2023 N E W T I M E S | 4 2 0 g u I d E | April 13th–April 19th, 2023 31 effects and avoid overdoing it, which can lead to a not-so-great time as many of us know from first-hand experience. It’s also important to pay attention to the THC content, as higher levels can lead to a stronger high. For any first-timers, Lilia, a former budtender at Noble Herb in Flagstaff, advises, “My go-to recommendation for someone who has never smoked cannabis would be a low testing pre-roll for less hassle on them or a cannabis pill; each is usually 10 milligrams and easy to ingest. They can also try edibles, which are easily dosed to 5 milligrams. I would also give them instructions on how to test how much they should start off with to not overwhelm themselves.” Budtenders also recommend storing cannabis products properly to maintain their potency and freshness. This means keeping flower in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, and storing edibles in a secure location away from children and pets. For keeping your weed fresh, Kirsten adds, “Humidity control packs are also great and can be found at most smoke shops.” (One example is the popular Boveda packs.) Proper storage can also prevent the development of mold and other gross contaminants, which can be harmful to your health. Let’s be honest, nobody wants to smoke some stale or moldy weed! When it comes to choosing between different consumption methods, budtenders suggest considering your lifestyle and preferences. For example, if you’re looking for a discreet option, vaping or edibles may be a better choice than smoking. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a quick onset and more control over your dosage, smoking or dabbing may be the way to go. Besides the typical recreational user, some are using cannabis as medical patients and they may require different consumption methods. “Potential consumers could be a cancer patient coming in asking for pain relief but they don’t want to smoke it for the desired effect, from there I would find a strain typically used for pain relief and a product that can either be consumed or a topical product,” Lilia says as an example. Budtenders can help you explore different consumption methods and find what works best for you. So whether you are a 20-something college student, a mom on the go, or a medical patient, your local budtender is there to help! In addition to these tips, budtenders are also strong advocates for responsible cannabis use. They not only mention the importance of understanding dosages and effects but also bring up the legal and safety aspects of cannabis consumption. As any budtender would remind us, always consume cannabis in a safe and legal environment. Know the laws and regulations and don’t drive under the influence. Additionally, many budtenders and seasoned cannabis users encourage others to use cannabis in moderation and take tolerance breaks when necessary. Remember to communicate your desired effects, start low and go slow, store your products properly, consider different consumption methods, and always toke up responsibility. Whether you’re a seasoned stoner or a curious beginner, these tips can help enhance your dispensary experience and ensure you’re getting the most out of your cannabis products. Overall, have fun, and don’t forget to thank your local budtender for their expertise and guidance.