The cannabis dispensary industry in Santa Rosa and Cotati is constantly changing and evolving, which may leave a first-time visitor a little overwhelmed. You have so many questions about the cannabis industry; you just don’t know where to start. Even experienced cannabis users can be a bit overwhelmed when they visit one of our cannabis dispensaries. The good news is that from start to finish, the process is relatively easy and quick, and you are sure to learn a thing or two from our helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable budtenders. As a matter of fact, you might not even know what a budtender is, so that is an excellent place to start.

What Is A Budtender?

A budtender is a professional hired by a cannabis dispensary to assist customers with their products. They are friendly and knowledgeable and are the people you ask for any questions or concerns that you might have. If you aren’t sure what you are looking for, a budtender can make recommendations based on your unique needs, budget, and preference.

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While advising and guiding customers through the cannabis buying process is a big part of their job, it’s not the only thing they do. A good budtender will keep abreast with all of the new products that are hitting the market and their own cannabis dispensary. They also ensure that the dispensary is always clean and well-stocked.

Arriving At Our Cannabis Dispensary in Santa Rosa Or Cotati

If you think that the inside of a dispensary is very similar to shopping at Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s, you are a bit off base. While each dispensary in California is different, they all employ security measures. But whatever the security setup is, there will be somebody right there to check your ID. Remember, you must be 21 or older to legally purchase cannabis and cannabis products in the state.

Mercy Wellness offers both medical marijuana and marijuana for recreational use. Unfortunately, not all dispensaries provide both choices, so make sure you check before heading to a particular store. Mercy Wellness is committed to making the purchase of either medical marijuana or marijuana for recreational use an easy and secure process.

Choosing A Product

With so many options for cannabis products, it is quite easy to become overwhelmed. But, unfortunately, there are so many products and things you need to know about them that it could take a long time to learn about them all. So let’s start off with the most basic question: What are the two main families of marijuana?

If you were to talk with a customer who prefers products from the Sativa family, they might tell you that cannabis Sativa tends to make you feel uplifted and perhaps even creative. Other possible effects of Sativa might include boosting energy, easing depression, and increasing focus. As such, it is the strain you want for daytime marijuana use.

On the other hand, the possible effects of the Indica strain might include a stimulated appetite, a relaxing effect, and potential pain relief. Due to these specific effects, people who utilize the Indica strain find it best to use it at night. Keep in mind that there are several other factors in the impact you enjoy with either strain. There are also hybrid strains that offer the best of both strains.

Discovering Your Cannabis Goal

On your very first trip to our cannabis dispensary, you may not know exactly what products you want to buy, but don’t worry too much about that. Remember, your budtender is the perfect person to ask questions about the products that will best suit your desires and needs. There are many choices, so it might be in your interest to do a little research on your own to help narrow down your choices.

Let’s not get too caught up in focusing on all of the products available; think in terms of how you want to feel and what flavors you enjoy, and how you want the product to enter your system. For example, you might desire a product that will help your sleep, and you really love flavored gummy candies. As such, an Indica-based gummy edible in your favorite flavor would be a good choice.

Of course, you might enjoy the natural smell and flavor of cannabis and prefer to smoke it when you need that energy boost. If this is the case, then a Sativa-based flower could be just what you are searching for. But you aren’t limited to just eating or smoking cannabis products; you can also try extracts, beverages, and tinctures, which come in both THC and CBD dominate varieties and allow precise dosing.

How Fast Will You Feel The Effects?

There are several factors to consider when determining how soon you will feel the effects of cannabis, and it all starts with the product you choose and the method of consumption. Smoking pot or vaping will be your choice if you are looking for fast-acting relief. You will feel the effects of the cannabis within minutes of that first puff. First-timers should take a single puff and wait for the results before smoking more. This is an excellent way to regulate your usage.

Smoking is not for everybody; we get it, which is why edibles are a good choice as well. There are a few things you need to know about edibles before delving right into them. For one, it takes longer to feel the effects than smoking, a lot longer in some cases depending on factors like how full your stomach is at the time of consumption. Keep in mind that while you have to wait longer for the cannabis to take effect, the effect is more intense and will last for a more extended period of time.

