4 Questions to Ask Your Budtender When Buying Marijuana – Fine Fettle
Walking into a dispensary for the first time can be intimidating, but it doesn’t need to be. Or maybe you’ve been before but are timid about asking questions.
The assortment of cannabis products, easy-going atmosphere, and knowledgeable staff is welcoming for sure. If you’re new to purchasing marijuana from a store, it’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed.
Some shoppers pick a strain or product with the highest THC content, or take advantage of a deal, and then rush out. And there’s nothing wrong with that. We urge shoppers – especially for Massachusetts medical marijuana patients who are looking to treat their conditions and ailments – to ask your budtender questions when buying cannabis products. We’re confident you’ll:
- Make a better purchasing decision
- Increase your overall knowledge about cannabis
- Build a relationship (if you want to) with your dispensary and the employees
Fine Fettle staff are experts in both medical and adult-use cannabis, and we’re excited to help educate and assist you. Here are four questions to ask your budtender the next time you visit a dispensary in Massachusetts.
1. What strains are most popular?
Rather than asking your budtender for their personal suggestion, ask what’s popular at the dispensary and why people seem to be purchasing. Getting an idea of what’s hot can be more telling than the suggestion of one person.
Ask what’s flying off the shelves and follow that up by getting the budtender’s recommendation. Then you can weigh the people’s popular choices versus that of the budtender.
2. What’s new in stock?
This question is a great conversation starter. Dispensaries frequently onboard new products to offer consumers the latest and greatest that the cannabis industry has to offer. Chances are your budtender will recommend a few things you might like.
In the mood to try something other than your usual go-to? Curious about what’s new? Ask your budtender about the freshest products in stock and you just might discover a new favorite buy.
3. How will the terpene profile affect my experience?
Terpenes are an influential cannabis compound and play a part in the euphoric experience. Terpenes like myrcene and beta-caryophyllene may deliver sedative effects, while pinene and limonene can be uplifting.
Many terpenes share some of the therapeutic properties of THC and CBD. Finding one that provides the same benefits you’re looking for from cannabinoids could increase the effectiveness of your recreational or medical marijuana purchase.
Asking about sativa or indica alone isn’t the only way to predict the high. Board certified neurologist and psychopharmacology researcher Ethan Russo, MD, believes the current classification system is flawed and oversimplified. Instead, Russo thinks we should look at the chemical composition to differentiate strains, saying, “differences in observed effects in cannabis are then due to their terpenoid content, which is rarely assayed, let alone reported to potential consumers.”
Before deciding on the type of strain you want at your favorite Massachusetts dispensary, consider:
- Sativa and indica
- Chemical composition – terpene and cannabinoid content
- Reported effects
Plant taxonomy is complex and can’t be answered in just one or two words. Take in as much information from a budtender as you can so you can make a better-informed decision.
4. What’s the cannabinoid potency of the product?
THC and CBD aren’t the only important compounds in recreational and medical marijuana. If you’re looking for better sleep, a strain with high CBN content or a sleep tincture like Doctor Solomon’s (50mg CBN/50mg THC) could provide the calming, sedative effects your body needs.
Sure, glancing at the lab tests can give you an idea of the complete chemical composition, including cannabinoids and terpenes. Asking your budtender for insights into potency and what’s best for your needs, on the other hand, is even better.
Have questions? Contact us or visit one of our dispensaries!
Fine Fettle tries to be a little different than other Massachusetts dispensaries, and we’re proud of it. We combine an individualized approach with a true retail environment. Our dedicated team has the cutting-edge knowledge and expertise needed to best serve you.
No matter what background you have with adult-use or medical marijuana, our team will meet you at your level and answer any questions you have.
So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or are nervous to try cannabis for the first time, contact us or stop by Fine Fettle for a tailor-made cannabis solution!