Beginner’s Guide: How to Choose Cannabis Buds, Vapes, Edibles & Concentrates
The cannabis world is expanding rapidly, and for beginners, the choices can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re new to cannabis or returning after years, it’s important to understand the different types of products available today — buds, vapes, edibles, pre-rolls, and concentrates — and how they affect your body and mind.
This beginner-friendly guide will walk you through everything you need to know so you can confidently choose the right cannabis product for your lifestyle, tolerance, and desired effects.
1. Understanding Cannabis Buds (Flower)
What Are Cannabis Buds?
Cannabis buds, also known as flower, are the dried parts of the cannabis plant that you smoke using a pipe, bong, joint, or pre-roll.
Why Beginners Love Buds
- Easy to control dosage
- Natural flavor and aroma
- Immediate effects
- Wide variety of strains
What to Look For
When choosing buds, consider the following qualities:
1. Appearance
High-quality buds are:
- Dense
- Covered in trichomes
- Vibrant in color
- Free from seeds or stems
Strains like Gorilla Garlic Cookies, Wedding Gelato, and PB Breath are known for their beautiful structure and potency.
2. Smell (Aroma Profile)
Fresh, premium buds have a strong aroma. Fruity, earthy, spicy, or gassy — the smell reveals the strain’s terpene profile.
3. THC Percentage
For beginners, choose strains under 25% THC. Start slow and increase gradually.
Best Buds for Beginners
- Blue Runtz
- Melonade Runtz
- Wedding Gelato
These strains offer balanced effects without overwhelming intensity.
2. Choosing Vapes (Cartridges & Disposable Pens)
Vapes are one of the most popular cannabis products in NYC due to their convenience, discretion, and clean effects.
Why Beginners Love Vapes
- No strong smell
- Easy to use
- Smooth on the throat
- Fast effects
- Discreet and portable
Types of Vapes
- Cartridges (Carts): Require a battery.
- Disposable Vapes: Ready to use — no charging, no setup.
THC Strength
Vapes usually contain 85%–95% THC, making them very potent.
If you’re new:
- Start with one or two small puffs
- Wait 10 minutes before taking more
Recommended Starter Vapes
- Boutiq Switch V5
- Switch Glow V4
- Loud 2g Vapes
These vapes offer smooth hits, balanced flavor, and reliable potency.
3. Understanding Edibles (Gummies, Chocolates & More)
Edibles are cannabis-infused food items that offer longer-lasting effects compared to smoking or vaping.
Why Beginners Choose Edibles
- No smoke
- Easy and enjoyable
- Delicious flavors
- Strong, long-lasting effects
How Edibles Work
Edibles are absorbed through the digestive system, which means:
- Effects take 45–90 minutes to kick in
- High lasts 6–8 hours
- Stronger body high than smoking
Beginners Should Start With Low Doses
Start with 5–10mg THC and wait at least 2 hours before taking more.
Best Beginner-Friendly Edibles
- Monster Gummies
- Sugar High Gummies
- Camino Gummies
These products offer predictable dosing and great flavors.
4. Pre-Rolls (Ready-to-Smoke Joints)
Pre-rolls are perfect for beginners who want to enjoy cannabis without grinding, rolling, or preparing anything.
Why Beginners Prefer Pre-Rolls
- Ready to smoke instantly
- Consistent burn
- Affordable
- Great for sharing
Types of Pre-Rolls
- Standard Pre-Rolls – perfect for beginners
- Infused Pre-Rolls (Stronger) – contain added live resin, kief, or diamonds
Beginner Recommendation
Start with non-infused pre-rolls before trying stronger infused options.
Great choices:
- Chronic Buddha Signature Pre-rolls
- Light hybrid or sativa blends
Avoid diamond-infused pre-rolls until you understand your tolerance.
5. Concentrates (For Experienced Users Only)
Concentrates such as live resin, diamonds, badder, hash, and THC oils offer extremely high potency — sometimes up to 95% THC.
Why Concentrates Are Not for Total Beginners
- Very strong
- Fast-hitting
- Require dab rigs or special devices
- Difficult to dose
Common Types of Concentrates
- Live Resin – strong flavor and terpene profile
- Badder – smooth texture and heavy effects
- Diamonds – extremely potent crystalline THC
- THC Oil Syringe – versatile for dabs, joints, or edibles
Safe Approach for Beginners
If you want to try concentrates, start with:
- Small rice-size amount
- A low-temp dab
- A mild hybrid concentrate
Products like PE Live Badder or THC Oil Syringe are strong but manageable when used correctly.
6. How to Choose the Right Cannabis Product for You
Every individual reacts differently to cannabis. The right product depends on your tolerance, lifestyle, goals, and experience.
If You Want Fast Effects
Choose:
- Buds
- Vapes
- Pre-rolls
If You Prefer Long-Lasting Results
Choose:
- Edibles
- THC syringes in food
If You Want Convenience
Choose:
- Disposable vapes
- Pre-rolls
If You Want Strongest Potency
Choose:
- Concentrates
- Diamond-infused pre-rolls
If You Want Flavorful Experience
Choose:
- Runtz strains
- Gelato strains
- Fruity edibles
If You Want Anxiety Relief
Choose:
- Hybrid or indica strains
- Low-dose edibles
7. Tips for Absolute Beginners
- Start low and go slow
- Wait before taking more
- Don’t mix edibles with alcohol
- Stay hydrated
- Choose safe, lab-tested products
- Avoid high-THC concentrates at first
- Try different strains to find what works best
Conclusion
Choosing the right cannabis product doesn’t have to be confusing. Whether you prefer the classic experience of smoking buds, the clean simplicity of vapes, the delicious taste of edibles, or the convenience of pre-rolls, there is something for every beginner in NYC’s growing cannabis market.
ChronicBuddha.com offers safe, premium, lab-tested cannabis products delivered right to your door. From smooth vapes to flavorful edibles and potent top-shelf buds, we make the process easy for beginners while ensuring quality and consistency.
As you explore, start slow, experiment with different products, and discover the cannabis style that fits you best.
FAQs
1. What is the best cannabis product for beginners?
Buds, mild vapes, and low-dose edibles are excellent starting points.
2. How much THC should beginners take?
Start with:
- 5–10mg for edibles
- 1–2 small puffs for vapes or pre-rolls
3. Is vaping stronger than smoking?
Yes, vape oils usually contain higher THC concentrations.
4. What should beginners avoid?
Avoid strong concentrates and diamond-infused pre-rolls until you understand your tolerance.
5. How can I order cannabis safely in NYC?
Use trusted delivery services like ChronicBuddha.com that provide lab-tested products and fast delivery.
