The world of medical marijuana can be overwhelming to navigate, especially for beginners. There are so many different strains, all with different terpene profiles, and cannabinoid levels. Each strain is said to help with specific symptoms and medical conditions. Let’s not mention the variety of cannabis products available, from CBD oil and dried flower to edibles and transdermal patches, as well as the varied consumption methods, like smoking, vaping, and sublingual applications.
When you’re navigating medical cannabis on your own for the first time, the physician who provided your medical marijuana recommendation can be a big help in narrowing down which strains and products to try in order to best relieve your symptoms. However, you also have knowledgeable budtenders to lean on for expertise at your local dispensary. These budtenders have extensive knowledge and experience with the different types of cannabis, products, and consumption methods, as well as what they’re recommended for.
Don’t worry about sounding like a beginner by asking questions, either! That’s what budtenders are there for—to answer your questions and make you feel comfortable with your choices. That being said, here are some of the most common questions budtenders get.
What’s the Difference between Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid?
It’s good for any MMJ patient to understand the differences between the three types of cannabis plants: Indica, Sativa, and hybrid. This knowledge will help narrow down the types of cannabis you’ll try first.
Sativas are great for the daytime because they’re more energetic and cerebral.
Indicas are most associated with the traditional cannabis feeling you might be thinking of. They’ll make you feel sleepy and relaxed, they’re ideal for stress.
Hybrids contain various mixes between Sativa and Indicas, so you can get the best of both worlds in varying degrees.
What’s the Difference between THC and CBD?
This is also a great question to ask your budtender at your first dispensary visit. What you need to know is that THC is the psychoactive cannabinoid that makes you feel a buzz. CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive, and it’s commonly used for medicinal purposes, like alleviating pain, anxiety, spasms, and seizures.
Does the Percentage of THC in a Product Matter?
The answer is more of “yes and no”. Yes, it’s good to know that a cannabis product contains a high enough level of THC to produce the psychoactive effects you’re looking for, but the difference between say, 13% or 20% doesn’t matter as much. That’s because everyone reacts to THC differently, so it really depends on your body whether it’s a good percentage for you or not.
What Will Help Me Sleep?
If you’re struggling with insomnia, look for Indica strains that contain plenty of myrcene and linalool for a good night’s sleep. Budtenders often recommend Granddaddy Purple and Lavender Kush, depending on their supply.
What May Help with Depression or Anxiety?
Different strains are good for relieving different symptoms. If you’re struggling with depression, budtenders often recommend uplifting Sativa strains that are high in pinene and linalool. God’s Gift and Purple Gorilla are good choices. For anxiety, bartenders recommend strains that are lower in THC and higher in CBD. It’s also recommended that you start with a low dose and go slow to help reduce the risk that you become more anxious or paranoid. Harlequin and Jack Herrer are often recommended for patients with anxiety.
What’s the Correct Edibles Dosage?
Edibles are great because you don’t have to worry about damage to your lungs or the smell of cannabis. You can also take your medicine more discreetly this way. For beginners though, the dosage of edibles matters, so it’s a good idea to ask your budtender for a recommendation. Most budtenders will recommend starting low and going slow. Traditionally, this means not eating a full brownie for your first time but sticking to a 10mg dose. Wait about 45 minutes after that first dose before you decide to take a higher amount since edibles can take quite a while to kick in. Because edibles can contain different dosages, it’s important to read the label and follow the instructions.
Budtenders receive a variety of questions every day from new and seasoned medical cannabis patients alike. While they can provide recommendations, often, finding the right strain, product, and dose for your specific body, condition, and symptoms will take some experimentation. However, never hesitate to ask questions at your dispensary!
If you’re interested in medical cannabis, you’ll need a medical marijuana card. Sign up with Heally to book a telehealth appointment with a cannabis-friendly doctor in your state. We make getting an MMJ card easy.
