If you get overwhelmed whenever you enter a recreational dispensary in Boulder, you are not alone. Even those who have been smoking marijuana for years can find themselves at a loss when trying to choose among the many cannabis products that are on the market today.
Do you want to feel creative and euphoric or calm and carefree? Are you hoping for a “head high” or a “body high?” And what about your timeline? Do you want to feel mellow now or cheerful later?
If you don’t know which products are going to provide the experience you’re looking for, this guide will help. While the budtender at your favorite Boulder dispensary can make specific recommendations based on their current inventory and stock, the following information will give you a general understanding of the offerings that are available and the effects they can have.
Types of Cannabis
There are three species of cannabis that are widely recognized: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. While some people consider C. ruderalis a form of C. sativa, others treat all three as subspecies. Of course, when it comes to selecting cannabis products, you really only need to familiarize yourself with sativa and indica. These are the two species (or subspecies, depending on which camp you fall in) that are used for consuming.
Sativa
Sativa is lighter in color than Indica and has long, thin leaves. It prompts a “head high,” which is characterized by feelings of elation and inspiration. It also has energizing properties that can make you feel more alert and sociable.
Indica
Darker in color with wide, broad leaves, indica prompts a “body high” that leaves you feeling incredibly relaxed. As such, it’s often enjoyed before bedtime. The associated sedation can bring on a deep, dreamless sleep.
Hybrid Strains
When perusing the shelves at your favorite dispensary, you may notice some products labeled “hybrid.” That means they contain both sativa and indica strains. The sativa-dominant formulas will likely promote the “head high” that’s often enjoyed during the daytime, while the indica-dominant formulas will promote the “body high” that fosters relaxation suited for nighttime.
A product’s primary strain isn’t the only thing that influences its effects, however. The way any given cannabis product makes you feel comes down to its chemical composition, including its ratio of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to cannabidiol (CBD) and the unique blend of terpenes it contains. When in doubt, always defer to your budtender. They should know their products inside and out, so they can make recommendations based on what you’re hoping to achieve.
Forms of Cannabis
Whether you want a head high or a body high—or both!—there will undoubtedly be dozens of products to choose from at the best dispensary in Boulder. To help you narrow down the options, here’s what you can expect from each of the various forms.
Flowers
Also known as bud, flowers are one of the most popular products sold at recreational dispensaries. After being harvested, dried, and cured, flowers can be smoked out of a pipe, through a bong, or in the form of a joint.
Available in a wide variety of strains, this form of cannabis yields a high almost immediately; however, it only lasts for about an hour or two. Flowers are a great option for consumers on a budget because they’re so affordable.
Concentrates
Concentrates are made by removing all the impurities and excess plant material from cannabis, leaving behind only the most desirable chemicals and compounds. Much more potent than flowers, concentrates are inhaled with the help of “dab rigs” or vaporizer pens.
Like flowers, concentrates produce a high almost immediately; however, dosing can be tricky since they’re so potent. It’s easy to overconsume concentrates, so err on the side of caution and opt for less instead of more if you’re fairly new to consuming cannabis.
Edibles
Edibles refer to foods and drinks that are infused with cannabis. Ideal for those who don’t want to smoke or vape marijuana, edibles can take anywhere from 20 minutes to a few hours to produce effects. Once the high does hit, though, it tends to last for a while (anywhere from four to six hours on average). Like concentrates, edibles can be challenging to dose correctly. A single brownie might be four servings, for example, so make sure to read the instructions carefully before consuming anything.
Topicals
Topicals refer to cannabis-infused balms, lotions, transdermal patches, salves, and sprays that you apply directly to the skin. Instead of producing psychoactive effects, these products have a localized impact, which is limited to the area of application. Formulated to relieve pain, soreness, and inflammation, topicals are non-intoxicating.
Stock up on Exceptional Cannabis Products Today!
To stock up on all these products and more, head to Magnolia Road. The best dispensary in Boulder, we have a vast selection of cannabis products for virtually all your needs. To let us know what you’re looking for, contact us online or stop by in person and chat with one of our friendly budtenders.
