Long before Legal Marijuana Dispensaries blew up in major cities including Chicago, April 20 has been celebrated in the cannabis culture.
The origins of 4/20 trace back to the early 1970s where “420” was used as a codeword for a group of highschoolers in California to search for abandoned cannabis crops. High Times popularized this story in May 1991 and sparked the widely celebrated day of advocacy and appreciation for Legal Marijuana and cannabis culture.
People try THC products for both medicinal and recreational reasons. Since legalization, it’s now easier and safer for adults to control what they are buying. It’s also a great time to ease into it if have been wanting to try it but have not before. Mostly because you have a lot of choices in product and price-point and it’s fun!
Thinking about joining the celebration this year but not sure how to navigate your local dispensary? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Walking in with a game plan can make your visit quicker and easier. Instead of spending time learning about every product on the spot, it helps to know what you’re looking for ahead of time and come prepared even if there’s no sales associate available to help.
This blog will guide you through organizing your dispensary visit so you can make your legal marijuana shopping the high point of your day!
Legal Marijuana; A Dispensary Vibe Guide
The question when choosing what to buy is how do you want to feel?
Since becoming legal, and therefore commercialized, THC product choices have exploded. Gone is the day of buying from a friend of a friend, and just trusting what you’re getting is safe, priced appropriately, and going to have the effect you desire. When you go to one of the 25 recreationally legal marijuana dispensaries in the city of Chicago you will be presented with options based on your preferences.
Sativa vs Indica
Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid cannabis plants exhibit distinct physical characteristics that set them apart. Strains from a sativa plant are typically tall and thin with elongated leaves. They can grow up to 12 feet or more and thrive in tropical climates. Their light green coloration and less dense buds make them visually distinct.
Indica plants, in contrast, are short and bushy, often growing no more than 4–6 feet in height. They have darker green leaves and produce more dense buds, making them ideal for cooler climates.
Hybrid plants, as the name suggests, display a mix of these characteristics, with varying leaf structures, plant heights, and bud densities based on their genetic lineage. Hybrid plants are often grown with specific characteristics and intended effects in mind. Although it affects everybody differently, the intended effects of the three cannabis types differ significantly.
How will you feel?
Sativa strains are known for their uplifting and energizing effects, making them ideal for daytime use. They often enhance creativity, focus, and sociability, and are commonly associated with a cerebral, euphoric high. This makes them popular among individuals seeking relief from depression, fatigue, or mood disorders.
Indica strains, on the other hand, are more sedative and relaxing. They are often used in the evening or before bed to promote sleep, relieve stress, and soothe physical pain. The deep body relaxation they provide makes them a preferred choice for those suffering from chronic pain, anxiety, or insomnia.
Hybrid strains offer a blend of both Sativa and Indica effects, with some leaning more towards one side than the other. Balanced hybrids can provide a combination of mental stimulation and physical relaxation, making them versatile for different times of the day.
Some say you can’t spell healthcare without “THC.” Some hybrids are specifically bred for medicinal benefits. They target specific symptoms like inflammation, nausea, or anxiety with customized effects. The diversity within hybrids allows you to find a strain that best suits your personal needs. Whether you seek relaxation, focus, or a balanced experience, there are hundreds of established and up and coming strains so you can find your perfect match.
Flower vs Edibles
When choosing between flower and edibles at a dispensary, it’s important to consider factors like onset time, duration, and desired effects.
Flower, which is smoked or vaped, provides almost immediate effects that typically last a few hours. That makes it a great choice for those who want fast-acting relief or a more controllable experience. It also allows users to fine-tune their dosage by taking small hits until they reach their desired high.
Edibles take longer to kick in—usually between 30 minutes to 2 hours—but they deliver a stronger, longer-lasting high that can last 6–8 hours or more. They’re a great option for anyone seeking sustained relief or a smoke-free experience. That said, edibles can be tricky to dose because of the delayed effects. If you’re new, start low (2.5–5 mg of THC) and wait before taking more.
From gummies and chocolates to THC-infused drinks, edibles make getting high fun and flavorful. Check out the menu at Parkway Dispensary or stay high-drated with a THC drink from Chicago’s Prohibition THC Cafe.
In the end, choosing between flower and edibles comes down to your lifestyle and how much control you want over your cannabis experience.
CBD and Delta products
CBD and Delta products provide alternative cannabis experiences with different effects. In Chicago, you can legally buy them at smoke shops, coffee shops, and other retailers. They come in various forms, including edibles, smokeables, and topicals.
CBD
CBD doesn’t get you high. Instead, people use it to help with pain, anxiety, and inflammation. It’s especially popular for topical pain relief and other wellness benefits.
Delta-8
Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC are both psychoactive, but they differ in strength. Delta-9 is the main THC found in traditional cannabis and produces a stronger high. Delta-8, a milder cousin, offers a more relaxed experience with fewer intense effects. In Fact, because it contains lower levels of THC, Delta-8 remains legal at the federal level.
In conclusion, when visiting a legal dispensary you have many choices to make.
This blog should have prepared you to buy recreational cannabis with confidence. Knowing what effects you would like to get from the experience, how you want to consume it, and how much you can tolerate is a great start!
Once you get your goodies home, it’s time to organize them into your space. Watch to see what we recommend to reuse, label, contain and store your stash and supplies like a professional. Happy and safe 420.
What do you do to prepare for a dispensary visit? Share your vibe with us.
As of January 1, 2020, recreational consumption, possession, and sales of cannabis products are legal in the State of Illinois. Only use marijuana if you are over 21 and it is legal in your state.
