While legal marijuana is becoming more common, navigating dispensaries can be intimidating. Sure, experienced users might rave about the selection, but for beginners that is their first time trying cannabis, it can feel overwhelming. Instead of shady dealers, you'll find knowledgeable staff and a vast array of products. This can be great, but with so many choices, it's easy to feel lost.

Picking your first strain: Don't worry about Sativa vs. Indica too much

You might hear terms like "Sativa" and "Indica" used to describe cannabis strains. These terms were originally used to classify the plant's origin, but for new users, they're not super helpful in predicting the effects.

Here's the deal: Most cannabis today is a mix of Indica and Sativa genetics, called a hybrid. These hybrids can have all sorts of effects, from relaxing to creative to energetic.

Focus on how you want to feel instead of these labels. Talk to the dispensary staff, and they can recommend strains based on what you're looking for.

Skip the Sativa/Indica labels, focus on how you want to feel!

Forget "Indica" or "Sativa." Those labels aren't as important as the plant's chemical makeup. What matters more are the terpenes (think: essential oils that give cannabis its scent) and cannabinoids (like THC and CBD). This unique combo can give you a much better idea of how a particular strain will affect you.

Instead of focusing on those broad categories, think about what you want to experience. Do you want to unwind and relax? Catch some quality sleep? Maybe feel more energized, creative, or happy? Knowing your goals will make picking the perfect strain way easier.

The staff at the dispensary can be a big help! They can recommend strains based on what you're looking for. They'll also explain terpenes (fancy word for the scents and flavors) and cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) that affect how you feel.

Picking the right type of flower product for your first time trying cannabis

Cannabis comes in many forms, from single joints to fancy jars of top-shelf flower, with varying prices to fit your budget. A licensed retailer will carry safe, tested products regardless of fancy packaging. Licensed dispensaries ensure their cannabis is free of microbes, pesticides, and other contaminants, so you can relax and explore what works for you.

Instead, think about how you'd prefer to enjoy this strain. You have many options when it comes to smoking weed. Would you like to roll a joint, or even easier, buy a pre-roll? Maybe you don’t want to deal with rolling papers quite yet, a pipe or bong would be a solid choice. No matter what you choose, all you’ll need is flower, a grinder, papers or a pipe, and a light to get you on your way.

Sit back and enjoy your first time trying cannabis

You've got your stash and your smoking plan all set. Now, it's time to prepare for the high. You'll want to have snacks ready to go, from light bites to full-on meals, plus a variety of drinks like juice, tea, and, of course, water. Before you light up, it's smart to find a comfortable space and have some chill activities on hand, like coloring books or video games. And if things start feeling a bit too intense, having a CBD product handy, like a vape or tincture, can help mellow things out and bring you back down to earth.

First Time Trying Cannabis. Take it slow!

You can steer clear of an overly intense high by beginning with just one or two puffs and then waiting a solid 15 minutes before deciding to take more. It's important to tune into both the obvious and subtle sensations and monitor any changes in your mental and physical state as time progresses. This approach will give you a better understanding of your preferences for future visits to the dispensary. Experimenting with different strains is a natural part of the journey toward finding options that complement your individual chemistry.