If you don’t want to smoke or eat your cannabis, you can rub it into your skin. And while this is probably the least cool way to utilize cannabis, it’s an excellent solution for those who don’t want to feel the high associated with smoking or ingesting marijuana. However, some products do contain enhancers that can penetrate the bloodstream. Since you are literally rubbing the product into your skin, the effects are immediate. Check with your budtender at our cannabis dispensary if you have any questions.

A tincture is the most basic form of cannabis extract. The plant is soaked in liquid, like alcohol, for example, and the plant matter steeped out. Once you mix the terpenes, cannabinoids, and other compounds with the base liquid, you can consume it by placing a drop under the tongue. Since tinctures are not digested, the effects won’t be as strong as edibles, but then, you won’t be consuming calories either. In addition, the effects are speedier than edibles.

What Is The Difference Between Medical And Recreational Marijuana?

The main difference between recreational and medical cannabis is the amount of CBD and THC content, the active ingredients in marijuana. However, while THC is undoubtedly a beneficial ingredient that aids in a number of conditions, getting higher does not remedy anything. You also stand to gain more medical benefits from CBD, which has been scientifically proven to reduce inflammation and anxiety.

Medical marijuana has become more and more widely accepted over the years. And while both medical and recreational marijuana are grown the same way, there are significant differences in the cultivation and production of each type. 

How Much Does Weed Cost?

For a very long time, you could only buy pot from a dealer on the street as it was illegal to smoke and possess. So during these times, the price of pot depended largely on who was selling it. There were other factors to be sure, but you paid whatever your dealer thought was a fair price… or not. But since the legalization of marijuana, the market has drastically changed.

When you shop at Mercy Wellness or any other cannabis dispensary, the price you pay depends a lot on the quality of the pot and the percentage of active ingredients in a particular strain. And while there is no set cost for medical and recreational marijuana, the amount you pay depends on the ingestion method, quality of strain, and how restrictive the state is.

Strain is the one factor that will command higher or lower prices. Higher quality strains will obviously command a higher price. There are several factors that determine the quality of a particular strain, including the scent, flavor profile, method of cultivation, and potency.

The price you pay for marijuana also depends largely on the products you choose. For example, edibles are priced differently than cannabis flowers or tinctures. It’s important to note that it is not a good idea to base your purchase on price alone. Talk with your healthcare provider to determine which method of ingestion is suitable for you.

Understand Your Cannabis Goals

While it is perfectly fine to ask your budtender questions about cannabis, you should have at least some insight as to what you want to accomplish. Perhaps you have a condition, and marijuana will help with symptoms. Maybe you are just interested in the psychoactive qualities of THC. Talk with your healthcare provider if you are shopping for the medical value of marijuana.

Even if you are merely exploring the intoxicating qualities of pot, it is best to understand the various strains and how they will enhance your experience. Also, keep in mind that even if you are a recreational user out to get high, marijuana will still affect your body, so it makes sense to have a better understanding of what you are smoking or eating.

Once you have a better idea of your interest in marijuana, you need to decide the best way for you to consume it. The choice might just be a preference; there doesn’t have to be a reason behind it. If you feel comfortable smoking pot, then shop for flowers. If you want to avoid possible lung damage, then perhaps edibles are more your speed. Of course, eating cannabis-infused gummies or other products might not appeal to you. There are other ways to consume marijuana, as we pointed out earlier. For example, you can absorb tincture or drink cannabis beverages.

Even Seasoned Users Ask A Lot Of Questions

Even seasoned cannabis users tend to ask a lot of questions when they are curious about a new strain or new product; there is no shame in the desire to educate yourself. But as a new user, there is just so much to learn that your budtender will be a very beneficial resource. Not only will your budtender find the right cannabis product for you, but they can also help you with the right tools you will need to help enjoy your purchase.

Mercy Wellness is your one-stop shop for all things cannabis. We have licensed dispensaries in Santa Rosa and Cotati operating in strict compliance with California marijuana laws, providing safe access to the best products at affordable prices. At our dispensaries and online shop, you’ll be able to find a wide variety of products, from the cannabis flower itself to CBD oils, tinctures, cartridges, pre-rolls, edibles, and topical solutions.

We carry many brands, including Himalaya, Kiva, Jeeter, Raw Garden, Kanha, Heavy Hitters, Jetty Extracts, AbsoluteXtracts, Cann, and Plus, but we also have our own Mercy Wellness strain called ‘Mercy’ which has a very low THC level for those who want more medicated effects without feeling any psychoactive sensation. So we hope to see you soon!