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The experience of hitting legal weed dispensaries in New Jersey can be just like going to a specialty shop in the mall, like Brookstone or Spencerâs: youâre free to just look around and choose, or you can take time to chat with a staff member and tell them what you are looking for.
But, you also should have some basic weed knowledge before you go.
What is cannabis?
First to know, the proper name for weed is cannabis. This plant is grown all over the word, but the American versions grown throughout the country have genetics based in the Middle East.
Cannabis afghani is a flowering, fruiting herb native to western Asia with two major species: cannabis sativa and cannabis indica. Hybrids are plants that are genetic blends of indica and sativa parents.
Each unique genetic blend is called a strain.
The buds, leaves and resins of these cannabis plants are all used to make different textures of products. Its stems and fibers can be used to make everything from clothing to building bricks.
What products can I choose from?
As most large dispensaries sell each otherâs products local availability is mostly about what dispensary has the strains youâre looking for, in the consumption form that you want.
All strain types can come in flower, tinctures, edibles, vaporizers and topicals; these are generally the types of products offered at most multi-state dispensaries. Hard and soft lozenges, salts, and extracts are the only edibles available in most locations; waxes, shatters, resins and hash may also be options for dabbing, vaporizing, or cooking.
All of these products vary in price by type and quality.
Why genetics matter
The major key is understanding how each product will make you feel and why. That is determined by the type of weed used to make each item.
You can use resources like Leafly or Weedmaps to research the profile of each strain as well as their flavor profiles and reported effects. These websites and apps have functions showing specific brands, price ranges and types of products available at New Jersey dispensaries near you.
The sativa species
Sativas produce a stimulating alertness or euphoric uplift in energy, known as a head high. These can leave you feeling giggly, aroused, focused, happy or talkative.
Many public figures and athletes recommend using sativas during the day, or when you are determined to relax and enjoy a physical or creative activity like sex or art.
Some trending strains of sativa you can buy in New Jersey are East Coast Sour Diesel, Jack Herer, Super Lemon Haze and Lemon Cake.
The indica species
Indicas produce a body high. It is known as a pain, sleep and nausea aid that promotes relaxation, appetite and sedation. A pure indica is bred by mating two indica parents.
Known for high concentrations of powerful medicinal terpenes â thatâs the official name for the classifying flavors in weed and other plants â this family of weed is best used at the end of a busy day. They help ease symptoms like chronic pain, anxiety and insomnia.
Popular indica strains in New Jerseyâs recreational dispensaries so far in 2023 like Slurricane, Ice Cream Cake, and Grandaddy Purple should be used in the evening for activities that require minimal physical activity such as going out to dinner and a movie.
How to choose a hybrid
Hybrids are unique varieties of weed that are made by cross-breeding more than one strain family and can be either indica or sativa dominant. The effects of each hybrid depends on the percentage of either sativa or indica of its parent strains.
Some trending hybrids like Wedding Cake, GG4, Blue Dream and Runtz are known and loved for their 50/50 balanced effects that can be used anytime.
No matter what type of weed you end up purchasing, all strains are capable of offering you flavor, entertainment and relief.
Have a question about consuming weed? Ask me anything.
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Gabby Warren is NJ.comâs Cannabis Life reporter. Sheâll be covering all things weed retail, commerce and culture. Send your weed consumer questions to gwarren@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @divix3nation.