We Asked a Budtender: Things to Never Do When Buying Weed

Navigating a cannabis dispensary can be an overwhelming experience, especially if you’re new to the world of legal weed. The bright lights, the endless jars of flower, the array of concentrates and edibles—it’s easy to feel lost. Making the wrong choices can lead to a disappointing experience, a waste of your hard-earned money, or even unintended health consequences.

So, how can you ensure you’re buying weed the right way? We went straight to the source and asked a professional budtender for the inside track. These experts are on the front lines every day, guiding everyone from first-time users to seasoned connoisseurs. They’ve seen it all: the common missteps, the awkward interactions, and the simple mistakes that can easily be avoided.

In this article, we’ll share 15 critical things you should never do when buying weed, straight from a seasoned budtender. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to shop with confidence, find the perfect product for your needs, and have a much safer, more enjoyable experience. Let’s dive in.

Never Go In Blind: The Importance of Research

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is walking into a dispensary with absolutely no idea what you’re looking for. While budtenders are there to guide you, they’re not mind readers.

What should you research?

• Strain Types: Do you know the basic difference between an Indica, a Sativa, and a Hybrid? Having a general idea of the kind of experience you’re seeking (e.g., relaxation, energy, creativity) is a huge help.
• Product Types: Are you looking for traditional flower to smoke, or are you interested in edibles, tinctures, topicals, or concentrates? Each has a different onset time and duration of effects.
• Your Own Needs: Are you using cannabis for recreational purposes or for a specific therapeutic reason, like pain relief or sleep aid? Being upfront about this will help your budtender make the best recommendation.

Asking yourself these questions before you go will make your interaction with the budtender far more productive.

Never Ignore Lab Results and Testing

In the era of legal cannabis, one of the most critical tools for a consumer is the lab result. If you’re not looking at them, you’re flying blind. Reputable dispensaries will always provide access to third-party lab tests for their products.

Why are lab results non-negotiable?

• Potency (THC/CBD %): They tell you the exact levels of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids. This helps you gauge the strength of the product and avoid taking too high a dose, especially with edibles.
• Purity: Tests screen for harmful contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, and mold. Avoiding cannabis that hasn’t been tested means you could be inhaling or ingesting unsafe substances.
• Accuracy: It ensures you’re getting exactly what the label says you are. This is crucial for dosing and for ensuring you’re getting a product that matches your desired effects.

Never be shy about asking to see a product’s Certificate of Analysis (COA). A trustworthy dispensary will be transparent with this information.

Never Shop Based on Price Alone

While everyone loves a good deal, buying weed based solely on the lowest price is a classic rookie mistake. The old adage “you get what you pay for” often applies in the cannabis world.

The Pitfalls of Solely Price Shopping:

• Lower Quality: Budget flower is often less potent, poorly trimmed, or dry and harsh to smoke.
• Poorer Experience: A cheap product might lead to a disappointing effect or even a negative experience, like paranoia or a headache, which could be a sign of poor cultivation or curing processes.
• Missing the Middle Ground: There’s a sweet spot between the most expensive “top-shelf” flower and the cheapest bargain-bin option. A good budtender can guide you to high-quality, mid-priced products that offer excellent value.

Instead of just asking “what’s the cheapest?”, try asking your budtender, “What’s the best value for my budget?” This opens up a conversation about quality and price.

A Quick Guide to Weed Measurements and Prices

To help you understand what you’re paying for, here’s a standard breakdown of weed measurements and their average prices. This knowledge is part of budtender basics and is essential for every consumer to understand .

Understanding these weed measurements helps you calculate what you’re really paying. For instance, how much is a zip? A zip (slang for an ounce) is 28 grams and is often the legal limit for purchase and possession. Knowing that an eighth is 3.5 grams helps you understand that 7 grams of weed is a quarter, which is sometimes called a quad.

4. Never Be Afraid to Ask Your Budtender Questions (But Don’t Waste Their Time)

Your budtender is your greatest asset in the dispensary. They have extensive product knowledge and are trained to help you find what you need. However, there’s a right way and a wrong way to utilize their expertise.

Do:

• Ask about specific effects: “I’m looking for something to help me unwind in the evening without making me couch-locked.”
• Disclose your experience level: “I’m new to this,” or “I have a high tolerance,” are incredibly helpful statements.
• Ask for clarifications: If you don’t understand a term like “live resin” or “terpene profile,” just ask!

Don’t:

• Try to be their only focus during a rush: Be mindful of other customers.
• Ask them to break the law: Don’t ask about consuming on-site or anything else that is clearly prohibited.
• Assume they want to get “super high” with you: Keep the conversation professional and focused on your needs.

Remember, a budtender’s role is to provide a professional service. Building a good rapport with them can greatly enhance your future dispensary experiences.

Never Make These Critical Mistakes After Your Purchase

Your responsibility doesn’t end when you leave the dispensary. What you do afterward is just as important. Here are things you should never do after buying weed.

