How to Know What Type of Weed to Buy in a Dispensary

Choosing the right cannabis strain depends on understanding three key categories: indica for relaxation, sativa for energy, and hybrids for balanced effects. Your perfect strain depends on exact THC/CBD ratios, terpene profiles, and each one has slightly different effects.

You know that feeling when someone asks what kind of music you like, and you just freeze up because there are so many genres and you're not even sure what half of them mean? That's exactly what happens when you're trying to figure out which cannabis strain to buy. Purple Haze, Girl Scout Cookies, Gorilla Glue, all those names tell you absolutely nothing about what they'll actually do for you. 

The good news is that choosing the right strain becomes much easier once you understand a few key factors.

• Indica strains provide calming effects ideal for pain relief and sleep
• Sativa varieties offer energizing benefits for focus and creativity
• Hybrid strains deliver balanced effects combining both indica and sativa characteristics
• THC and CBD ratios determine psychoactive intensity and therapeutic benefits
• Terpenes influence flavor and effects more than THC content alone



Our in-house flower collection features 70 hand-picked strains grown, trimmed, and packaged entirely in Montana. Elevated is widely respected in the industry for its consistent quality control and fresh product variety. We have enough different types of weed to match your specific needs for pain management, stress relief, or recreational enjoyment.

Keep reading to discover how to communicate with budtenders effectively. You'll learn the essential questions that ensure your perfect strain selection.

Understanding the Three Main Cannabis Types

When you're figuring out what type of weed to buy, the foundation starts with understanding the three main cannabis categories that form the backbone of every dispensary selection. Each type offers distinct effects and benefits, making your choice clearer once you understand what sets them apart.

What Makes Indica Different and When to Choose It

Indica strains are your go-to option for evening relaxation and physical relief. These plants produce effects that typically include deep body relaxation, stress reduction, and sleep promotion. Most people choose indica when they're dealing with:

• Chronic pain or muscle tension
• Insomnia or sleep difficulties
• High stress levels after long workdays
• Anxiety that manifests physically

At our Montana dispensaries, we've seen indica strains work particularly well for our veteran and tribal community members managing pain-related conditions. The effects usually peak within 1-2 hours and can last 4-6 hours, making timing important for your daily routine.

Sativa Characteristics and Energy Benefits

Sativa strains deliver the opposite experience, providing mental stimulation and physical energy. These varieties are ideal for daytime use when you need to stay productive and alert. Sativa effects commonly include:

• Increased creativity and focus
• Enhanced mood and sociability
• Physical energy without jitters
• Mental clarity for complex tasks

We recommend sativa strains for customers who want to integrate cannabis into active lifestyles or creative pursuits. College students in Bozeman and Missoula often prefer these for social activities or artistic projects.

Hybrid Varieties Offer Balanced Effects

Hybrid strains combine indica and sativa genetics to create balanced effects that can be customized for specific needs. These varieties fall into three subcategories:

• Indica-dominant hybrids: Relaxing with mild energy
• Sativa-dominant hybrids: Energizing with manageable relaxation
• Balanced hybrids: Equal parts of both effects

Our budtenders help customers navigate our 70+ hand-picked strains to find hybrids that match their specific wellness goals, whether that's managing daytime anxiety while staying productive or finding evening relief without complete sedation.

THC vs CBD: Finding Your Perfect Ratio

Understanding cannabinoid ratios is crucial when learning how to know what type of weed to buy for your specific needs. THC and CBD work differently in your body, and finding the right balance determines whether you'll achieve your wellness goals or experience unwanted effects.

What Does THC Actually Do to Your Body?

THC produces the psychoactive effects most people associate with cannabis. It binds directly to CB1 receptors in your brain, creating euphoria, altered perception, and increased appetite. Higher THC levels (15-30%) deliver stronger psychoactive effects, while lower concentrations (5-10%) provide mild relaxation without significant impairment.

THC works best for:

• Chronic pain relief
• Appetite stimulation
• Nausea reduction
• Sleep assistance
• Creative enhancement

Why Choose CBD for Non-Psychoactive Relief?

CBD offers therapeutic benefits without the high. It also moderates THC's psychoactive effects, making it perfect for daytime use or cannabis newcomers.

CBD may offer

• Anxiety and stress relief
• Inflammation relief
• General wellness maintenance

Finding Your Ideal THC:CBD Ratio

Different ratios serve specific purposes. Here's how to match ratios to your goals:

• 1:1 Ratio (Balanced): Equal parts THC and CBD provide mild psychoactive effects with enhanced therapeutic benefits. Perfect for pain relief without heavy impairment.
• High CBD (20:1 or higher): Minimal psychoactive effects with maximum therapeutic benefits. Ideal for anxiety or inflammation.
• High THC (20:1 THC:CBD): Strong psychoactive effects for severe pain, insomnia, or recreational use. Start with small doses.
• 2:1 CBD:THC: Gentle relaxation with minimal high. Great for first-time users or daytime anxiety relief.

Montana's Testing Standards Ensure Accurate Labeling

Montana requires comprehensive cannabinoid testing for all licensed cannabis products. Every product displays exact THC and CBD percentages, plus other cannabinoids like CBG and CBN. This testing eliminates guesswork when selecting ratios.

Our budtenders can explain each strain's specific ratio and help you find products matching your tolerance and goals. Rather than relying on generic recommendations, we provide personalized consultations based on your experience level and desired effects.

Start with lower ratios and increase gradually. Your perfect ratio depends on your tolerance, metabolism, and specific wellness needs.

Terpenes: The Secret to Strain Selection

Most people focus solely on THC percentages. But the real secret to finding your perfect strain lies in understanding terpenes, the aromatic compounds that determine how cannabis actually makes you feel.

