If you've walked into a dispensary recently, you know the feeling: rows of flower jars, walls of vape pens, fridges full of edibles, and tincture bottles you're not quite sure how to use. It's overwhelming, especially if you're new to cannabis or returning after years away from a much simpler market.
The good news? Once you understand the basic categories and how they work, choosing the right product becomes much easier. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about cannabis product types, how they're used, and what to expect from each.
Understanding Potency First
Before we dive into product types, let's talk about the two main cannabinoids you'll see on labels:
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects—the "high." Products with higher THC produce stronger mental and physical effects, but also carry greater risk of anxiety, paranoia, or other negative experiences, especially for new users.
CBD (cannabidiol) is non-intoxicating and often used for therapeutic benefits like pain relief, reduced anxiety, or better sleep without the high. Many people find that products with both THC and CBD offer more balanced, manageable effects.
Important note: The more THC in a product, the greater the risk of negative outcomes. Start low, go slow, and don't assume higher THC means a better experience.
The Three Main Categories
Dried Cannabis (Flower)
This is cannabis in its most recognizable form—the actual flower or "bud" from the plant. You'll see it sold as loose flower in jars or as pre-rolled joints.
How it's used: Smoking or vaporizing. Smoking involves combustion (lighting it), while vaporizing heats the flower to release cannabinoids without burning.
Potency range: THC typically ranges from 10% to 30%, with CBD anywhere from 0% to 20%. Some high-CBD strains flip this ratio.
What to know: Effects typically begin within minutes and last 1 to 3 hours. Flower offers the most immediate control—you can take a single puff and see how you feel before continuing. Vaporizing is generally considered less harsh on the lungs than smoking.
Good for: People who want fast-acting, controllable effects. Those who enjoy the ritual of consumption. Medical users who need quick relief.
Considerations: The smell is noticeable. You'll need accessories (papers, pipes, or vaporizers). Effects can be intense for new users, so start with one or two puffs.
Cannabis Extracts and Concentrates
These products are made by extracting cannabinoids from the plant, resulting in much higher potency than flower. You'll find them in many forms: hash, shatter, wax, oils, tinctures, capsules, and vape cartridges.
How they're used: Depends on the format. Vape cartridges are heated and inhaled. Oils and tinctures are taken under the tongue or added to food. Capsules are swallowed. Some concentrates like shatter are vaporized using specialized devices.
Potency range: This is where things get serious. THC can range from 40% all the way to 95%. CBD extracts typically range from 10% to 84%.
What to know: Because these products are so concentrated, they're easy to overdo. A tiny amount goes a long way. Inhaled extracts work quickly (within minutes), while ingested oils or capsules take 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in.
Good for: Experienced users who know their tolerance. Medical patients who need high doses for symptom relief. People seeking discreet consumption (vape pens, capsules).
Considerations: High potency means higher risk, especially for beginners. Vape cartridges are convenient but quality varies—stick to licensed dispensaries. Tinctures offer precise dosing with droppers.
Edible Cannabis
Edibles are food and beverage products infused with cannabis. Think chocolates, gummies, baked goods, beverages—even mints and lozenges.
How they're used: Eaten or drunk, just like regular food.
Potency range: Regulated edibles typically contain 2.5 to 10 mg of THC per piece, with CBD content varying by product. Total package amounts vary by state regulations.
What to know: This is the category that trips up the most people. Edibles take 30 minutes to 2 hours to take effect because they're processed through your digestive system. The effects last much longer—typically 4 to 8 hours, sometimes more. The experience is also generally more intense and body-focused compared to inhaled cannabis.
Good for: People who can't or don't want to smoke/vape. Those seeking long-lasting relief (chronic pain, sleep issues). Anyone wanting precise, pre-measured doses.
Considerations: Start with 2.5 to 5 mg of THC and wait at least 2 hours before taking more. This is critical. Many bad experiences happen because people don't feel anything after 30 minutes and eat more, only to have both doses hit at once. Edibles are not more dangerous, but they require patience.
A Word on Strains
You've probably heard terms like "indica," "sativa," and "hybrid" thrown around. For years, people believed indica strains were relaxing and sativas were energizing. The reality is more complex—research shows that strain names and types aren't reliable predictors of effects.
What matters more is the specific cannabinoid and terpene profile of a product. Two different "Blue Dream" products from different growers can produce quite different experiences. This is why we focus on effects and potency rather than just strain names.
Choosing What's Right for You
The best product type depends on your specific needs:
For quick relief: Dried flower or vape cartridges offer fast-acting effects you can control in real-time.
For long-lasting effects: Edibles or capsules provide sustained relief, ideal for sleep or chronic pain.
For discreet use: Vape pens, capsules, or tinctures are less noticeable than smoking flower.
For precise dosing: Tinctures with droppers or pre-measured edibles give you exact amounts.
For first-time users: Low-THC flower (10-15%) or low-dose edibles (2.5-5 mg) with some CBD are good starting points.
Safety Reminders
Cannabis products are generally well-tolerated, but everyone responds differently.
Here are a few key safety tips:
- Store all products securely away from children and pets—edibles especially look like regular candy.
- Start with the lowest effective dose and increase gradually over days or weeks.
- Avoid driving or operating machinery while under the influence.
- Be aware of potential interactions with medications—talk to your doctor if you're on prescription drugs.
What's Next?
Understanding product types is just the first step. The real question is: which specific product will work best for your needs, whether that's better sleep, pain relief, reduced anxiety, or just relaxation?
Have questions about cannabis products? Reach out or check out our other guides for deeper dives into specific topics.