Not all that long ago, the cannabis market was pretty limited. Hearing the terms “cannabis,” “marijuana,” or “CBD” would bring images of joints or oils and tinctures to mind. Over the last few years, however, the industry has grown substantially.
When you enter a dispensary in a state with legal cannabis, you’ll find you face seemingly endless product options. Along with fresh flowers and pre-rolled joints, shops typically carry an assortment of tinctures, vape oils, concentrates, edibles, and topicals, often from various brands. Those products also come in a variety of strains and potencies.
As a new user, or even a long-time user hoping to try something new, the sheer number of choices can be a bit overwhelming. Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to make the process of selecting the right ones for you easier.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Cannabis Products
Before we dive into how to choose the right CBD products or cannabis products, you may wonder why it matters. Different products have varying methods of use. For example, joints, pipes, and vapes involve inhalation, while edibles and capsules involve oral consumption. If you have asthma or other respiratory issues, you might not want to use a product that requires you to breathe in smoke or vapor.
On top of that, some products take longer to produce effects than others. If you take a dose of an edible expecting to feel anything right away, you might think it wasn’t enough and take more. That could lead to an unpleasant experience later, the result of too much THC in your system at once.
Various products also have multiple applications and use cases. For instance, you can use flowers for smoking or for making oil infusions for homemade edibles or topicals. You can take tinctures under the tongue or mix them with your food. Additionally, different strains or product types may produce different effects. Cannabinoid and terpene profiles, combined with any other ingredients, may make one product beneficial for pain relief while another is best for focus and mental clarity.
How to Choose the Best Products for You
Deciding which cannabis and CBD products to buy may feel like an impossible task when you’re facing so many options. Keeping these tips in mind can simplify the process and help you select the best ones for you.
Determine Your Goals
Why do you want to use cannabis? Are you looking for quick relief from chronic pain? Or do you need something that can ease your anxiety symptoms? Maybe your only goal is to relax and unwind at the end of a long day. The answer to this question can help you narrow down the ideal product types and which strains might work best for you.
Consider Your Personal Preferences
You’ll also want to consider what you like (and what you don’t). For instance, someone who doesn’t like the smell of smoke or doesn’t want to inhale it probably won’t find taking hits from joints, a pipe, or a bong very enjoyable. Another person who doesn’t want to experience a potent high may want to avoid concentrates and high-THC products. Instead, they may prefer high-CBD (with little to no THC) products or topicals.
Know Your Budget
If cost is a concern, you’ll want to consider a few factors to ensure the products you buy fit your budget. Along with the sticker price of different products, look at their serving sizes. At first glance, a pack of gummies may appear cheaper than a tincture. However, the former may only have ten servings, while the latter has thirty.
Research Products and Understand Their Uses
Take some time to learn about your prospective cannabis product options. Reading up on how they work, their benefits (and drawbacks), and the different ways to use them can help you understand them and assess which ones might work best for your needs.
Read Customer Reviews
When comparing different brands (and their product offerings), find out what previous customers have to say. Their feedback can provide you with honest insight into real user experiences. You can learn a lot about product quality, effectiveness, and the brands themselves.
Take a Close Look at Labels
All legal cannabis products must contain labels featuring a range of pertinent details, including the strain information, THC content, cannabinoid profile, a statement (and seal) certifying the product underwent third-party testing for contaminants, and an ingredient label, if applicable. What you find here can provide insight into product quality.
Ask for a Certificate of Analysis
A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) is a more in-depth document that details the results of a product’s third-party testing, including if the lab found any potentially dangerous contaminants, additives, or other impurities. Many brands will post their CoA results on their websites or happily provide them if asked. Should a company refuse, you may want to steer clear of its products.
Speak With a Specialist
Budtenders like the ones at DDM Cannabis are incredible sources of information. They know the products they sell inside and out. Not only that but (based on your answers to a few questions) they can steer you in the right direction and offer expert product recommendations. Never hesitate to ask for their guidance if you’re unsure.
Visit DDM Cannabis for Your Cannabis Product Needs
At DDM Cannabis, we offer a broad range of high-quality recreational cannabis products, giving you plenty of options to find what suits you best. We aim to provide all of our customers, from new users to seasoned pros, with a safe environment to explore all that the world of cannabis has to offer. And, if you still aren’t sure where to start, don’t worry. Our knowledgeable budtenders are available to answer your questions and provide expert guidance to help you find products you’re sure to love. Are you ready to find the right cannabis product for you? Check out DDM Cannabis’ online menu or visit our Uxbridge dispensary in person for a closer look. We can’t wait to help you on your journey to incredible cannabis experiences.
