Medical and recreational marijuana can be transformative tools for enhancing your quality of life. Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain, looking for stress support, or simply wanting to elevate the moment, cannabis offers a tailored experience as unique as you are. However, walking into a cannabis dispensary–especially for the first time–can feel like stepping into a completely different world. From the various products you’ll encounter to decoding labels and understanding potency, Freedom Road is here with this handy guide to help you handle your first (or next) dispensary visit like a pro.

Freedom Road is a licensed, full-service marijuana dispensary and growhouse with a mission to educate and empower our customers, guiding them to explore the world of cannabis and discover their own path to a happier, healthier lifestyle. We’re here to simplify the process of finding the right products, ensuring every choice is backed by safety, quality, and satisfaction. From helping you navigate the nuances of local marijuana regulations to helping you find the perfect product for your needs, the knowledgeable team at Freedom Road is committed to helping new and seasoned cannabis consumers get the most out of their experience.

 

Choosing the Right Dispensary

Your best cannabis experience starts with the right dispensary. Depending on where you live, dispensaries might be a dime a dozen, but that doesn’t mean they’re all dedicated to safety, quality, and consistency. To make sure you’re purchasing safe, laboratory-tested cannabis that is properly labeled, properly packaged, and legal to sell, look for these 6 things when entering a dispensary:

1. Proper licensing and regulations
2. Clean, well-lit, and well-maintained facilities
3. In-house product cultivation
4. Experienced, knowledgeable staff who know their product
5. Proper packaging and labeling
6. Professional appearance and location

Here’s more on what to look for in a marijuana dispensary.

 

Key Cannabis Product Types You’ll Encounter at a Dispensary

One of the first things you’ll notice in a cannabis dispensary is the wide variety of products available. Cannabis comes in an array of different forms, from flower and edibles to concentrates, vapes, and more. Each type lets you experience the plant’s effects in different ways, and understanding these options can help you choose what’s right for you.

At Freedom Road, we believe premium cannabis should be accessible and transparent. You deserve to know where your products come from—and to trust their quality. That’s why we cultivate the majority of our cannabis in-house, using cutting-edge growing techniques to maintain the highest safety and quality standards from seed to sale. We also complement our homegrown selection with top-rated products from trusted industry partners who share our commitment to excellence. Every product we offer is rigorously tested to ensure consistency, potency, and purity—so you can shop with confidence.

Here are the cannabis product types you’ll see at a dispensary:

 

Flower (Bud)

• • What It Is: The dried cured buds of the cannabis plant that are smoked or vaporized.
  • What to Know: You’ll often see flower packaged by weight. Common amounts include 1 gram (g), 3.5 g (also called an eighth), 7 g (a quarter), and more.
  • Sativa vs. Indica vs. Hybrid:
    • Sativa: Energizing and uplifting effects.
    • Indica: Relaxing and calming effects.
    • Hybrid: A mix of both sativa and indica.

Tip: 1 gram of flower is typically enough for one large or two small joints.

Pre-Rolls

• • What They Are: Pre-made joints that are ready to smoke.
  • What to Know: Pre-rolls come in various sizes, typically 0.5 gram or 1 gram. Some dispensaries offer multi-packs of pre-rolls for convenience.

 

Edibles

• • What They Are: Various foods or drinks infused with cannabis such as gummies, chocolates, and cookies.
  • What to Know: The potency of edibles is measured in milligrams (mg) of THC and CBD per serving or total for the package. A typical dose for first-time users is 1–2.5 mg THC.

Tip: Since edibles are digested, they can take up to two hours to kick in, depending on factors like your metabolism. So start low and go slow.

 

Concentrates

• • What They Are: Concentrates are highly potent forms of cannabis and include products such as wax, shatter, and live resin.
  • What to Know: These products contain higher THC levels (50% to 90% or more) and are typically vaporized or dabbed.

