The first time I stepped inside a cannabis dispensary, I was completely overwhelmed.
I had no idea what to look for or how to choose. I wasn’t expecting such a huge variety of products. I hadn’t realized there were so many different consumption methods, brands and strains on the market. Even the terminology was baffling to me. I had never heard of indicas, sativas or hybrids. I wasn’t sure how to go about consuming a concentrate or an extract. Although the budtenders were super friendly and eager to help, I felt embarrassed by my ignorance. I left without buying anything. I went home and started reading and educating myself. I learned that most cannabis products are divided into categories that provide an indication of the effects. Sativas are associated with uplifting and energizing effects while indicas focus more on relaxing and sedating effects. Hybrids are created by cross-breeding and offer the properties of the parent plants. Cannabinoids are natural compounds found in the cannabis plant that interact with receptors located throughout the human body. THC and CBD are the most abundant cannabinoids. THC is responsible for the psychoactive sensations. Terpenes are found in all sorts of different plants, such as citrus fruits, herbs and cannabis, and are the reason for the smell and flavor of the strain. It is believed that the cannabinoids and terpenes work together to provide unique curative benefits. On my second visit to the cannabis dispensary, I was far more prepared. This time, I was ready to ask questions and get suggestions from the budtenders. I decided to begin with a tincture because it is such a simple consumption method and precise dosing is easy.