With cannabis stores popping up everywhere these days, it’s beneficial to know what to look for regarding legitimacy, products, and staff from your local cannabis shop.
Exploring Cannabis Stores and Products they Offer
Cannabis stores are no different than your local liquor store or neighbourhood pub. The majority of the cannabis shops popping up are all legal and have a business license. Most shops currently should offer debit and credit as forms of payment, but be prepared with cash. You will find the product at your local dispensary more expensive than the price on the street, but you are getting better quality, controlled, and legal distribution. At the same time, you are also paying significant taxes.
Don’t be afraid to do your research. When looking up a local cannabis shop near you, it should have a pretty strong social media presence and company website.
With the array of different strains and products, there’s a lot of choices. There’s a dispensary for everyone and every level of experience, so it’s a good idea to do some research on your own to pick the best one for your circumstances.
If you are new to the scene, your local budtender should be able to help you with any questions you have. If you have a rockstar budtender they should be asking you lots of questions to best suit your lifestyle and needs. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and be honest about your situation, whether you enjoy using cannabis recreationally or medicinally.
THC vs. CBD
THC and CBD are the two main cannabinoids in most of the cannabis products that dispensaries will sell. THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is the most abundant cannabinoid in cannabis, with CBD or cannabidiol coming in at a close second. The former cannabinoid is what produces the cerebral “high” that many users often experience. The psychoactive cannabinoid can cause a happy, euphoric feeling that can also help with stress reduction and anxiety. CBD helps to provide a therapeutic effect on the mind and body and causes deep relaxation and stress reduction. It can help with symptoms of anxiety, stress, muscle soreness, and physical pain. Now, CBD is more of an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, which is why so many people are turning to it to combat their ailments.
Other Products Available in Cannabis Stores
Edibles
Whether they are in the form of gummies, cake, cookies, or other ingestible products, edibles are the most unpredictable ways to consume cannabis because they take longer to take effect, and effects vary depending on the person.
Cannabis Flower
The cannabis flower is the most convenient and common way of consuming cannabis. Dried cannabis flowers can be smoked, vaporized, or made into edible products. Each of the cannabis strains is grown and bred to produce different results.
Tinctures
Tinctures are administered by placing a drop of two under the tongue, to allow the body to absorb the cannabidiol through the sublingual membranes. A good rule of thumb is to start slow and gradual.
Concentrates
Extracts from the cannabis plant, or concentrates, contain little to no plant matter. However, they also provide a much more potent hit to the user because the cannabinoid content is far greater. Users are able to smoke, vaporize or even dab them.
Topicals
Topical cannabis products include sprays, lotions, balms, and patches designed to help alleviate the symptoms of pain and provide an indirect high.
Ways to save while buying from cannabis shops
Many shops out there are offering coupons, deals, and discounts. Dispensaries are competing aggressively, and they are popping up everywhere and quickly. Some cannabis shops will offer loyalty points, bonus points, and free samples so make sure you ask your local cannabis shop. And, if you’re still looking for one, why not check out some of these awesome small businesses?
Buy big if you can. You will get a better deal when you buy in large quantities. You will build up a tolerance for a strain if using it too often. So, variety is your friend when it comes to shopping. Nothing is stopping you from picking a new, cheaper strain than your standard pick, so don’t be afraid to try something new!
What is your favourite local cannabis shop? And what products you enjoy most? Let us know in the comments below and don’t forget to follow us @cannalifenet