Buzz
After years of being in the shadows, dealing with endless waits and the constant wondering, 'What’s going on with the guy? Should we contact him again?' buying legal cannabis is becoming the norm in America. Recreational marijuana is now legalized for adult use in 10 states and the District of Columbia, while medical use is allowed in 33 states, with even more having decriminalized possession. The new, extensive menus at dispensaries can be a bit much to take in, but in a good way—almost like looking at medical care prices in Europe. So many choices! So affordable! Granola form? What exactly is ‘shatter’?
To ease the confusion, we reached out to a couple of seasoned budtenders—yes, that's exactly what it sounds like—to explain the different consumption methods and who they're suited for: Bethany Weisbacher, a budtender at the Farmers’ Market in Denver and the author of Dispensary Life: A Survival Guide to Budtending in Cannabis-Legal States, and Troy Fimbres, a budtender at Exhale Med Center in West Hollywood, California.
Think of this as a beginner’s guide to consuming weed. Familiarize yourself with the laws in your area, and if you're a first-timer, remember that sharing is part of the experience.
Vape Pens
What they are: Efficient devices designed for vaping cannabis oil. The oil is extracted from cannabis plants, concentrated to retain its THC and cannabinoids, and blended with a safe carrier liquid, such as coconut or vegetable oil. Cartridges filled with various oils are available for purchase at dispensaries. Typically, the pen's base is sold separately and comes in different sizes, designs, and power levels—but these pens are widely available, from smoke shops to local corner stores.
Who it’s for: The subtle cannabis user always on the go. Weisbacher suggests these for social occasions or situations where a strong-smelling bag of weed or a joint would be too noticeable. They're sleek and discreet, like a lightsaber compared to a joint’s laser blaster. People use them at sports events, on the beach (where the wind makes lighting up a joint or bowl tricky), while strolling down the street, and yes, even on airplanes. While it's still not legal to vape at a stadium or on a plane, just like it’s not legal to use a Juul or e-cig in public, the beauty of these pens is that they’re nearly invisible when used.
"It's perfect for the low-key smoker who wants to take a break in between work or doesn't have the time to roll a joint, or simply doesn't want to draw attention," said Troy Fimbres. "It's simple, accessible, and provides a nice, mild high."
Edibles
Cannabis-infused edibles refer to snacks or food products containing cannabis, such as gummies, truffles, lozenges, granola, lollipops, nuts, taffy, espresso beans, cold brew coffee, and even pizza if you're lucky enough to find a weed pizza delivery service! THC and CBD are fat-soluble compounds, meaning they can be infused into any fat, like butter or coconut oil, making almost any food possible to elevate with cannabis.
These edibles are ideal for individuals with respiratory issues or those seeking a long-lasting, full-body high. However, beginners should exercise caution before diving in.
Be cautious with edibles, as they can be incredibly potent. It's easy to overeat a tasty bag of gummies, forgetting that each bite is a delayed time bomb of intense stonedness waiting to kick in. The internet is full of stories about people who went too far, the most famous being Maureen Dowd's infamous experience as a New York Times journalist.
Weisbacher advises starting with a low dose, such as 5 or 10 milligrams (usually labeled on the packaging), and then waiting up to 90 minutes to fully feel the effects. Unlike smoking weed, which hits the brain immediately, edibles need time to dissolve in the stomach, meaning they take longer to take effect but the high lasts much longer.
As Weisbacher puts it, 'You can always eat more, but you can't take it back.'
Edibles are perfect for moments when you can't—or simply don't want to—keep taking puffs to maintain your high, such as at a movie, concert, long hike, or during a flight. However, don't be the person who ends up freaking out after consuming edibles on a plane. To avoid accidentally overindulging, consider purchasing a non-infused version of the same edible, so you can continue snacking without unintentionally consuming more THC than expected.
Topicals
These are cannabis-infused products designed to be absorbed through the skin, such as lotions, balms, oils, body washes, patches, and rubs.
