What to Ask Before You Buy
The discussion around cannabis use has split a nation and left people wondering what’s right and what’s wrong. Regardless of what others might think of your cannabis use, it’s important that you educate yourself on what’s what in the industry so that you don’t end up regretting your life choices. In order to help you understand what to expect from using cannabis, there are four questions every beginner cannabis user should ask.
They all start with the grower, to give you comfort that you are not getting product that is poisoned with insecticide or packaged by scam artists. These questions are simple, direct, and easy to understand questions that can ensure you make informed decisions about your cannabis enjoyment. They are also good questions to ask if you are switching suppliers or dispensaries so that you know what’s different about the new cannabis you’ll be using.
Where did the cannabis come from?
It’s important that you understand where your cannabis product comes from – whether you’ve purchased CBD products with a high concentration of oil, or you have smoked your first blunt or bong with some friends. You need to know the source. There are several reasons for this: if the cannabis you have is illegal, there’s no way to know for sure if it’s as promised. If it is legal, you want to make sure that the dispensary isn’t shelving the good stuff and selling the crap.
Don’t be afraid to ask advice from other cannabis users or someone who knows where your cannabis came from. And look for a lab certificate if you are buying from a legal seller, as you should be. We have a new article about how to read a CoA (Certificate of Analysis).
When was it harvested?
You might think that if people are smoking cannabis that it’s ready to be smoked, but that’s not true. Harvest time is very important to the overall quality and effect of how the cannabis makes you feel and the impact it can have. If harvested too early, the effect will be minimal. If harvested too late, it’ll have passed all together.
To avoid disappointment and to make sure you are not using “expired” product, find out when the product was harvested. The good news is that it does have pretty stable shelf life so you can use it even if it’s a couple of months old provided it has been properly harvested and stored at the peak of the season.
What is the type?
As a beginner, you might not realize there are different strains of cannabis that are available on the market. In general, you’ll think you need to be concerned with which of the three main categories of cannabis you are purchasing: indica, sativa, or hybrid – but the truth is that the categories don’t matter. What does matter is the strain.
The strain may be Acapulco Gold, Blue Dream, Purple Kush, Northern Lights, etc. The names go on and on. It’s not that one is better than the other, but each one has a different effect. Some provide a relaxing sensation while others make people hyper or agitated. You might need to try a few to find out which one you like and has the best effect for you.
If you are going to grow your own (and that is what MaryJane Farmer recommends for best and safest results), then you need to start with the right strain which means starting with the right seeds. We refer people to our favorite online seed bank, ILoveGrowing Marijuana (ILGM.) . Good prices, discreet delivery, guaranteed product.
What percentage of cannabinoids is present?
There are different levels of CBD and THC present in every cannabis product and unless the product you buy is regulated and governed, it is going to be hard to know for sure how much of each you are getting and how potent it really is.
Buying legal cannabis here has its advantages so that you know what you are getting and getting your money’s worth. If you aren’t sure of what kind of percentage is appropriate for you, start with a low dose and work your way up from there.
If the CBD product has been recommended by your doctor, they will set the CBD rate for you. But you should still buy from a retailer that can show you laboratory analysis of the product.
With so much information out there about what cannabis products are the best, it can be hard to know what to choose. It’s interesting because not everyone reacts the same way to the same strain and percentage of CBD found in products. Pay attention to what the desired effect is and if you are able to achieve it as you embark on your beginner’s journey of using cannabis. Information is the key to having a great experience.
MaryJane Farmer’s Last Word
If you don’t know the source of your marijuana, and especially if it is a processed product like THC oil or a consumable, then best to avoid it altogether. Dry weed in it’s natural (bud) state is probably the safest way to get your weed–grow it yourself if you can, but definitely process it yourself. In the Guides section, I put several articles detailing how to process cannabis for various purposes. Read them and heed them please! We don’t need people giving weed a bad name by using adulterated products with left-over insecticides or poisonous preservatives added.
I love to hear your comments, suggestions, criticisms and questions. Write something in the comment section. Send me photos at MaryJane@420Beginner.com.