 

Vapes

• • What They Are: Vaporizer pens or cartridges filled with cannabis oil.
  • What to Know: Vapes offer a discreet, portable way to consume cannabis. Potency is usually listed as a percentage of THC (e.g., 80% THC).

 

Topicals

• • What They Are: Creams, balms, and lotions infused with cannabis.
  • What to Know: Topicals are applied directly to the skin for localized relief of pain or inflammation. They don’t typically produce psychoactive effects.

 

Tinctures and Oils

• • What They Are: Liquid cannabis extracts that are taken under the tongue or added to food.
  • What to Know: Tinctures allow for precise dosing and fast absorption. Look for potency listed in mg per dropper (e.g., 5 mg THC per 1 ml).

 

Have more questions on products? Maybe our FAQs have your answer.

Need some advice on how to use your cannabis products? Check out our comprehensive guide here or ask our expert budtenders.

 

THC vs. CBD: The Basics

Cannabis products and packaging often highlight the balance between the two main cannabinoids: THC and CBD.

Cannabinoids are the natural compounds found in cannabis that interact with your body to produce different effects. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the compound responsible for the “high” feeling, while CBD (cannabidiol) provides therapeutic benefits without any psychoactive effects. (Here’s more on their similarities and differences.)

Understanding the ratio of THC to CBD in a product can help you decide what kind of experience you want — whether it’s relaxation, pain relief, or simply feeling more balanced.

 

THC-Dominant Products

• What They Are: Products with high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound responsible for psychoactive effects (the high feeling).
• Best For: Those looking for euphoria, relaxation, or pain relief.
• Examples: Popular THC-dominant products include high-THC flower strains like OG Kush, concentrates like wax or shatter, and edibles such as THC-infused gummies or brownies.

 

CBD-Dominant Products

• What They Are: Products that contain higher levels of cannabidiol (CBD), which doesn’t produce a high.
• Best For: Those looking to reduce anxiety or inflammation or who want a clear-headed experience.
• Examples: Popular CBD-dominant products include CBD oils and tinctures, CBD-infused edibles like gummies, and topicals such as balms and lotions.

Here’s more on CBD products in Oklahoma.

 

Balanced Ratios

• What They Are: Products with a mix of THC and CBD with ratios such as 1:1, 2:1, or 1:2.
• Best For: Those who want mild psychoactive effects while still benefiting from CBD’s therapeutic properties.
• Examples: Balanced products include 1:1 tinctures, edibles like chocolates, and flower strains such as Cannatonic or Harlequin.

 

Decoding Labels and Potency

Cannabis labels can take some practice to decipher. Different states have specific requirements on what information must be included on each label, such as THC and CBD percentages, cannabinoid profiles, and terpene content. Learning how to interpret these details can help you make better choices for your needs.

Here’s how to make sense of them:

 

Total THC Percentage

• What It Means: The percentage of THC in a product. For example, 20% THC in flower means 200 mg of THC per gram.

 

Total CBD Percentage

• What It Means: The percentage of CBD in a product. For example, 10% CBD means 100 mg of CBD per gram.

 

Other Cannabinoids

• CBG, CBN, THCV, and more: These minor cannabinoids can have unique effects. Some labels may highlight them.

 

Terpenes

• What They Are: Terpenes are compounds that give cannabis its aroma and flavor — such as citrus or pine.
• Common Terpenes: Myrcene (herbal and earthy), Limonene (citrusy and fruity), Linalool (spicy and floral).

 

Dosage Guidelines

• Flower: 1 gram = 1 large or 2 small joints
• Edibles: 1–2.5 mg THC for beginners; 10+ mg for experienced users.
• Concentrates: These are very potent, so start small: 0.1 grams or a small dab (size of a grain of rice).

 

Common Dispensary Terms You Should Know

 

Indica, Sativa, Hybrid Strains

• Indica: Relaxing, often used for nighttime.
• Sativa: Energizing, often used for daytime.
• Hybrid: A mix of both.