Topicals are ideal for those seeking relief from localized pain, soreness, and inflammation, making them especially popular among older users.
Falling under the more medicinal side of cannabis use, topicals are often used to treat ailments like arthritis, fibromyalgia, or general muscle soreness. Even in states where cannabis is not yet legalized, CBD oils (which do not contain psychoactive THC) are commonly available. In places where cannabis is legal, you'll find oils that contain both CBD and THC, offering pain relief along with a mild buzz.
Weisbacher recommends a specific method: applying cannabis lotion to your feet and then wearing socks, which creates an all-over healing sensation, similar to the classic Vicks VapoRub treatment.
Concentrates, also known as dabs
Concentrates are highly potent cannabis extracts, containing pure, intense compounds. They come in various forms, including wax, brittle “shatter,” and the buttery “badder.” All of these are considered “dabs.” A dab offers a much more powerful experience, with THC levels reaching up to 85 percent per hit, compared to the 15-25 percent found in regular cannabis smoke. To use them, you'll need a special dabbing rig and a butane blowtorch, much like the one used for creme brulee.
These concentrates are designed for seasoned users, cannabis enthusiasts, and those seeking to reduce their smoke intake.
Concentrates provide a more intense hit with less smoke, allowing users to experience a more authentic flavor of the plant itself, as Fimbres explained.
“You really get the authentic flavor of the strain when using these,” he said. “It’s quite surreal the first time you try it.”
Dabs are ideal for getting a big effect from a small amount: a quick dab will get you incredibly high, and the scent doesn't linger as long as smoking weed. According to Weisbacher, seasoned users often switch to dabs to mix things up and reset their tolerance. Dabs can also be a fun party activity, as they require specialized equipment. However, they can be intense, involving sticky waxes and a blowtorch, so it’s wise to have plenty of experience before diving into dabbing.
Flower, also known as classic weed, buds, nugs, sticky icky, broccoli, trees, and other names
Flower refers to the traditional cannabis bud, which has been rebranded in the era of legalization. It remains the standard, with shops offering a variety of strains, each with descriptions of their effects, along with expertly crafted pre-rolled joints.
Cannabis comes in three varieties: sativa, indica, or a hybrid of both. To help you choose, the timeless phrase from generations of dealers still holds up: do you want to go on a bike ride (sativa, an energizing strain) or settle in for a movie (indica, a relaxing one, also known as “in da couch”)?
Who it's for: Anyone who can handle a bit of smoke in their lungs.
Smoking weed, much like enjoying vinyl records or reading a physical newspaper, retains its timeless charm, even as it becomes less practical, economical, and health-conscious in a rapidly evolving industry. While the convenience of a weed pen, with its clean vapor and seemingly unlimited hits, is tempting, it will never quite replicate the social and ritualistic experience of passing around a hefty joint with your crew.
“There are very few people who don't want to smoke flower,” Fimbres said. “Flower is probably the most universally popular product in our entire dispensary.”
With so many options at your disposal, you can fine-tune your high or opt for a low-dosage flower to keep things mellow. Roll it into a joint, pack it in a bowl, use it in baking, stuff it in a one-hitter, or go full classic college style with a bong.
Choosing a strain can be as intricate as picking out a bottle of wine (that’s why you have budtenders). Generally, Weisbacher explained, sativa delivers an energizing, creative high. She calls it “adventure weed,” a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts in Colorado.
Indica tends to give you a body high, creating a deep sense of relaxation, almost sleep-like, which is perfect for unwinding. Hybrids, on the other hand, offer a balanced experience with both cerebral and body highs.
There's a lot to think about, but budtenders take their roles seriously, and most will gladly take the time to help recommend safe and suitable methods for every customer. Fimbres mentioned that first-time users in newly legalized states shouldn't feel intimidated about visiting a shop. He also reminded that this has been going on for a long time, long before legalization began making strides: everyone is already participating.
“There’s something in the store for everyone,” he remarked. “It’s actually more common than smoking cigarettes. A lot more people are doing it than you might realize.”
