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6 IMPORTANT TIPS FOR BUYING MEDICAL MARIJUANA
People have used cannabis to treat their ailments and health issues for over 3,000 years.
THC and CBD are just two of the 100-plus substances found in marijuana. But these 2 cannabinoids have proved to be very effective in treating certain illnesses and conditions.
Medical marijuana has many benefits, from helping individuals with severe anxiety to significantly decreasing seizures in young children.
But buying medical marijuana can be daunting, especially for a new patient or user. From flower to vape, there are so many different ways to use or enjoy your new medicine.
Especially when you’re first starting, research is essential. And we’ve got some great pointers to get you started.
Keep reading to uncover 6 essential tips for buying your medical marijuana.
1. THINK ABOUT HOW YOU WANT TO INGEST IT
There are many different types of medical marijuana, such as:
- Smoking the flower
- Vaping the oil
- Eating it in edibles
- Taking it as a liquid extract
- Pills
- Topical balms and waxes
- If you’re not sure how you’d like to use it, it’s a great choice to try a few different ways. A lot of that has to do with your lifestyle and why you’re using it.
For example, if you’re looking for a CBD oil that will curb your anxiety throughout the workday, opting for an oil dropper with tincture to be administered under your tongue is more inconspicuous than smoking flower.
If you’re using THC to be able to sleep after a long day, opting for an indica vape pen sounds like an excellent choice. Speaking of indica, this brings us to the next tip.
2. FIGURE OUT WHAT EFFECT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR
Some people use medical marijuana for one reason and one reason only, whereas others use it for different purposes at different points in the day.
For example, one individual might opt for CBD to curb anxiety throughout the day, and then a high concentration of THC to be able to sleep at night.
CBD is a cannabinoid that does not cause the same psychedelic effects as THC. It can take the anxiety edge off, but it won’t leave you pondering the facts of life.
THC derived from a sativa plant may give you the productive excitement you need to get your work done. THC derived from an indica plant may give you the calm serenity you prefer to read a book before you hit the hay.
Many people find that a hybrid (a sativa/indica blend) is a better choice. And within hybrids, there are sativa-dominant medicines and indica-dominant ones.
3. DON’T JUST GO TO ANY DISPENSARY
There are almost too many dispensaries to choose from these days, so it’s crucial that you choose one that’s right for you.
Do your research before you go. Dispensaries vary in aesthetic, the products that they sell, the quality of those products, and the care in which they show their customers.
Ask around and look up reviews before you go to a place. And if you’re looking for variety, make sure you check to see what products they sell first. Here are some more features you should look for in a dispensary.
4. BE PREPARED FOR YOUR VISIT
The biggest letdown on your adventure to a dispensary would be not being let in. Make sure you bring your ID, your medical marijuana card, and anything else that is required of that particular dispensary, or of the area you live in.
Take a look at the pricing before you go and determine how much you want to spend beforehand.
If you’re on a tight budget and you’re trying new things, it’s a great idea to start a medical marijuana log. You can write down when and how much you use each product, and how you feel about the effects.
You’ll be able to better incorporate this new expense into your budget if you can calculate how long a vape pen lasts you, for example.
5. TALK TO YOUR BUDTENDER
Just like a bar, all sorts of people go into dispensaries. When you walk in, a budtender won’t necessarily know how much help you want or need.
But they are trained professionals who are knowledgeable about their products and empowered by the ability to guide and help patients and customers.
Don’t be afraid to give your budtender the run-down of what you’re looking for, how much you do or don’t know, and how much you want to spend.
Ask for guidance if you need it so that you leave feeling accomplished, and with the products that are right for you.
6. ASK ABOUT CULTIVATION
While there are many excellent and pure products on the market, there are still those that have “fillers” and are cultivated using harsh chemicals and bad practice.
Ask about THC and CBD concentrations when you buy your products so you can become familiar with what works for you. That way, when you’re ready for a higher or lower dose, you’ll have a reference point.
Ask the budtenders about each product and what the makers do to ensure things are organic or pesticide-free. They’re used to getting those kinds of questions, and they’ll have the answers. So don’t be afraid to ask.
BUYING MEDICAL MARIJUANA IS EXCITING
Just like any new venture in your life, especially positive ones, buying medical marijuana is exciting.
It means that you’ve taken ownership of an ailment or condition that affects your daily life and you’ve decided to make a change in one of the healthiest ways possible.
Just make sure you do it right. Do your research. Ask questions. And figure out what products work best for you.
Take a look at this article to prepare even more for your first medical marijuana dispensary visit.