What the Hell is Going On in Cannabis? – An Xperience Column

What the Hell is Going On in Cannabis? – An Xperience Column – by Ri Tokes.

High there! Welcome back to another episode of “What the Hell is Going on in Cannabis?” This one is for those of you who look at the dispensary menu and think, “What the what am I even looking at?”

Trust you are not alone. The marketing behind legal weed menus is often like attempting to read a cryptic riddle from a weed wizard from long ago. But seriously, don’t stress, I gotchu.

Let’s make this your quick and dirty guide for understanding the types of products you may come across in New York’s legal market. Let’s get started!

Flower (a.k.a. Bud, Nugs, Herb)

This category is what most people imagine when they think about weed. We grow it, dry it, cure it, and present it in a way that makes it appealing to consumers. We sell it by the gram (a.k.a. dime bag), eighth (3.5g), Quarters, halves, and ounces.

What you’ll see:

• Whole flower: Beautiful nugs.

• Smalls/popcorn: Smaller buds, a little cheaper.

• Shake: The leftovers — great for rolling or infusions.

Expert Tip: Look at the terpenes, not just the THC%. High THC isn’t always better. Terpenes will help give your high depth and direction.

 Pre-Rolls

Pre-rolls are just ready-made joints. They’re ready to spark up and go.

What you’ll find:

• Singles (often 1g),

• Mini packs (0.3–0.5g each),

• Infused options (flower + concentrate for extra potency).

Expert Advice: Infused joints can be strong … like you’re taking an unexpected four-hour nap strong. So, start slow, yeah?

Vapes (The Discreet Option)

Vapes are a great introductory product because they have a low barrier to entry. You can get an All-In-One (nothing more needed) or a 510-thread cartridge that the dispensary will give you a battery for. They’re also low-smell and made with concentrates, so a little goes a long way.

Types include:

• 510-thread cartridges (work with a battery),

• All-in-one disposables,

• Live resin/rosin vapes (for flavor and potency lovers).

Know your labels:

• Distillate vapes = high THC, terpenes added back for taste.

• Live resin/rosin = “Full Spectrum” whole flower effects.

Edibles (Modern Day Scooby Snacks)

New York’s edibles market is growing rapidly. It is a heavily regulated product category, especially in terms of dosage. That means that packages contain a max 10mg THC per piece, 100mg per package.

*Onset for edibles can be 30-90 minutes*

Most Common types:

• Gummies: Fruity, consistent, strain-specific.

• Chocolates: Delicious, often from craft producers.

• Drinks: Fast-acting and social (2–5mg per serving).

Expert Tip: Start low and wait. No one wins the “I don’t feel anything, so I’m gonna eat the whole thing” game.

Tinctures, Capsules, and Topicals (The Wellness Zone)

If you’re in the market for relief without the smoke, this category will be your go-to.

• Tinctures: Oils placed under the tongue.

• Capsules: Measured doses for longer relief.

• Creams, salves, patches: Topically applied relief.

Common uses:

• Sleep, anxiety, inflammation, and chronic pain.

• Often includes CBD, CBN, or other minor cannabinoids for targeted effects.

These products can be underrated, and the smaller craft brands usually make them. Definitely worth checking them out!

Concentrates (a.k.a. Dabs – For Experienced Consumers)

Welcome to the magical world of:

• Live rosin,

• Diamonds,

• Wax,

• Shatter,

• And other potent, flavorful extracts.

Concentrates are a big category on their own. These products are the concentrated form of the plant. We collect the trichome heads from the plant through some form of extraction. The Trichomes are where all the THC, Terpenes, and Minor Cannabinoids are found, and they make for an amazing high.

Quick Note!

·       Prices will vary wildly from $40 for an eighth to $70 an eighth. Don’t let a lower price deter you, and don’t let a higher price convince you it will be the best thing. Try out different brands and see what works for you.

·       New York Brands are still evolving, and some of the packaging is sleek, some modern, some loud and colorful. Don’t be swayed by packaging alone; check the quality too.

·       Ask for the COA … ASK FOR THE COA. The Certificate of Analysis will tell you a lot about what you are about to ingest. Think of it like the Nutritional Table you find on your packaged food stuffs.

I know this can feel like a lot, but trust yourself and your body. We all have an Endocannabinoid system that is unique to us. What works for Aunt Susie may not work for you or Joe down at the gas station. You know what? That’s totally normal and OK.

Ask a lot of questions. Don’t be shy with your budtenders. And take notes, it will really help you find what works best for you. You tap into the real magic when you pay attention and learn what works best for your body.

So next time you’re in a dispensary staring at that big ol’ menu …

Take a deep breath and ask:

“What do I want this plant to do for me right now?”

That’s where the fun begins.

 

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