The Beginner’s Guide to Buying Pot

If you haven’t bought marijuana since college, things have changed. Today it’s all about picking a variety that gives you the sensation you want with the flavors and aromas most enjoy. “You don’t have to trust some dude to tell you it’s strong,” says David Drake, founder of CannabisReports.com. One of the best things about legalization is that it’s brought transparency to weed transactions. “Most sellers are treating both the plant and the customer very respectfully,” says Drake, meaning that like a good bartender, most “bud tenders” are happy to walk newbies through their choices. And you have a lot of choices. Currently, Cannabis Reports is tracking 8,000 different varieties of marijuana, including strains from as far away as Afghanistan and Thailand. He compares each of these strains to wine varietals: While Oregon pinots boast a certain terroir, so too does sativa from Mexico. Follow these basic guidelines for a high that feels good and a product that pleases your senses.