A True Cannabis Beginner’s Guide to Massachusetts Dispensaries
With over 275 licensed dispensaries, Massachusetts cannabis is a continuously growing market.
The great thing about a thriving local industry is that beginners and connoisseurs alike get access to high-quality product options. From flower and edibles to concentrates and vapes, brands are selling it all.
However, this can lead to choice overload, and if you’re a beginner, it may even stop you from exploring the wonderful world of cannabis altogether.
At Misty Mountain Shop in Malden, MA, we prioritize a hands-on approach to guiding our customers along their cannabis journeys.
In other words, we’re not just going to tell you what’s popular or share our favorite products; we’re going to take your experience level into consideration and make sure to educate you at every step of the way.
So, here’s a true cannabis beginner’s guide to Massachusetts recreational dispensaries:
Cannabis Dispensaries in Massachusetts
If you’re visiting a recreational dispensary in Massachusetts for the first time, the rules are going to be a little different than your average retail store.
Arrive early to avoid long queues and ensure ample time for personalized consultations. Since recreational dispensaries need adequate security, you may often have to wait outside on a busy day.
In most cases, you’ll be let in quickly, but come prepared anyway.
Be sure to bring with you:
- A valid, government-issued ID (like your license or passport)
- Cash or a debit card
You can expect to flash your ID a few times when you’re inside (and don’t worry, we won’t judge your ID photo; we look terrible in ours too).
Most places will also charge a fee for using debit cards, so come prepared with the right amount of cash.
4 Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
To make the most of your Massachusetts dispensary visit, come prepared with an open mind.
1. Research the dispensary ahead of time.
There is a lot to learn when it comes to cannabis, and it can be helpful to prime yourself with some initial education. We encourage you to take advantage of our dispensary’s educational resources on cannabis strains, dosages, and consumption methods, allowing you to make well-informed decisions.
This will also help you gain some insight into your own preferences, including what product options are available for purchase in the first place.
Research the dispensary’s offerings beforehand by looking through their online menu so you get a sense of the cost and how much you’re willing to spend inside.
2. Find a dispensary that feels inviting.
Each dispensary will create its own unique in-store environment. Find a vibe that resonates with you! It’s important to shop at recreational dispensaries that don’t feel intimidating.
For instance, at Misty Mountain Shop we have a ski-inspired interior that welcomes you with the same warmth of a cozy winter cabin and strikes the same excitement as your first trip down the slopes.
Our local New England customers especially love the inviting atmosphere that reminds them of Massachusetts winters and ski activities.
3. Talk to our budtenders…a lot.
Our budtenders are not merely cashiers. They are incredibly knowledgeable about cannabis in general as well as the daily inventory of the dispensary.
They can tell you about:
- Popular items
- Cannabis product trends
- New brands and products in-store
- Budtender favorites
- Locally-sourced products
- Current deals and bundles
- Loyalty program benefits
- And more
Don’t hesitate to share your needs, experience level, and preferences so they can give you the best recommendations based on what you said.
4. Consume responsibly!
Everyone experiences cannabis differently based on a number of factors like age, weight, metabolic rate, etc. Your friend’s favorite product and dosage may not produce the same effect on you.
Therefore, consume responsibly and adhere to safety guidelines to ensure a positive and enjoyable experience. Start with the lowest dosages and slowly increase each time you consume, as needed.
3 Cannabis Beginner Product Recommendations
Whether you’re completely new to cannabis or a returning user with a low tolerance, your needs are likely going to be different compared to someone who consumes regularly.
Our budtenders have rounded up beginner cannabis product recommendations that can provide you with relief and relaxation:
1. Edibles
Edibles are a fantastic beginner-friendly cannabis product because they often mask the taste and smell of THC with fun flavors like chocolate, fruits, and more. With all the different brands out there, you could spend years exploring edibles alone, which makes it such a fun category to start with.
We recommend cannabis beginners try edibles that contain both CBD and THC, such as 1:1 or 20:1 ratio-infused edibles. This enables the entourage effect, which ultimately lets you tap into the benefits of both compounds and get a more calm and mellow experience than full THC edibles.
Unlike smoking flower, eating edibles has a longer onset and duration, meaning it is going to take an hour or more to feel the effects. This can sometimes confuse beginners that think they’re not feeling anything within the first few minutes.
If you’ve never tried edibles before, we recommend waiting an hour or two before deciding to take more.
Here’s a starter kit of edibles our team suggests for beginners:
- Kanha Cran-Pomegranate Punch Nano Gummies
- Milly’s Sweetspot
- Joy Bombs
2. Seltzers
Similar to edibles, seltzers and other infused beverages are beginner-friendly cannabis products for those that want to mask the flavor and scent of THC. These infused beverages not only come in delicious flavors but are also fast-acting, which means you can pace yourself when consuming.
This allows you to take a few sips and gauge how it will affect you before deciding to take more.
What’s great about cannabis seltzers is that you can use it as an alternative to alcohol. Whether you’re looking for health benefits, want to steer away from alcohol, or simply want to mix it up, seltzers are a great option.
Many people also find that the social aspect of an infused beverage serves them better than alcohol because they don’t have to deal with the aftermath of a hangover.
At Misty Mountain Shop, we have flavors of Cantrip and Cann THC seltzers, such as:
- Lemon Basil (Cantrip)
- Grapefruit Hibiscus (Cantrip)
- Grapefruit Rosemary (Cann)
- Lemon Lavender (Cann)
- Blood Orange Cardamom (Cann)
- Jam Berry (Levia Dream)
- Lemon Lime (Levia Celebrate)
- Raspberry Lime (Levia Achieve)
3. Disposable Vape
Lastly, you have disposable vapes which is like smoking flower but cleaner. While smoking flower is and always will be a classic, you tend to lose some of the benefits of the cannabis plant because you’re burning it away, alongside other material, such as the rolling paper.
With vapes, you get more concentrated cannabis oils, meaning more benefits. Vaporizers and cartridges come with all sorts of equipment that can be challenging or overwhelming for a beginner, so disposable vapes are a great way to see if vaping is a good option for your lifestyle and preferences.
Think of it as an intro to vaping without the commitment. Disposable vapes come ready to use straight out of the package with no additional hardware or chargers needed.
All you do is open it up, inhale, and enjoy! Cannabis beginners particularly like the OMG (Original Massachusets Growers) brand. They use some of the cleanest cannabis oils and resins on the market and have a light, powerful, and convenient inhale experience.
How Misty Mountain Shop Does Things Differently
In addition to being a one-of-a-kind ski-inspired dispensary nestled in Massachusetts, Misty Mountain Shop creates an unparalleled experience for consumers of all experience levels.
What sets us apart is our hands-on approach, emphasizing the importance of guiding newcomers through their cannabis journey. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with personalized, informal consultations with our budtenders, allowing you to feel comfortable and supported as you explore the world of cannabis.
Our dispensary’s expert team takes the time to educate you on our available cannabis strains, dosages, and consumption methods, ensuring informed decisions – and we go at your pace, every time.
Here, cannabis beginners are not just customers; they quickly become part of a community, where their cannabis adventure is nurtured with care and expertise.
Discover cannabis in Massachusetts
At the Misty Mountain Shop, no matter what your experience level is, we have accessible resources for you to learn more about cannabis and how it can fit into your life. From online articles like this one to in-person, hands-on guidance, we can help you determine the best products for your needs.
Particularly as a beginner, that level of attention is essential as you’re learning more about cannabis.
Discover cannabis in-store at our Malden, MA location or order online.