What Are Terpenes and Why Do They Matter?



Terpenes are natural compounds found in many plants, including cannabis. They create the distinctive smells and flavors of different strains, but more importantly, they influence the effects you experience. A high-THC strain with relaxing terpenes will feel completely different from one with energizing terpenes.

Think of terpenes as the steering wheel for your cannabis experience. THC provides the power, but terpenes direct where that power takes you.

Common Terpenes and Their Effects

Here are the key terpenes you'll encounter:

Myrcene - Found in mangos and hops

• Creates sedating, couch-lock effects
• Perfect for evening relaxation and sleep

Limonene - Found in citrus peels

• Provides mood elevation and stress relief
• Great for daytime anxiety management

Pinene - Found in pine needles

• Promotes alertness and memory retention
• Counteracts some THC-induced memory issues

Linalool - Found in lavender

• Delivers calming, anti-anxiety effects
• Excellent for stress and sleep disorders

Caryophyllene - Found in black pepper

• Offers anti-inflammatory properties
• May help with pain without psychoactive effects

How Terpenes Work With THC and CBD

Terpenes create what scientists call the "entourage effect." They modify how cannabinoids interact with your body's receptors, either amplifying or mellowing the effects. A strain with 15% THC and the right terpene profile can feel stronger than a 25% THC strain with conflicting terpenes.

Working with Your Budtender: Questions to Ask



When you're figuring out how to know what type of weed to buy, your budtender becomes your most valuable resource. At our 18 Montana locations, we've trained our staff to guide you through our 70+ hand-picked strains with honest, direct communication that helps you make educated decisions.

The key is asking the right questions upfront to get personalized recommendations that match your specific needs.

What Effects Are You Looking For and How Quickly?

Start by describing your desired outcome in specific terms. Instead of saying "I want to feel good," explain whether you're seeking pain relief, better sleep, creative focus, or social energy.

Ask these essential questions about timing and intensity:

• How long does this strain typically take to show effects?
• What's the duration of the experience?
• Is this more of a body high or head high?
• Will this help me sleep or keep me awake?

Our budtenders can then match you with strains from our extensive rotation that deliver the specific effects you're seeking.

How Should I Communicate My Experience Level?

Be completely honest about your cannabis history. Whether you're a complete beginner or returning after years away, this information shapes every recommendation.

Share these details with your budtender:

• Your last cannabis experience and how it went
• Any products that worked well or poorly for you
• Your typical tolerance with alcohol or other substances
• Whether you prefer mild, moderate, or strong effects

This honesty helps us recommend appropriate THC/CBD ratios and consumption methods from our award-winning product lineup.

What Dosage Should I Start With?

Never leave without clear dosage guidance. Different consumption methods require completely different starting points.

Ask specifically about:

• Recommended starting dose for your chosen product
• How long to wait before taking more
• Signs you've taken too much
• How to manage overconsumption if it happens

For our in-house edibles, we always recommend starting with  5mg THC and waiting at least two hours before considering more.

How Do You Ensure Quality and Safety?

Understanding lab testing and quality assurance protects your investment and health. Every product in our dispensaries undergoes rigorous testing for potency, pesticides, and contaminants.

Key questions to ask:

• Can I see the lab results for this product?
• When was this tested and what did it show?
• How do you store products to maintain freshness?
• What's your return policy if I'm unsatisfied?

We maintain strict quality control throughout our growing, trimming, and packaging process, ensuring every product meets Montana's compliance standards while delivering consistent results.

Get the Best Montana Flower from Elevated



When you're learning how to know what type of weed to buy, having access to quality products and expert guidance makes all the difference. We've spent years perfecting our craft to bring you the finest cannabis flower Montana has to offer.

Our extensive selection includes over 70 hand-picked strains, all grown, trimmed, and packaged entirely in-house. This complete control over our production process ensures every product meets our strict quality standards before reaching your hands.

Lab-Tested Quality You Can Trust

Every strain we cultivate undergoes rigorous lab testing for potency, pesticides, and contaminants. This comprehensive testing process guarantees you're getting safe, consistent products every time you visit one of our locations.

We believe in complete transparency about what goes into our cannabis. Our lab results are always available, and our knowledgeable budtenders can walk you through the specific cannabinoid and terpene profiles of any strain you're considering

Expert Guidance for Every Experience Level

Our budtenders don't just sell cannabis - they educate. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to expand your knowledge, we take time to understand your specific needs and recommend strains that align with your wellness goals.

We refuse to use generic in-store menus because every person's cannabis journey is unique. Instead, we rely on personalized consultations to help you discover the perfect products for your lifestyle and preferences.

Whatever Your Perfect Strain May Be, Elevated Has It



Choosing the right cannabis strain shouldn't feel overwhelming or leave you guessing about effects. With hundreds of options available, newcomers often end up with products that don't match their needs, wasting money and missing out on the benefits they're seeking.

Elevated doesn’t work like that. Our knowledgeable Montana team takes the randomness out of cannabis selection, helping you understand indica, sativa, and hybrid differences while matching THC/CBD ratios to your specific goals.

Visit your nearest Elevated location today and let our expert budtenders guide you to the perfect strain for your needs.

Disclaimer



The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Cannabis affects everyone differently, and individual results may vary. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before using cannabis products, especially if you have a medical condition, are pregnant or nursing, or are taking prescription medications.

All cannabis products sold by Elevated are tested by state-licensed Montana laboratories for quality and compliance. Must be 21+ to purchase recreational cannabis, or a registered cardholder for medical products. Consume responsibly and in accordance with Montana state laws.