Preparing to Pick your Potion – A lightweight guide to modern cannabis consumption
Depending on your age, your relationship with cannabis and its various forms may differ. The simplicity of rolling up some grass has passed. Depending on your location, there are so many different options and forms to choose from. It can be overwhelming at times to walk into a massive store and have no idea where to begin. Below is a short guide to help navigate some of the many options when it comes to modern cannabis consumption.
Self Assessment
Knowing yourself and what you are comfortable with is very important. If you have only used cannabis once or twice,you will have a different experience going into this than someone who uses cannabis multiple times a day. Think back on any memories you have of trying something new from a dispensary or Adult Use store. A positive memory can build confidence to try new things and take recommendations whereas a negative memory could deter any future use. Ask yourself some questions to figure out how much you know and if you are in fact ready to try something new. Don’t be afraid to think about yourself before you try anything foreign to you.
Questions:
Am I comfortable trying something new?
What kind of cannabis forms have I tried in the past?
Do I know the difference between sativa, indica, hybrid?
What kind of lasting impact did I take from any of my past experiences?
How would I rate myself on a scale of 1-10 in terms of experience with cannabis?
Do Your Research
The ability to apply some of the same tactics to shopping for cannabis as we use for finding a place to eat in a new city are now easier than ever before. Not only can you ask your friends or people online what they recommend in terms of where to shop or new products to try. You can also look up most of the menus online as you would any restaurant. There are so many resources and reviews available and if all else fails you can kick it old school and pick up the phone to see how the people working there sound. At the end of the day you are spending money on not only a product but an experience. Make sure you take matters into your hands to help you make the right decision.
Questions:
Did I call ahead to “catch a vibe” from the people working there?
Did I check the reviews on a product or store I am looking to visit?
Do I know what kinds of questions to ask the bud-tender when I arrive?
Did I browse through the online menu and get a feel for offerings and price?
Does anyone I know have any experience with the products I am looking to try?
Define a Budget
You can walk out of a cannabis store and say to yourself “why did I just spend so much money in there?” At the end of the day, how can you not if you are a “fan” and adult use stores are widely opening state to state. There is a way to avoid this feeling of regret for spending some of your hard earned cash on a product you have never tried before and maybe got swayed into buying. Figure out how much you are looking to spend before you get to the store. Think about what is realistic to spend today and if you have any wiggle room in your funds to try something new. Don’t forget some stores don’t have tax included in their online prices so that can be a major unexpected expense depending what state you are in. It’s easy during your research phase to look online for any deals, maybe as simple as paying cash to avoid the credit fees. Most importantly, don’t forget to leave some room for a tip!
Questions:
Am I going to pay with cash or card?
Are there any deals available online?
Am I remembering to factor in tax and tip?
How much am I realistically trying to spend today?
Did I leave any extra funds to “try something new”?
Be Confident
You own the experience of buying and consuming cannabis 100%. Don’t be afraid to ask questions you may have been scared to ask in the past. If you are able to perform a self assessment, do some research and define your budget ahead of visiting the store you will naturally be more confident walking into this experience. You can exercise your right to say “no thank you” when offered items that are not up to your standard. It is even OK to walk out without buying anything just as you would in a clothing store. If you don’t feel comfortable spending your money in a place, don’t feel pressured to do so. There are ways to respectfully decline offers but chances are if you do your research, you will have less of a chance of walking into a place you feel the need to leave.
Questions:
Can I begin to look at shopping for cannabis differently?
Am I ready to say “No, thank you” and walk out if needed?
Am I prepared to let a bud-tender “sell me” on something new today?
Am I going in there knowing myself, my budget and with my research?
Are there any questions I have been afraid to ask in the past I can ask on this visit?
Try Something New
If you feel you’re ready to try something new, don’t be afraid. You know how much you are going to spend and you have looked up some options in terms of what products you might buy. Hopefully by this point you are more than ready and excited to go. If today is not the day for you to try something new it is OK to stick with what you know or simply enjoy a browsing day. With so many new products and brands emerging everyday the pressure to try something new can be overwhelming. Always keep in mind you don’t have to try something new every time.
Questions:
Am I excited to try something new?
Am I ready to try something new today?
Do I know what type of options are available to try?
What am I willing to spend on this new experience?
Am I confident and ready to ask about something new?
Enjoy Responsibly
Once you have completed the shopping experience, it can feel exciting to open everything up and try it all right away. Take a deep breath and wait until you get back to your home. Once you are home it is important to read all the labels on any new products you may be unfamiliar with. Figure out how much time you need to reserve and if you need someone to join you. Make sure you are in a safe and calming space that will help you mentally enjoy things responsibly as well. Taking the correct steps leading up to your consumption will help ensure a fun and responsible experience and memory.
Questions:
Do I have a safe place to store my new items?
Have I read all the warning labels and directions?
Have I invited anyone to join me in this experience?
How am I going to block off the correct time needed?
Am I in a safe and calming space to try something new?
Now that you have a guide to help you navigate things, you’re ready to go. There is a sense of excitement that can come with these experiences when prepared for. There are plenty of times when stopping into a random store is fun and there is no need to go through so many questions and steps. Remember that you own this and you are paying for it. Don’t let anyone make you feel you are not prepared and go in there with some confidence for that cannabis. Enjoy and one love!
Kelly Anne Walborn Ferraro is a long time lover of cannabis in all forms. She got married to her amazing partner, Anthony Ferraro on October 2, 2021! Kelly spends a majority of her time helping companies hire dedicated tech teams. Kelly shares about her personal journey with cannabis and some of the experiences she has had in the past. Check out some of their short form videos about how Anthony tackles the world as a blind man. The Ferraro’s end all their creative pieces with the message of “One Love”.