13 Feb 2025

10 Tips for How to Choose the Right Cannabis Product for Specific Needs

Walking into a dispensary can be completely overwhelming for both newcomers and even seasoned users alike. The myriad of products, strains, and consumption methods available can make even the most decisive users a bit indecisive—and knowing which product is the right fit can feel like a completely daunting task. 

So, whether you’re seeking refuge from chronic illness or pain relief, looking for a better night’s sleep, or seeking a spark for your creativity—knowing how to pick your perfect product is essential. Here at Sociale, one of Illinois recreational dispensaries, we’ve compiled our favorite list of tips from our top Budtenders, to help you make the best decision for you, so you can get to optimal relaxation and enjoyment—it’s only one toke away.

1. Identify Your Goals

Before you can become a seasoned user yourself, you first need to take a moment to analyze and really understand your goals. Here are some questions to help lead the way:

• Are you looking for pain relief?
• Is anxiety or stress a common factor in your life? Need help managing it?
• Are you seeking a natural sleep aid?
• Do you want an energy boost or maybe a little extra focus?
• Is your goal purely recreational?

By taking the time to really think through and define your list of objectives, you can quickly begin to narrow down your options. This will help you to really focus on products that are designed to meet your specific needs.

2. Understand the Basics: THC vs. CBD

Before you get swept away in a cloud of cannabis fog, you must first understand the two primary compounds that influence its effects.

• THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): This is the psychoactive compound which is responsible for that fuzzy—or let’s just say “high” you hear about from cannabis users. This can provide pain relief, stimulate appetite, and give a generous boost to your mood.
• CBD (Cannabidiol): This is a non-psychoactive compound which offers therapeutic benefits like reducing anxiety, providing relief from inflammation, and even promoting a sense of relaxation without that intoxicated hazy feeling.

If you’re a new users and a little intimidated by the “high” we have spoken about, look for products that have a higher about of CBD and a lower amount of THC. If you’re ready and willing to try a more balanced experience, consider a product with a 1:1 CBD to THC ratio for best results.

3. Choose the Right Consumption Method

Okay let’s revisit that part about walking into one of Illinois recreational dispensaries and being a bit intimidated by all the product—this feeling is probably because there is a LOT of product! Cannabis in 2025 can be consumed in a variety of ways. This isn’t just for show, each method offers different onset times and durations of effects. If you have a grasp on these options, you can work to select the methods that best suit your lifestyle and needs.

• Inhalation (Smoking or Vaping): Effects are felt almost instantaneously and typically last 2-4 hours. This method is useful if you're looking for immediate recreation or relief.
• Edibles: These take a little longer to have that feel good effect (think 30 minutes to 2 hours) but the effects typically last much longer (4-8 hours.) This is an excellent option if you’re looking for sustained relief or recreation, but be careful of your dosing. *Try capsules or tablets if you’re looking for a more discrete option.
• Tinctures: Liquid cannabis can be mixed into food or beverages, or ingested under the tongue. The length and duration is a mix between inhalation and edible options. But be mindful of how many drops you use!
• Topicals: Using creams, balms, or lotions that are infused with cannabis will provide your skin and muscles localized relief without those psychoactive effects.

Each of these methods have pros and cons, so take into consideration your own lifestyle and need.

4. Understand Strains and their Effects

Cannabis strains tend to fall into three primary categories with cross-strains between them. The main three are known as Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid. Each offers unique effects. If you’re looking to relax a bit more and unwind, you should reach for an Indica blend. Known for its relaxing and sedative effects, Indica is ideal for evening use or managing those nighttime woes.

Or maybe you’re hoping to put a bit more pep in your step—reach for a Sativa strain. Uplifting and energizing, Sativa is perfect for boosting creativity, managing (and even enhancing) focus, and getting you through the day.

If you’re more of a mixer, or a bit indecisive about which strain suits you—opt for a hybrid. These are mixes of Indica and Sativa, and tend to offer more balanced effects. Be careful, most of these strains will lean towards one side depending on the genetic makeup.

Whichever way the wind takes you, and whatever strain you choose to select—revisit question 1 to consider your goals, and think about what time of day you will be consuming, and get to picking!

5. Learn About Terpenes

Terpenes are the aromatic compounds which are found in cannabis that influence flavor, aroma, and general effects. Taking the time to understand these profiles will help you find the right flavor, and effects. The most common and popular terpenes include:

• Limonene: Known for stress relaxation properties. Often found in citrus-scented strains.
• Myrcene: Sedative and relaxing, common in earthy and musky strains.
• Pinene: Aids with alertness and focus. Often giving a pine aroma.
• Lonalool: Both calming and soothing, often found in lavender-adjacent strains.

6. Start Low and Go Slow

This tip is as simple as it sounds. Whether you’re new to cannabis entirely or simply trying a new product, start with a low dose, and increase gradually. This general approach will permit you the ability to gauge your tolerance and avoid unwanted side effects.

7. Consider Full-Spectrum vs. Isolate Products

Cannabis products are often categorized as:

• Full-Spectrum: Contains all cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds, offering the “entourage effect.”
• Broad-Spectrum: Similar to full-spectrum but with THC removed.
• Isolate: Contains only one cannabinoid (CBD or THC,) offering a pure and targeted experience.
  
  

8. Check the Source and Quality

Always be sure you are purchasing your cannabis products from a licensed dispensary like Social Dispensary. Look for lab-tested products to ensure they are free from various contaminants, as well as labeled accurately for potency.

9. Ask for Recommendations

Become friends with your Budtenders! Dispensary staff are knowledgeable resources. If you take the time to share your goals and preferences with them, they can guide you in the right direction. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, that’s their job!

10. Track Your Experiences

Keep a journal entry [or a note on your phone] to document your cannabis experiences. Note the strain, how you consumed it, how much you took, and any effects. This will give you a way to track over time your experiences and effects—finding your perfect fit.

Finding the right cannabis strain can take some time. You may love some, hate some, and be indifferent to a few, too. That’s okay! Be patient with your experience, the perfect option is right around the corner.

Choosing the right cannabis product for your specific needs doesn’t have to be complicated. By taking the time to work through our top 10 tips, you can begin to make informed decisions for you. Whether you’re seeking therapeutic benefits or recreational enjoyment, the key is in how you approach cannabis with both curiosity and mindfulness. 

At Sociale Dispensary, one of Illinois recreational dispensaries, we are here to help you each and every step of the way. Our expert Budtenders are armed to help you find the right product, making cannabis your perfect partner to enhance both your well-being and quality of life [all while having a little extra fun, too!]