As cannabis laws evolve, more Minnesotans are exploring cannabis products for the first time. Large dispensary menus can feel overwhelming to navigate, especially since there are many brands and products under each category.
Cannabis products come in many forms, each offering a slightly different experience. The most typical forms are flowers, prerolls, edibles, beverages, topicals, and tinctures.
This guide from Cali Cannabis explains each type of cannabis product and who they may be best suited for.
Why Cannabis Comes in Different Product Formats
One of the best things about cannabis is the variety – there are so many ways to enjoy weed. But each form has its own nuances that affect your experience. Familiarize yourself with these differences, and you’ll likely naturally gravitate towards a certain category.
Each format affects:
- Onset time
- Duration of high experience
- Convenience of use
- Dosing control
Understanding these differences helps you choose products that fit your comfort level.
Flower: The Traditional Cannabis Option
What it is: Dried cannabis buds
How it’s consumed: Pipes, bongs, or rolled into joints (or blunts)
Why people choose flower
It’s the classic cannabis experience! You have a wide variety of strains and aromas to choose from with flexible dosing options.
Best for
- Consumers who prefer traditional methods
- Those who want quick onset effects
- People who want variety and options
Pre-Rolls: Ready-to-Use Convenience
What they are: Pre-rolled cannabis joints
Benefits
Pre-rolls are convenient, portable, and easy for anyone to enjoy. There’s no grinding or rolling required; just light it up and enjoy.
Best for
- First-time smokers
- Social settings
- Travelers
Vapes: Discreet and Portable
What they are: Cannabis oil cartridges or disposable vape devices
Advantages
Vapes work quickly, are small and portable, and are a much more discreet option than smoking, because the odor is minimal. However, vapes are also usually high-potency THC products, so a little goes a long way.
Best for
- Consumers who value discretion
- Those looking for convenience
- People who like high-potency products
Edibles: A Smoke-Free Experience
What they are: Cannabis-infused food products such as gummies or chocolates
Key difference
Edibles work much more slowly than vaping or smoking, and it often takes 60 – 120 minutes to feel the effects. Edibles also last longer, so you’ll feel the effects for longer. It’s very important to start with a low dose and wait to feel it before deciding to take more of an edible.
Best for
- Consumers who prefer not to inhale cannabis
- People looking for measured doses
Cannabis Beverages
What they are: THC-infused drinks or beverage additives
Benefits
Cannabis beverages offer a familiar format for many people, with clearly labeled servings that make it easy to control your dose. They’re a social alternative to alcohol and can be enjoyed nearly anywhere.
Best for
- Sharing at social gatherings
- Consumers looking for a lighter experience
- People who want to start with something familiar
Tinctures: Precise Dosing
What they are: Liquid cannabis extracts taken under the tongue
Advantages
Tinctures are discreet, mix in easily with food and drinks, and offer precise dosing control. They also tend to work a little faster than edibles with sublingual (under the tongue) dosing and often offer more cannabinoid options than just THC.
Best for
- Consumers who want consistent dosing
- Those who prefer a smoke-free option
- People looking for more cannabinoids outside of THC
Topicals: Non-Inhaled Cannabis Products
What they are: Creams, lotions, or balms infused with cannabis
Characteristics
- Applied directly to the skin
- Non-intoxicating when absorbed locally
- Typically contain other plant and terpene compounds
Best for
- Consumers exploring cannabis for physical relief
- People who do not want to inhale cannabis
- Those who don’t want to feel high
Edibles vs Flower for Beginners
Whether flower or edibles work best for you is a personal preference. If you’re curious about the plant in its most natural state, start with flower. If you’d prefer a smoke-free option, try a low-dose edible.
| Flower | Edibles | |
| Onset | Quick | Slower |
| Length of High Experience | Shorter | Longer |
| Odor? | Yes | No |
| Easy to Dose? | Moderately easy | Very easy |
How Cali Cannabis Helps Beginners Choose
Cali Cannabis prides itself on welcoming cannabis consumers of all levels, with a strong focus on education. Our budtenders are knowledgeable about the menu and happy to answer all of your questions on dosing, experience, and product selection, with cannabis products to fit every type of consumer.
Key Takeaways
- Cannabis products come in many forms, each with different effects and timing
- Flower, pre-rolls, vapes, edibles, beverages, tinctures, and topicals all serve different preferences
- Beginners should start with low doses and explore products gradually
- Cali Cannabis offers guidance to help new consumers feel comfortable choosing products
FAQ Section
- What are the most common types of cannabis products?
Flower, pre-rolls, vapes, edibles, beverages, tinctures, and topicals are among the most common options. - Are edibles stronger than flower?
Not necessary, but edibles often feel stronger because the effects last longer and take time to begin. - What’s the best cannabis product for beginners?
Low-dose edibles, half-gram pre-rolls, or small amounts of flower are common starting points. - How long do edibles take to work?
Edibles typically take longer to begin than inhaled cannabis products, often 60 -120 minutes.
Explore Cannabis Products at Cali Cannabis
If you’re new to cannabis, the team at Cali Cannabis is here to make the experience approachable and informative from the moment you walk in. We take the time to understand your comfort level, preferences, and what you’re hoping to get out of your visit, so we can guide you toward options that feel right for you.
Whether you’re exploring different product types for the first time or simply want a better understanding of how they work, our budtenders are here to walk you through the menu, explain key differences, and answer any questions along the way. Our goal is to help you feel confident in your choices and leave with a clear understanding of what you’re purchasing.
DISCLAIMER: The contents of this blog are intended for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
