There is a broad array of cannabis products you will find in a dispensary. The diversity of options can be overwhelming for even seasoned cannabis enthusiasts. This overview will provide you with the basics you will need to understand the options that await you at the dispensary.
Flower is the cannabis product most people are familiar with and can usually recognize on site. It has a pungent aroma, and different strains vary widely in color and effects.
Consumption
Smoking with rolling papers, a glass or metal pipe, or a water pipe are the traditional methods of consumption; however, vaporizing is the medically recommended method of consumption.
Typical Amounts & Pricing
- 1 gram: $12 – $20
- 3.5 grams: $42 – $65
- 7 grams: $90 – $120
- 1 ounce: $200 – $300
Availability and pricing will vary from dispensary to dispensary.
Informally called “carts”, vaporizer cartridges are a convenient and discreet way to consume cannabis. The oil in a cartridge will vary in quality, potency, and effects depending on the type of extract it contains.
For more information on the common types of extracts found in cartridges, see our resource on cartridges.
Consumption
Cartridges require a lithium-ion battery that is typically pen-shaped but may come in different forms. Some manufacturers are also producing proprietary batteries that require specialized cartridge formats. Make sure to ask your dispensary staff if the cartridge you’re purchasing requires a specialized battery.
Typical Amounts & Pricing
- 500 mg: $40 – $70
- 1,000 mg: $90 – $120
Availability and pricing will vary from dispensary to dispensary.
Concentrates are a broad category of cannabis products where all the medically beneficial compounds are harvested, leaving the inert plant material behind. These concentrates come in a variety of consistencies, which are a result of the various extraction processes used to create them. Concentrates have names that indicate their consistency, such as sugar, sap, budder, or wax.
For more information on the common types of extracts used for dabbing, see our resource on concentrates.
Consumption
Despite their different consistencies, patients consume concentrates with a type of cannabis gear called a “dab rig” that vaporizes the concentrate for inhalation. Dab rigs come in many shapes, sizes, and price points.
Typical Amounts & Pricing
- 0.5 gram: $40 – $60
- 1 gram: $65 – $85
Availability and pricing will vary from dispensary to dispensary.
Tinctures are an excellent option for patients that need fast onset of effects but are not comfortable with inhaling smoke or vapor.
Consumption
Patients can take tinctures sublingually (i.e., under the tongue) or via the digestive tract. When taken sublingually, tinctures have an onset of about 30 – 40 minutes. When taken via the gastrointestinal tract, they have an onset of about 60 – 90 minutes.
Typical Amounts & Pricing
- 1 fl. ounce: $40 – $50
- 3 fl. ounce: $70 – $90
RSO is the common abbreviation for Rick Simpson Oil, named after the famous medical cannabis advocate. Also called FECO (Full Extract Cannabis Oil), RSO is about as thick as pinesap and is the most potent cannabis concentrate available.
Consumption
RSO is consumed sublingually or via the digestive tract. The onset of sublingual consumption is 30 – 40 minutes. When taken via the gastrointestinal tract, RSO has an onset of about 60 – 90 minutes.
Typical Amounts & Pricing
Capsules contain some manner of cannabis extract and appear as a pill similar to other pharmaceuticals. Manny capsule producers will standardize their dosages, typically starting with 2.5mg – 5mg of cannabinoids per dose. Stronger dosing is often available.
Consumption
Patients can take capsules like any other pill. Capsule casings can have many different bases and are often vegetarian or vegan. The onset of capsules is usually 60 – 90 minutes.
Typical Amounts & Pricing
- 20 count with 2.5 – 5mg: $40 – $60
- 10 count with 10mg or more: $60 -$90
Topicals come as lotion or salves and as transdermal patches. With no psychoactive effects, these are an excellent option for people suffering from inflammation-based pain who need to be active during the day.
Consumption
Topicals are applied directly to the affected area. Topicals are not intended for internal use or use on open or healing wounds or burns, though they may provide relief to healing scar tissue. The onset of topicals is often 15 – 30 minutes for salves and lotions, offering 3 – 4 hours of comfort, 30 – 40 minutes for transdermal patches offering 6 – 8 hours of relief.
Typical Amounts & Pricing
- 3 fl. ounce: $30 – $40 dollars