Walking into a dispensary for the first time (or even the fifth) can feel a little intimidating. Maybe you’re wondering if you’re asking the “right” questions, worried you’ll mix up the lingo, or convinced everyone knows something you don’t.
Cannabis has changed a lot over the years, and there are always new products, new research, and new ways to enjoy it. Whether you’re coming back to the plant after years away or simply trying something new, asking questions is part and parcel of the dispensary experience.
At Midnight Greens, our women-owned and -operated, state-licensed recreational dispensary in Turnersville on Black Horse Pike, you’ll never feel like you should’ve studied for a test. We believe cannabis should fit into your life naturally, and we’re here to make that happen no matter who you are. If you’ve been holding back a question because you thought it sounded silly, rest easy — here are the answers.
Will Budtenders Think I Don’t Know What I’m Doing?
Not at all! At Midnight Greens, our budtenders happily and excitedly answer 101 and pre-101 questions every single day. We’re not here to quiz you or stigmatize you — our goal is always to find you products that suit your exact wants and needs.
On that note, being honest with us about your experience leads to better recommendations! We promise you have nothing to be embarrassed about. Tell us whether you’re brand new to cannabis, haven’t consumed in years, or simply aren’t sure where to start. The more we know, the more we can help.
Answers to the Cannabis Questions on the Tip of Your Tongue
Here are some of the questions our budtenders hear all the time, alongside their answers. This way, you feel a little more prepared before your next visit.
Think of this as a friendly starting point, and if you’re still unsure about anything, just ask your budtender. We’ll recommend products based on your experience, comfort level, and the effects you’re looking for. Every person is different, and as helpful as our answers here will be, there’s no substitute for a real-life conversation.
1. What’s The Difference Between THC and CBD?
These are cannabis’s best-known compounds.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the cannabinoid responsible for the classic cannabis “high.” Depending on the product and dose, THC may help you relax, laugh a little harder, appreciate your favorite playlist, or simply unwind after a long day.
The minor cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) doesn’t create that intoxicating feeling. Many people incorporate it into their wellness routines because they’re looking for a calmer, more balanced cannabis experience. Some products even combine THC and CBD, offering the best of both worlds.
If you’re not sure which direction to go, ask your budtender for a recommendation based on the experience you’re hoping to have. They might also tell you about cannabinol (CBN), associated with sleep, and other non-intoxicating minor cannabinoids that may benefit your ritual.
2. How Much Should I Take My First Time?
This might be the most important question on this list. The golden rule is simple: Start low and go slow. Begin with a low dose of THC — lower than you think you can handle — and give yourself until your product’s onset time passes before deciding to take more.
Edibles take much longer (up to two hours) to kick in than smoking or vaping (15 minutes), and once THC is in your body, only time will cycle it out. Plus, edibles’ effects last four to eight hours (or longer) as compared to the one to three hours that effects typically last with inhaled products. Across product types, it’s much easier to consume more THC after the onset time has passed than to immediately consume a large amount, then wish you’d taken less.
Remember: There’s no prize for consuming the most THC. Finding the amount that feels good for you is the true win.
3. What’s the Difference Between Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid?
You’ve probably heard these terms before. They’re often used to describe different types of cannabis, but they’re more of a starting point than a strict rule.
Indica is typically associated with a more relaxed, wind-down kind of experience. Sativa is often linked to a more uplifting or energetic feeling. Hybrid cuts sit somewhere in between, blending characteristics of both.
That said, every cannabis product is a little different. Moreover, a product’s effects are far easier to predict from THC levels and terpene profiles than from sativa, indica, and hybrid distinctions. Even your mindset and how your body feels can shape your experience!
The factors that inform a cannabis experience are complex, and that’s why it’s always okay to ask questions. Focus more on the experience you’re looking for than on memorizing categories.
4. What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds found in cannabis and nearly every other plant. They’re primarily responsible for the smell and flavor of different strains (cultivars), and they can also influence the overall experience.
You don’t need to memorize terpene names to make a good choice. Just think of them as part of what makes each product feel a little different. Your budtender will always be happy to help you find something based on the experience you’re looking for.
5. Will Cannabis Make Me Anxious?
Everyone experiences cannabis a little differently. The product you choose, how much you consume, your environment, and even your mood all influence how you’ll feel.
If you’re concerned about feeling overwhelmed, let your budtender know. They’ll point you toward products with lower THC levels or balanced cannabinoid profiles that may feel more approachable for beginners.
6. Are There Any Products That Help with Libido?
This is a question budtenders hear way more often than you might think, so there’s no need to feel shy about it.
Cannabis affects everyone differently, and there’s no single product guaranteed to change how you feel. That said, some people find that certain strains or lower-dose products help them feel more relaxed, present, and comfortable in their body, which can naturally set the tone for intimacy.
7. What If I Don’t Want to Get “Too High”?
That’s completely okay, and it’s a pretty common goal too. Seriously — not everyone is looking for an intense experience!
Many people simply want to relax after work, make movie night a little cozier, or add a little extra enjoyment to a weekend afternoon. At Midnight Greens, you’ll find products with a range of potencies, so it’s easy to find something that matches your comfort level.
8. How Do I Know Which Strain to Choose?
Here’s a secret: You don’t have to know strains like the back of your hand. Instead of trying to memorize cultivar names, tell your budtender what you’re hoping to feel.
Maybe you want to unwind after a stressful week. Maybe you’re looking for something social, creative, or mellow enough for a quiet evening at home. Starting with the experience you’re after leads to better budtender recommendations than focusing on strain names alone.
9. Do I Have to Smoke Cannabis to Try It?
Nope! Smoking is just one option. There are edibles (including beverages!), tinctures, vapes, and more, so you can choose what feels most comfortable for you.
10. Can I Ask My Budtender a Million Questions?
Please do! Our budtenders would much rather you ask all your questions and leave our dispensary fully informed than have you leave confused or with a product that isn’t the right fit. So, ask away! No question is too small, obvious, or embarrassing.
You Don’t Have to Know Everything at Midnight Greens
At Washington Township’s Midnight Greens, we believe that questions are exactly where the cannabis journey should begin. There’s no right way to show up, no script you need to follow, and no such thing as asking too much.
Whether you’re newly exploring cannabis or just trying a new dispensary in the Turnersville area, take all the time you need while you’re here. Ask what you need to ask, and if you’re still unsure, ask more. Your budtender — your new friend here at Midnight Greens — will help you feel more at ease with every step.
