Walking into a dispensary for the first time can feel overwhelming. Even if you’re simply buying flower, you’ll often have dozens of products to choose from with silly names that rarely represent their terpene profiles. Selecting the right cannabis strain can make all the difference, especially for your first experience with the plant.
Whether you’re hoping to reap the medical benefits of marijuana or simply want to relax and enjoy a mellow high with friends, you want to select bud that matches your needs. Below, our team from Cannabis & Glass in Washington will guide you through choosing the right marijuana cannabinoids as a beginner.
Understanding the Effects of Different Types of Cannabis Strains
All strains break down into three categories: indica, sativa, and hybrid. To successfully choose the right bud for your needs, you need to understand how these categories differ:
- Indica: Indicas typically offer a milder, calming, and relaxing high that might calm anxiety or help you fall asleep at night. If you’re looking for a strain to chill out on the couch with, you might consider this option.
- Sativa: Sativas promote stimulation and energy but can be anxiety-inducing for some users, creating the potential paranoia effect at high doses. If you’re hoping to go on a hike or get chores done while smoking, you may consider a sativa.
- Hybrid: Hybrids contain a blend of indica and sativa, offering the best of both worlds. If you can’t decide between indica vs. sativa, consider a hybrid.
Reading and Understanding Cannabinoid Profiles
When selecting the right cannabis strain, you must learn how to read cannabinoid profiles to understand what compounds products feature and the high you can expect. Profiles will include the following:
- Cannabinoid compounds: Bud often features unique blends of cannabinoids alongside THC, including CBD, CBG, CBC, CBN, and more. Understanding these compounds helps you determine the health benefits and effects of the product.
- Strain potency: Each profile has varying THC and CBD levels that directly affect how strong the high will be. For example, a product with 19% THC will be far less potent and mind-altering than one with 28%.
Your budtender can explain the full strain profile to you on any product you’re interested in, along with the flower’s standard effects.
Suitable Strains for First-Time Users
Beginner strains tend to have a lower THC content with a blend of mild cannabinoids. Here are some popular options to consider as you’re selecting the right cannabis strain for your needs:
- Charlotte’s Web (sativa with 1% THC and 12% CBD)
- Canna-Tsu (hybrid with 4% THC and 10% CBD)
- Harlequin (sativa with 5% THC and 9% CBD)
- California Orange (hybrid with 13% THC and 1% CBG)
- Purple Punch (indica with 18% THC)
- Monster Cookies (sativa with 18% THC and 1% CBG)
Highly potent profiles tend to contain around 25% to 30% THC. The above options range from 1% to 18%, offering you plenty of beginner starting points so you can enjoy a mild first-time experience.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Beginner Cannabis Experience
To ensure you have a great first-time experience, we recommend the following tips:
- Start with a small dose and increase as you’re comfortable.
- Do not mix with other substances.
- Stay hydrated and eat beforehand.
- Take your products in a safe space where you will not need to drive.
Visit Cannabis & Glass for Top-Quality Bud Across Washington Today
If you need more help selecting the right cannabis strain, visit one of Cannabis & Glass’s three dispensaries in Washington, and our friendly budtenders will walk you through user preferences and recommended options. Contact us today with any questions.
