Help 1st Dispensary trip

[GlitterFarm]

I'm going to the dispensary for the first time & I know nothing except dry leaf. I did read up on the other products. I'm looking for opinions on what you like or don't like and why. Is everything safe to use? Thank you 😊

[D.A.A.S.69]

I sure wish we had a dispensary within 800miles, !!!
I would really love going to one!!
Have fun on your visit !!

[GlitterFarm]

Thanks DAAS. I was thinking my hour plus ride to the nearest was rough. There's actually one in another state that's closer but you can't go out of state 😆. Truly looking forward to the experience. I'm in charge of my life again & it feels wonderful. So excited! I feel like a kid going to my first candy store 🤩🤩🤩

[starramus]

If you are contemplating edibles you might look into Monkey Bars, and Deez Nuts. A bit of research should get you through the daunting experience. I saw this article a while back. https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis...or-retail-cann We frequented dispensaries some years ago, but since I am growing my own not so much at all.

[GlitterFarm]

TYFS star, great article. There's so much out there now that it can be overwhelming but just touching base with you all makes me feel better.

[Toripony]

The first time is a bewildering experience. Being in a store choosing from dozens of varieties and products feels so alien. Walking out with weed that you don't have to hide from the cops is exhilarating. We have a lot of dispensaries where I live and I've visited several. Some will really listen to you and help you find the best product for you. Some are there just to sell you anything they can (like a used car lot) usually pushing whatever is most popular or the product they need to move the most. Ask a couple of knowledgeable questions to see what kind of response you get. Ask which strains they stock regularly. If you find one you really like you want to be able to buy it again next time. Don't overspend on your first trip; don't let them talk you into something you're not sure about. Better to pay a little more for small quantities of 2 or 3 different strains and try them out. Ask if they sell a "Sampler Pack"; one of my disp. does and it is a great way to compare different varieties for cheap.
I don't find a lot of difference in the edibles. Some seem slightly stronger/weaker but not by much. We usually just buy gummies. Oils (also used in vapes) vary more and come in 3 varieties, the most expensive being the best. In my experience the cheapest vape cartridges usually taste like crap and/or have little benefit. Remember that high THC content does not necessarily mean it's the strongest or the right variety for you. I've bought 30% that was not as good as some 20%. Blue Dream is my fav and it's usually only around 17-22%. For me, each strain has it's own "ride". I found some Blue Dream that was 27% but was not like Blue Dream at all. Also found some for $100/oz but it was crappy... weak and tasteless (but it DID have the right Blue Dream "ride").
Sorry I can't offer specific products because I don't know what "brands" they'll have where you live. Ask if they have a list or web site listing what strains and products they carry so you can research them at home. And remember that every product affects different people differently. I find online reviews only marginally helpful because of the wide variances in product quality/consistency and how it affects me personally. Read a LOT of reviews then average them for yourself. One disp. here sells only their own organically grown products; the "cool kids" don't like them because they don't taste or look as good but I find their therapeutic benefits to be superior. Have fun and good luck!

[Redwasp]

Blue Dream is a medicinal strain. If you have been smoking home grown, or street weed it will seem weak as shit to you. But if you are looking for an introductory smoke, or a strain you can smoke all day long while working it is not a bad strain at all. It helps with alot of things it just is not a good recreational strain.

[Smokesteve]

Redwasp, thanks man that makes total sense.

[Toripony]

My experience with the Blue Dream tells me it varies widely, I would guess because of how it's grown and/or cured. I was getting some stuff that was about 18-19% for a while that was really good. Strong enough I could not just smoke it all day. After about 50 minutes of good energy it would sit me down in a chair where I would just zone out for the next hour or hour and a half. I went back again and again for more. Then one day there was no more but the shop had something new, was 27%. Different grower. It was maybe as strong as the good stuff, but it wasn't like B.D. at all. I was high for a while then nothing. Smoked it up pretty quick. Then I tried the cheap stuff mostly because the seller promised they would always have it in stock because they grew it themselves. I could smoke it for an hour and barely have a mild buzz.

[Californiakid]

Consider what effects you are looking for. Pain relief, sleep aid, mood improvement, getting stoned, appetite ?

knowing the desired effect will be easier for someone to make suggestions.
Have fun.

[GlitterFarm]

TY CK. Just made my list to take with me. I thought my Dr would tell them, like a prescription but I got laughed at.

[Cloud]

Do some research on the dispensary your gonna visit. Might be able to go certain days and get good deals. For example I can get 3/4 of an oz on sat for 175 and save 75 bucks

[GlitterFarm]

TY for the tip, Cloud. I will definitely check into this. All the dispensaries are an hour+ ride in heavy traffic so some specials would make it worth the trip.

[Redwasp]

People hate what they use as the base but if your looking into prefilled vap pens king pen are the best. King Louis By king pen is great all around. Lemon OG is really good as is grapefruit.

If you are not an edible experienced person just be careful. 8 hours of wanting to die is not fun. But edibles are great. Not sure what your looking for but edibles and tinctures are the best. My wife is a Baker so we always have them around. I've gone weeks without out taking a puff at times with all the cookies, brownies, fudge, banana bread, and bagels around. She made Sour Dough Bread that was infused 2 days ago so I'm in heaven atm.

[GlitterFarm]

TY Redwasp. OMG! My mouth is watering 🤤 for sourdough. Does your wife give lessons? Edibles are my biggest goal. But my first attempts were sad & the last batch gave a friend psychedelic dreams 😱 I need to find the middle point. Hoping for lots of great recipes from the forum when I'm ready to try again. Def going to try vaping.