A. Never Overconsume, Especially with Edibles

This is perhaps the most common mistake. The golden rule with edibles is “start low and go slow.” It can take 60-90 minutes or even longer for the effects to kick in. Impatience leads to taking more, which leads to an overwhelming and uncomfortable experience. Always dose responsibly to avoid a negative reaction.

B. Never Store Your Weed Poorly

Improper storage degrades the quality of your cannabis quickly. Always store your flower in an airtight container, in a cool, dark place. Exposure to light, air, and heat will cause it to dry out, lose its potency, and degrade its flavorful terpenes.

C. Never Drive After Using

This cannot be stressed enough. Driving after using weed is illegal, dangerous, and puts your life and the lives of others at risk. Cannabis impairs your coordination, reaction time, and judgment . Always plan for a safe ride home. Never get behind the wheel.

D. Never Mix with Other Substances Without Research

Combining cannabis with alcohol or other drugs can lead to unpredictable and amplified effects. This is known as “cross-fading” and can significantly increase feelings of nausea, dizziness, and anxiety. It’s best to experience cannabis on its own, especially when trying a new product.

Never Assume Cannabis is for Everyone: Know When to Avoid It

While many people enjoy cannabis safely, there are specific groups of people who should avoid cannabis use altogether or use it only under strict medical supervision. This is a key part of responsible consumption .

Who should generally avoid using cannabis?

• Youth and Young Adults: The brain continues to develop until around age 25. Cannabis use during adolescence can negatively impact brain development, leading to lasting problems with memory, learning, and attention .
• Pregnant and Breastfeeding Individuals: THC can pass to the fetus through the placenta and to the infant through breast milk, potentially affecting development .
• People with a Personal or Family History of Psychosis or Schizophrenia: Cannabis may increase the risk of developing psychosis or trigger a psychotic episode in susceptible individuals .
• People with Serious Heart, Lung, Liver, or Kidney Disease: Cannabis can increase heart rate and may interact with existing conditions or medications.
• People Taking Other Medications: Cannabis can interact with a wide range of prescription drugs. It’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider about potential interactions.

If you fall into one of these categories, it is strongly recommended that you avoid cannabis and speak with a healthcare professional.

Conclusion: Be a Smart and Savvy Cannabis Consumer

Buying weed in today’s legal market should be a positive and empowering experience. By avoiding these 15 common mistakes—from failing to do basic research to ignoring lab results and mishandling your products post-purchase—you take control of your journey.

Remember, your budtender is a knowledgeable guide, but you are the driver. Arm yourself with information, ask thoughtful questions, and always prioritize safety and responsibility. Whether you’re curious about how much is a zip or the nuances of different strains, understanding the fundamentals of buying weed is the first step toward a consistently great experience.

Now that you’re armed with this knowledge, what’s the first question you’ll ask your budtender on your next visit?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a 7 in weed?

In cannabis culture, a “7” almost always refers to 7 grams of weed, which is a quarter of an ounce. This measurement is also commonly called a “quarter” or a “quad.” It’s a popular purchase for regular consumers as it provides more quantity than an eighth at a better per-gram price .

What people should avoid weed?

Certain groups are advised to avoid cannabis use. This includes youth and young adults (under 25), pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with a personal or family history of psychosis or schizophrenia, people with serious heart, lung, liver, or kidney disease, and those taking medications that may interact with cannabis .

What not to do after weed?

After using cannabis, there are several things you should avoid to ensure your safety and the quality of your experience. The most critical are:

1. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery.
2. Do not overconsume more cannabis, especially if you’re not feeling the effects of edibles right away.
3. Do not mix with alcohol or other drugs without understanding the risks.
4. Do not store your cannabis in a place with light, heat, or air, as this will degrade its quality .

What should every budtender know?

Every budtender should have a strong foundation in budtender basics. This includes:

• Strain Knowledge: Understanding the general effects of different strain types (Indica, Sativa, Hybrid).
• Product Expertise: Knowing the differences between flower, edibles, concentrates, topicals, etc.
• Dosage Guidance: Ability to advise on proper dosing, especially for new users.
• Lab Results: Ability to read and explain a Certificate of Analysis (lab results).
• Compliance and Law: A thorough understanding of state laws regarding sales and possession limits.

Why does 4/20 mean weed?

The origin of 4/20 as a code for cannabis consumption is widely believed to have started in the 1970s with a group of California high school students who would meet at 4:20 PM to search for a hidden cannabis crop. The term “4:20” became their code and eventually spread into popular culture, evolving into a universal term for cannabis and a day of celebration (April 20th) for enthusiasts.

How much is $40 worth of weed in grams?

The amount of weed you get for $40 can vary greatly depending on your location, the dispensary, and the quality of the product. Typically, $40 might get you an eighth (3.5 grams) of mid-shelf flower, or potentially a larger quantity of lower-tier flower. In some markets with higher prices, it might be just over a gram of top-shelf product. It’s best to check your local dispensary menus for precise pricing .

What’s an 8 in weed?

An “8” in weed shorthand means an eighth of an ounce, which weighs 3.5 grams. It’s one of the most commonly purchased amounts, offering enough material for several sessions without a huge commitment. You would ask your budtender for “an eighth” of a specific strain .