produce more uplifting, energetic effects, making them a popular choice for daytime use or enhancing creativity.
- Hybrid: Hybrid strains are a mix of Indica and Sativa, offering a balance of both effects, depending on the specific blend.
When purchasing flower, you’ll find options ranging from loose grams to pre-rolled joints, making it convenient for both new and experienced users.
2. Concentrates
Concentrates are cannabis products that contain higher levels of cannabinoids, particularly THC and CBD. They are more potent than flower, so they’re often recommended for experienced users or those with specific medical needs. There are several types of concentrates:
- Shatter: A glass-like concentrate that “shatters” when broken. It’s potent and typically vaporized or “dabbed.”
- Wax: A soft, pliable concentrate that can be smoked or vaporized. It is often used in dab rigs or vape pens.
- Crumble: A brittle form of concentrate that’s easy to handle and can be used in various ways, including dabbing or mixing with flower.
- Live Resin: Extracted from fresh, flash-frozen cannabis plants, live resin is rich in flavor and terpenes, offering a more aromatic experience.
- Distillate: One of the purest forms of cannabis concentrates, distillate can be used in vape cartridges, edibles, or tinctures.
Concentrates deliver fast-acting and powerful effects, making them a go-to option for those who need immediate relief or a stronger experience.
3. Edibles
For those who prefer not to smoke or vaporize, edibles offer a discreet, flavorful, and long-lasting way to consume cannabis. Edibles are food or drink products infused with cannabis extracts, typically THC, CBD, or both. Popular options include:
- Gummies: A favorite among beginners, gummies are available in various flavors and strengths, making it easy to control dosage.
- Chocolates: Infused chocolates offer a delicious way to enjoy cannabis. These come in a variety of types, including dark, milk, and white chocolate.
- Baked Goods: Items like brownies, cookies, and cakes are classic cannabis treats. They tend to contain higher doses and are ideal for those looking for a stronger, longer-lasting effect.
- Drinks: Cannabis-infused beverages like teas, sodas, and juices provide a fast-acting and refreshing way to consume cannabis.
Edibles have a delayed onset, taking anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to feel the full effects, but their effects can last several hours, making them a good choice for longer-lasting relief.
4. Vape Cartridges and Pens
Vaping cannabis has become a popular alternative to smoking, offering a cleaner, less harsh experience. Vape cartridges are pre-filled with cannabis oil and are attached to vape pens, which heat the oil into vapor. These cartridges come in a variety of strains and flavors, providing options for different effects and preferences.
Some benefits of using vape pens include:
- Discreet: Vape pens are portable, easy to use, and produce minimal odor, making them ideal for those who need to medicate on-the-go.
- Precise Dosing: With each inhale, vape pens provide consistent and controlled doses, making it easier to manage your intake.
- Flavors: Vapes come in a wide range of flavors, from fruit to dessert to earthy cannabis profiles, enhancing the experience.
5. Tinctures
Tinctures are liquid cannabis extracts that are consumed sublingually (under the tongue) or added to food and drinks. These products come in small bottles with a dropper for easy and precise dosing. Tinctures are available in THC, CBD, or a combination of both, offering different effects depending on your needs.
Tinctures are favored for several reasons:
- Fast-Acting: When taken sublingually, tinctures take effect within 15-30 minutes, making them a good option for quick relief.
- Customizable Dosing: The dropper allows users to control their dosage easily, perfect for both beginners and experienced users.
- Non-Smokable: Tinctures offer the benefits of cannabis without the need to smoke or vape, making them a popular choice for those with respiratory issues.
6. Topicals
Topical cannabis products are applied directly to the skin and are often used for localized relief of pain, inflammation, or skin conditions. Since topicals don’t produce psychoactive effects, they’re ideal for users seeking the therapeutic benefits of cannabis without feeling “high.” Common types of topicals include:
- Lotions and Creams: These are often used for pain relief or to reduce inflammation in joints and muscles.
- Balms and Salves: Thicker than lotions, balms and salves are typically used for deep tissue relief or to soothe sore muscles.
- Transdermal Patches: These deliver a steady dose of cannabinoids through the skin and into the bloodstream, offering long-lasting effects without needing to reapply.
7. CBD Products
For those seeking the therapeutic benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive effects, CBD products are a great option. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound in cannabis that has been shown to help with anxiety, pain, inflammation, and more. Dispensaries offer a variety of CBD products, including:
- CBD Oils and Tinctures: Taken under the tongue or added to food and drinks.
- CBD Edibles: Gummies, chocolates, and drinks with CBD as the main ingredient.
- CBD Topicals: Lotions, creams, and salves designed for pain relief and skin care.
Since CBD products don’t produce a high, they’re often used for daily wellness and symptom management.
On a Final Note
Whether you’re looking for pain relief, relaxation, or simply a new way to enjoy cannabis, dispensaries offer a wide range of products to meet your needs. It’s important to talk with the dispensary staff, who can guide you through the selection process and help you choose the right product based on your preferences, experience level, and health goals.
As always, start slow, especially if you’re new to cannabis, and gradually find what works best for you.