Top Questions to Ask Your Budtender

Many dispensaries keep a seemingly endless number of cannabis varieties in stock, with strains represented in products like pre-rolled joints and packaged flower. Even more products are manufactured from cannabis, including vapes, concentrates, edibles, topicals, tinctures, and more. 

With so much to choose from, it’s easy to have questions. Luckily, many dispensaries also have friendly and knowledgeable budtenders available to help guide patients to the cannabis products that best suit their needs. 

What Is a Budtender?

At the most basic level, a budtender is a retail associate at a medical or recreational cannabis dispensary. They often assist patients or consumers with their purchase selections. However, the level of service available can vary from business to business and state to state.

Some states require that budtenders complete an educational course or certification. Others may require permits similar to those for food handlers or alcohol servers.

The vast majority of states that have legalized cannabis haven't set standards for budtenders. Most states don't require any formal education or training for the position. As a result, these roles often only require a high school diploma.

Fortunately, many budtenders are still well-versed in cannabis knowledge. Educational institutions, including colleges and universities, now offer cannabis training programs. These can include courses on the medical benefits and common effects of cannabis.

What Can a Budtender Help Me With?

It's important to remember that budtenders are not medical professionals. They can't legally diagnose a condition and shouldn't make medical recommendations. In certain states, a pharmacist may be required onsite to answer patient questions that budtenders cannot.

Despite these limitations, a knowledgeable budtender can be invaluable in helping with products. Budtenders can assist patients and customers with product questions and share their preferences. Other questions might include differences between cannabis products, how they're used, and more.

Questions To Ask Your Budtender

What’s your favorite product?

Budtenders can be skilled sources of information about the cannabis products the dispensary has in stock. Some shops may share samples with their team so they can recommend their favorites from the menu.

What are the most popular products in stock?

Budtenders often hear feedback from patients and consumers. They can tell you their clientele’s favorites and steer you to the shop’s most popular offerings.

How do I use a certain product?

Today’s cannabis dispensaries have a multitude of different products, including vape carts, topicals, tinctures, and more. Most budtenders will know how to use these different products and be able to share recommendations and tips on their use. 

What else do I need?

Although some cannabis products, such as pre-rolls and all-in-one vaporizers, are ready to go as-is, most require a separate device to be used. A multitude of cannabis smoking accessories, including rolling papers, pipes, bongs, and more, are available at many shops. Ask your budtender what other products you need for the item you’re buying, like a battery if buying a vape cartridge. They may also offer tips on how they’re used.

What is the difference between indica, sativa, and hybrid-labeled products?

According to popular belief, cultivars labeled as “Sativa” produce an energizing high, while those labeled as “Indica” offer a more relaxing and sedating buzz, and cultivars labeled as “Hybrid” can combine these effects while generally leaning one way or the other. In reality, most strains are hybrids, a cross of two strains, and the labels of “indica” and “sativa” are not often reliable indicators of effect. Cultivars can have various effects depending mainly on the dominant cannabinoids and terpenes found in the plant, as well as other potential aromatic compounds and compounds called flavonoids. 

Which terpenes would be most helpful in getting the effects I need?

While much attention is given to the effects of cannabinoids, terpenes may also play a key role in a cannabis strain’s effects. Myrcene, the most common terpene found in cannabis, is known for its earthy, musky aroma and potentially relaxing, sedating effects. Limonene, another common cannabis terpene,  has a citrusy odor and is known for its potential uplifting and mood-boosting effects, and may have anti-anxiety and stress-reducing properties. A knowledgeable budtender can usually help you determine a product’s dominant terpenes, if available.

I’m looking for a product that takes effect in a particular timeframe. What would be best?

Different types of cannabis products can vary in the amount of time it takes for the effects to be noticed. Smoking and vaping, for example, quickly deliver cannabinoids and terpenes to the bloodstream, taking effect in mere minutes. 

The onset of effects can take much longer for other products. Cannabis edibles, for example, are notorious for taking an hour or longer before they start to kick in. If in doubt, ask the budtender how long it might take for a certain product to take effect.

I need a product to last for a certain amount of time. What should I choose?

While the effects of smoking or vaping can come on quickly, they don’t last as long as some other cannabis product types. Cannabis topicals and edibles can have long-lasting effects that persist for hours. Additionally, some cannabis beverages have been developed to take effect quickly but only last for a short period, making them appropriate for many social situations.

Is one product better than another for the effect I need?

One product may be more appropriate than another to get the desired effects. Cannabis topicals, for example, may give effective, long-lasting pain relief without making you high, making them a suitable option for many. Check with your budtender for product recommendations that best fit your needs.

I want a specific effect without getting too high. What product would work?

Many patients want to take advantage of the benefits of cannabis without getting high. For example, patients often effectively treat pain with cannabis topicals that have no intoxicating effects. Others benefit from low-THC products that contain CBD or other non-intoxicating cannabinoids. Your budtender can guide you to products that fit such needs.

A capable budtender can be a valuable asset for cannabis patients and consumers, especially those who are new to dispensary shopping. Unfortunately, because the position is often low-paid, finding a budtender with the experience and knowledge to suit your needs can sometimes be challenging. But when you do, you know you will have a trusted source of information about the cannabis products at your local dispensary.

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.