[Redwasp]

I can send recipes. I make the cannabutter and when she needs oil I make the coconut oil for her. I usually make alot at a time. She does the rest. And she has been baking her whole life so just having the recipe doesnt always help.i cook everything in our house that doesn't include baking. She does all that. We eat very well here. I made some of the best 11 bean soup ice ever had 2 days ago. I'm sad it almost gone. But now we have homemade chili. So I'm sure I'll still be happy.

[GlitterFarm]

I will definitely be hitting you up for recipes I love to cook but baking is not my strongest thing.

[Farmall]

My first dispensary visit was very pleasant but I am not really a smoker. This particular facility does not have edibles or balms. They have premium bud, shake, oils, tinctures and fillable or pre-filled vape pens. I walked out spending $400 usd. The bud tenders are fairly knowledgeable but I found my own first visit anxieties aided in the confusion. I will easily agree californiakid that you should consider a few of the needs you are Looking to resolve. Despite the pain in my hands and other big joints, sleep has become difficult and I feel like I was a lifetime subscriber to ambien and stuff like it. She suggested a coconut oil base tincture of Ak-47 or Grape Ape before bed.... it really did work well.

’My most interesting adjustment was meeting a few people there from so many different circles. The people who work there need to gain your trust so that you may find confidence and success in the recommendations they make.The ones around here are cash only. Something to take note of...And , GOOD LUCK. I’m interested to hear about your experience

[GlitterFarm]

TY Farmall, everyone here has been so helpful. I'm excited for my trip later today. I'm guessing I should fill my pockets with cash 🤑

[Californiakid]

Call me paranoid, but I only use cash at dispensaries. No paper trail on what or how much I purchase. But I go to recreational dispensaries, so no recommendation either. If they change the schedule I may relax.

[Farmall]

Oh....the medical program monitors your use and it is limited to 2oz per month. So if you can spend 750-1000 per month, you can enjoy your 2 oz of product each month

[GlitterFarm]

Thank you everyone for chiming in. I walked in there feeling confident & left there feeling even better. I sat down with the pharmacist & she helped me narrow things down. I was shocked that I can get up to 4oz a month, now if I just had that kind of cash 😉. I got everything my list, plus some but I did not go over my budget. Unfortunately no edibles sold here. I was impressed that they told me not to waste my money on their tinctures & told me to buy a cheap vape pen first to see if I even like it. I left there walking on air, knowing I bought weed legally! And as soon as I got home I started sampling 😆 I have favorites already Sour Tangie, Grapefruit Durban & Malawi Memory Loss 😵 It's all very dry though, the buds feel almost crispy, is that normal?
Most of all I feel as if I am taking my life back. I had been on many meds for many years because of my spine but we found the right Drs who helped me find alternative medicines & get rid of the opiods. All my Drs are supportive & my neurosurgeon is so impressed with the cannabis he's going to reccomend it to other patients. Sorry 4 rambling, just very excited & happy. And I can't wait to go back. Thank you again for all the great advice. ☮ namaste

[Redwasp]

Yes my friend been off pain pills for a few years now. It is so great.

[GlitterFarm]

👍👍👍 Right on. I'm so excited & happy I'm walking on air to be free 😊

[Farmall]

Hey Glitterfarm,

enjoyed reading that.... great that you made such wonderful progress. I have an older friend that uses fentanyl patches to reduce nerve pain and frankly, I tried getting her to an alternative medical physician to try getting this under control and getting rid of those patches. It ain’t easy. I figure if at least you try...you may be so much better off. I have only had one of my “regular medicine” doctors ask about cannabis as part of a routine question about my current medication list.

Conventional medical thinking in our region seems to ignore the facts that cannabis therapies may provide substantial benefits. Failure to consider it, is a disservice to patients...imho

glad and to hear of your success

[GlitterFarm]

Thanks Farmall! In Dec 2016 I asked my Dad to help me take back my life & with his moral support we fired all my Drs, drew up a game plan, explained our goal to my Drs. I was wearing a fentanyl patch, plus I was on other meds that were narcotics too but I didn't realize, I flipped when I realized the damage that had been done to me. It was suggested I go to the hospital to get off the patch but we followed weaning down at home while I was receiving alternative treatments, I saw PT, OT, psych, aqua therapy, biofeedback, plus. We would spend all day at the health pavillion twice week, but I learned so much on living with my back & pain, plus other issues. I have been lucky that all my drs are very interested in cannabis & in seeing how I do. I'm having more back surgery & am planning to use cannabis only after. I'm hoping by sharing my story that others may be encouraged. Hopefully your friend will at least try it someday & hopefully she will find some relief too. ☮☮☮

[Toripony]

Happy to hear your visit went well! I like vape pens but not the cheap ones because they don't hit very well and often clog. But if you find you like the effect, I highly recommend investing in a quality one that hits better (they're usually metal and glass instead of black plastic). They're handy and easy on the lungs.
Just an FYI... do a little research and talk to your doctor about smoking right before surgery. I used to hear that THC in the bloodstream could interfere with anesthesia. I don't know if it's true but maybe somebody does. Probably just an old "fear of the unknown", but IDK.

[GlitterFarm]

I see the surgeon tuesday so I will definitely ask about anesthesia, Thank You. Good catch. With it being so new many drs are learning as they go. Luckily my cannabis prescriber is a well known pain specialist & knows all my drs personally. ☮

[Farmall]

Interesting comment about anesthesia... I will ask my guys on this one also and see what they say.

[Toripony]

GlitterFarm Farmall I would like to know if it's true. Hope you guys will tell us what they say.

[Redwasp]

Look up Dr. David Bearman. Yes he advises to tell the anesthesiologist. He gives recommendations on it how and what to use. How long before etc etc.

[GlitterFarm]

We see the surgeons today & I will let you all know what they have to say. Also hoping to find the 1 and only dispensary in the area. Last week we failed, or we were failed by google maps 😕 Going to try gps today 😊