New to Cannabis? Here’s How to Start Your Journey Safely and Effectively

Thinking about consuming cannabis but unsure of the best way to go about it? Concerned you might have a bad experience and be unable to cope with the effects?

Having questions such as these is very common for individuals who are new or unfamiliar with cannabis. Cannabis education is key. There is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, the more questions you ask and the more information you take in will only help improve your overall cannabis experience.

Understanding How Cannabis Works

Cannabis is a complex plant, and everyone’s body reacts to it differently. Dosage, strain type, product form, and even your surroundings can all influence how cannabis affects your body’s natural balance. Understanding these variables can help you find the products and consumption methods that work best for you.

If you’re new to Missouri, it’s also important to know how the state distinguishes between medical and recreational marijuana. The main differences involve purchase limits and tax rates. A knowledgeable budtender can explain these differences and help you choose the right products based on your needs and preferences.

Only Buy Cannabis from Licensed Dispensaries

Most importantly, always make your purchase from a legally operating cannabis dispensary that carries lab-tested cannabis products.

Not too long ago, there was a lot of concern over vaping products containing various additives, notably Vitamin E Acetate. Without getting too scientific, many supplements or compounds are completely harmless to humans in one form, but not in another (such as when you heat them, thus causing their molecular composition to change).

If you happen to purchase vapes, edibles or concentrates from an illicit source, there is no good way of knowing exactly what you are buying without getting it lab tested. Look for products with ingredient labels that show test results for pesticides, microbes, mycotoxins, heavy metals, and residual solvents.

This also applies to THCA flower sold outside of the regulated market. While it may look and smell like traditional cannabis, it is often not tested potency or any of the above contaminants and may not meet the same safety standards as licensed dispensary products.

Shopping at a trusted Missouri dispensary like Feel State Florissant ensures that every cannabis product has gone through strict regulatory testing and complies with state laws.

Ask Questions and Talk to Your Budtender

If you have questions about cannabis, make sure to ask them!

Purchasing and using cannabis can be very personal. Every dispensary employee, often referred to as a budtender, should be well trained on the plant and all of the products to help make your cannabis experience enjoyable.

Budtenders have a responsibility to guide you in a comfortable, safe, and beneficial way to help you achieve your desired outcome without making explicit medical claims. If they seem more focused on rushing to the next person in line or getting you as intoxicated as possible, you’re probably shopping at the wrong dispensary.

If you're wondering what to expect at a dispensary or need dispensary tips for first-time buyers, don’t hesitate to speak up. Your comfort and education are part of the service.

Start Low and Go Slow

As a general rule, starting low and slow is best. For most people, there is no need to consume large amounts of cannabis at any given time.

It may be beneficial to purchase dosage-controlled products, such as tinctures, starting with a few milligrams, also known as microdosing, and seeing how you feel. If you need more, increase gradually in small, manageable amounts.

It is also a good idea to document your experiences:

• How much did you consume?
• What product did you use?
• How did you feel?

Staying on top of things can improve your outcome and even save you money by not using too much at any one time.

Try Different Types of Cannabis Products

Finally, experiment! There are a lot of different cannabis products on the market. Try them out and potentially discover something you enjoy which may not have initially appealed to you.

Even with new products, be sure to still utilize the low and slow method. Different consumption methods may not produce an effect as quickly as others, and even gummies can affect you differently based on what type of cannabis extract they’re made of.  

Back to the science side, the best way to get a straight-up comparison is to keep things consistent. Test each product under similar conditions so you know the differences you feel are from the product, not outside factors.

Ready to begin? Visit Feel State Florissant

Sometimes deciding to consume cannabis can feel complicated. Fortunately, there are plenty of people ready to make the process simple and comfortable.

Feel State Florissant is a welcoming cannabis dispensary that serves both medical marijuana and recreational cannabis customers. Whether you are looking to buy cannabis in Florissant, need guidance on how to shop at a dispensary, or want to check out the latest products, our experienced team is here to help.

Visit our dispensary to see how easy it can be to shop for marijuana in Florissant safely, legally, and with confidence.

Disclaimer: The contents of this post have not been evaluated by the FDA nor approved by any other government or official body and are not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease or disorder of any kind. This information is meant for educational purposes ONLY. Medical decisions should not be made based on advertising. Consult a physician on the benefits & risks of specific medical products.