A Simple Guide to Buying Cannabis

Simple guide to buying Cannabis in many different forms.
Looking to try cannabis for the first time? Never been to a dispensary before? Or maybe just want to know a little more about what exactly you’re saying when stopping by our dispensary to grab an eighth of bud? No matter the reason, here is a simple guide to help figure out exactly what to buy; and how to buy it.
Cannabis can be found in many different forms, from edibles to vapes to tinctures. This guide is for the most common and most classic form: flower. Flower is the term for the smokable part of the cannabis plant. It can be consumed using many different methods, such as pipes, joints, or bongs. In order to purchase flower, you first need to know the measurements it is sold in.

Measurements

The world of cannabis can initially be a bit surprising due to the math references involved. Marijuana is generally measured and sold within the context of an ounce. The more you buy; the cheaper the price – think of it as a bulk discount. Some of the most common measurements for cannabis flower are:

Gram – One metric gram of cannabis. This is the smallest purchasable amount, typically enough for one joint. Small purchases are measured in grams. If you are just starting to smoke or want to try a new strain without committing to buying too much, starting off with a gram is the way to go.

Eighth -An eighth of an ounce, or 3.5 grams. It should be noted that above one gram, cannabis is measured and referenced in ounces. An eighth “can be rolled into roughly 7 half-gram joints or 14 quarter-gram bowls”. For users who don’t smoke too often, an eighth typically hits the sweet spot.

Quarter – ¼ of an ounce, or 7 grams. A quarter ounce is usually purchased by heavier smokers, as it can last a while for a user.

½ Ounce – Exactly what it says, half an ounce, or 14 grams. This will satisfy even a heavy user’s supply for a while.

Ounce – One ounce, or 28 grams. If you are really looking to stock up for a while, an ounce should do the trick.

Pre-rolls

Arguably the easiest way to begin smoking flower is with a pre-roll. A pre-roll is, well, exactly what it sounds like; a pre-rolled joint. A common fixture in nearly all dispensaries, pre-rolls can be bought individually or in packs. They are a very user friendly alternative to flower, as they are ready to smoke from the moment they are purchased, no assembly required. If you are looking for a simple, straightforward way to smoke cannabis, instead of buying flower, consider grabbing yourself a pre-roll!

Finding your strain

Not all cannabis is right for every user. Different strains have different effects on their users. Some are bred for relaxation, some for anxiety relief, others for creativity, etc. By knowing what type of affects you want, you can make sure to select something in our store menu that works for you.

First, the basics. There are three main classifications of cannabis: Sativas, Indicas, and Hybrids, which are a mix of the two.

Indica, Sativa & Hybrid

As a cannabis consumer you’ve likely heard the terms “indica,” “sativa,” or “hybrid.”. People often find themselves wondering what these terms mean, what the differences are between them and how they work from a medicinal standpoint

Originally, there were two primary types of cannabis plants known as “cannabis indica” and “cannabis sativa”.  After generations of crossbreeding it is rare to find a pure indica or pure sativa strain. Instead, most strains of cannabis are now indica dominant, sativa dominant or hybrid. As expected, different plant genetics may lead to different medicinal effects.

Cannabis Indica
Indica plants are typically shorter with wide leaves. Buds of an indica plant will usually be dense. Patients will typically find that indica based strains are more relaxing. An indica strain will usually be associated with more bodily sensations. Therefore these strains are often recommended for nighttime use.

Cannabis Sativa
Sativa plants are typically taller with long thin leaves. The bud of a sativa plant is typically less dense and somewhat feathery. Sativa products usually come with a cerebral feeling. Traditionally, sativa strains are more uplifting and euphoric and are recommended for daytime use.

Hybrids
A hybrid is a cannabis plant that is a crossbreed between an indica and a sativa plant. There are very few cannabis strains that are of true indica or true sativa variety. Instead most strains of cannabis are a hybrid of the two. Within this subset there can be indica dominant, and sativa dominant strains. There are also hybrid strains that are a relatively even indica/sativa split.

Keep in mind that while the plant genetic plays a role in how products may affect you it is not the only contributing factor. If you have a product that is 10% THC and 8% CBD it may affect you differently if it is an indica dominant as opposed to if it is sativa dominant. That said, a plant with the same genetic makeup (indica, sativa, hybrid) and same cannabinoid content (THC, CBD) can also affect you differently depending on how the product was grown. Products grown indoors or under artificial light may affect you different than products grown outdoors or in greenhouses under natural light.

Websites such as Leafly have facts and descriptions for many popular strains, including common effects, side effects, and user reviews. They also often have information and fun facts about a strain’s history or an explanation behind its name. After all, who wouldn’t want to know why what they’re smoking is called “Sour Diesel” or “Banana OG”?

However, the best and easiest way to figure out which strain to try is by simply coming into one of our store locations. Our Budtenders (a dispensary’s salespeople) are trained to help customers find the exact product that is most tailored to their specific needs. Our budtenders are knowledgeable on what each strain’s effects, side effects, and effectiveness are, and will work with you to find the right fit. Our stores also often have various deals and sales going on, and Sativa  offers a discount for first-time buyers, so be sure to inquire about one when you visit.

Consuming Cannabis Responsibly

New users
We can’t tell you what product to start out with, but we can tell you that Health Canada recommends consumers “look for a product containing 2.5 mg of THC or less or 10% THC (100 mg/g) or less, and an equal or higher amount of CBD.”

Onset times 
If you’re smoking or vaping cannabis, the effects can take effect anywhere from seconds to minutes after you inhale it, and they can last up to six hours (or even as long as 24).

Carry limit
Canadians are legally allowed to carry 30 g of dried cannabis (or the equivalent in non-dried form). Of course, this is all subject to provincial or territorial regulations, so make sure you do the responsible thing and check regulations in your area.

Keep it locked up
It’s important to keep all cannabis in a safe, dry place. If you have pets or kids in the house, then make sure your cannabis is locked up and kept out of their reach.

Don’t drive high. 
Like alcohol, driving high is illegal. Do not drive during or after smoking cannabis.