 

Cannabinoids and Terpenes

• Cannabinoids: Compounds like THC and CBD that affect your body.
• Terpenes: Compounds that influence flavor, smell, and effects.

 

CBD Products: Full-Spectrum, Broad-Spectrum, Isolate

• Full-Spectrum: Contains all cannabinoids and terpenes, including THC.
• Broad-Spectrum: Contains cannabinoids, but no THC.
• Isolate: Pure CBD without other compounds.

 

Microdosing

• What It Means: Taking very small doses to achieve mild effects.
• Why: Helps avoid overwhelming psychoactive effects.

Here’s more on common dispensary terminology about cannabis strains, including our top 5 and how to pick your best one.

 

How Much Should You Buy?

Different states have regulations on how much cannabis you can legally purchase and possess at one time. These limits typically apply to how much you can carry on your person or store at home, so it’s helpful to know your state’s rules before you buy.

When you’re first starting out, you won’t know what you prefer or how different products will affect you. It’s always best to start small.

 

For First-Time Buyers

• Flower: Start with 1–3.5 grams to test out different strains.
• Edibles: Choose a single pack with low-dose options (1–5 mg THC per serving)

 

Storage Tips

• Flower: Store in an airtight container away from light and heat.
• Edibles: Keep in a cool, dark place.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

What’s the best product for relaxation?

Indica-dominant flower or edibles with higher THC content are ideal if you want to chill.

 

How do I avoid consuming too much?

No matter what kind of cannabis you’re consuming, it’s always best to start with a low dose and wait, especially if it’s new to you in type, dosage, etc. For edibles, give it at least 2 hours before taking more.

 

What’s the difference between medical and recreational products?

Medical products may have higher potency and different regulations. Recreational products are for adult use and follow specific state laws.

 

Is cannabis legal where I live?

While marijuana is illegal at the federal level, cannabis laws are complex and vary from state to state. Recreational cannabis is legal in some states but not in others, as is medical marijuana. There is also the issue of “decriminalization” vs “legalization.”

At Freedom Road, we’re proud to serve customers in both Oklahoma and Colorado—two states with distinct regulations surrounding cannabis use and sales. With that privilege comes the responsibility of ensuring our customers fully understand the laws that apply to them. That’s why we’re committed to providing clear, accurate, and up-to-date guidance at every one of our licensed dispensaries. Whether you’re visiting us in Oklahoma or Colorado, you can trust our knowledgeable team to help you navigate the legal landscape, so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

 

Here are some resources that can help get you started:

Decriminalization vs Legalization Explained

Marijuana Laws in Colorado

Marijuana Laws in Oklahoma

Complete Guide to Medical Marijuana in Oklahoma

 

I have more questions.

Great! At Freedom Road, we love questions because it gives us a chance to educate and empower our customers to make the decision that’s right for them! You’re always welcome to stop in to one of our Oklahoma or Colorado locations, or check out our FAQs here:

Colorado Marijuana FAQs

Oklahoma Marijuana FAQs

 

Freedom Road: Simplifying the Cannabis Experience

When it comes to choosing where to purchase your medical or recreational cannabis, quality and trust matter. At Freedom Road, we prioritize exceptional products and customer service over maximizing yield and profits. Our dedicated team of growers, managers, and budtenders take every step of the process seriously—from cultivation to sales—ensuring that every product meets our rigorous standards for taste, consistency, and potency. Each item undergoes stringent testing for accurate dosing and is meticulously labeled, so you can enjoy a safe, reliable, and informed cannabis experience.

Beyond quality, we’re committed to empowering our customers with knowledge. With locations in both Oklahoma and Colorado—two states with distinct cannabis regulations—we take pride in helping you navigate the nuances of local laws. Whether you’re a seasoned consumer or new to cannabis, our expert team is here to provide clear, accurate guidance so you can make confident, informed choices. Visit us online or stop by one of our dispensaries in Oklahoma City or Trinidad, Colorado, to experience the Freedom Road difference.