Whether you’re exploring cannabis for the first time or coming back after a decades-long break (“This isn’t what we had in the 70s…”), you’re in the right place. Today’s cannabis world can feel like walking into an REI for the first time: lots of options, lots of words you may not know, and friendly guides whose job is to help you make sense of it all. That’s what this FAQ is designed to do.
At Dunegrass, we love helping people navigate their first steps. Below you’ll find simple answers to the most common beginner questions, with approachable product category recommendations sprinkled in. As always, effects vary by person, and nothing here is medical advice; just friendly guidance from your local Northern Michigan Cannabis Outfitters.
What is THC? What is CBD?
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary compound in cannabis that produces the classic “high” feeling. CBD (cannabidiol) is another major compound, known for being non-intoxicating.
Think of THC as the lively friend who wants to go on an adventure and CBD as the friend who’s perfectly happy to chill on the porch. Many products contain a mix of both, and beginners often appreciate this balance, because it can make the experience feel a little smoother.
What’s the difference between indica, sativa, and hybrid?
You’ll hear these terms a lot, but think of them more as vibes than rules.
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Indica is commonly associated with relaxing, nighttime use. (Some folks remember this with the phrase “Indica = In-da-couch.”)
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Sativa is often described as uplifting or energizing.
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Hybrid sits somewhere in the middle.
Modern cannabis is almost always hybridized, so these categories aren’t strict science. They’re better understood as general guides. Your experience will depend on your body, your tolerance, and the product itself.
How do edibles differ from smoking or vaping?
Edibles are a completely different ride.
Smoking or vaping
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Effects can be felt quickly, often within minutes.
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The experience tends to be easier to “dose,” because you can take a puff or two and evaluate how you feel.
Edibles
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Effects take longer to kick in (typically 45–90 minutes). Quick-acting edibles exist, but we recommend traditional edibles for beginners.
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The experience tends to last longer.
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They can feel stronger because your body processes THC differently when it’s eaten.
For beginners, starting low and going slow is key. A common entry point is 2.5–5mg of THC, but again, effects vary by person.
If you’re looking for beginner-friendly edible brands, Wana gummies are well-known for consistent dosing and reliable experiences. Aim for 5-10mg THC per dose options to start. It’s always fine to cut high-dose edibles in half or quarters to get a smaller dose, and you’ll likely save some cash too!
How much cannabis should I take as a beginner?
The golden rule: Start low. Go slow.
This means:
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Edibles: Begin with 2.5–5mg THC, and wait at least 90 minutes before thinking about more.
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Smoking or vaping: Take one small puff, wait a few minutes, and see how you feel.
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Tinctures or beverages: Treat them like edibles; start with a partial serving.
You can always take more, but you can’t untake something once it hits. Your future self will thank you.
How long do cannabis effects last?
This depends on the consumption method:
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Smoking or vaping: 1–3 hours for most people
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Edibles: 4–6 hours (sometimes longer)
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Tinctures: Somewhere in the middle
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Beverages: Often a bit faster onset than traditional edibles
Your metabolism, tolerance, and whether you’ve eaten recently can all influence this so expect some variation.
Is cannabis safe?
Cannabis affects everyone differently, and it’s important to use it responsibly.
Some things to keep in mind:
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Avoid mixing cannabis with alcohol (more on this below).
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Give yourself time for effects to settle before driving or operating anything that needs your full attention.
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Start in a comfortable environment.
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Different people experience different effects; what’s mellow for your friend may feel stronger for you.
If you’re ever unsure, ask a budtender. While we can’t give medical advice, we can help you understand your options.
What products are good for beginners?
You don’t need to be a seasoned expert to find something you love. Here are a few approachable brand recommendations across categories:
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Flower: Plant Nerd offers easygoing strains that are flavorful, approachable, and great for casual sessions.
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Prerolls: Terple Gang is beginner-loved for consistent quality and smooth smoking experiences; no grinding or packing required.
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Edibles: Wana is a go-to for beginners thanks to reliable dosing and predictable effects.
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Vapes: Fresh Coast Extracts 2g disposables offer smooth, clean flavors in an easy-to-use device.
All of these options are popular with new or returning consumers because they’re simple, consistent, and user-friendly.
How do I store cannabis?
Proper storage keeps your cannabis fresh and your edibles tasting the way they should. Here’s how to get the most out of your products:
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Keep flower in an airtight container, away from heat and direct sunlight.
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Store edibles in a cool, dry place.
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Put vape cartridges somewhere upright and at room temperature.
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Don’t store anything in a hot car (Northern Michigan summers can be sneaky).
Child-resistant storage is also a smart idea if little hands or curious pets are around.
What should I expect during my first dispensary visit?
Walking into a dispensary might feel intimidating, but it shouldn’t. At Dunegrass, you’ll be greeted by friendly staff, asked to show your ID, and then invited into the shopping area.
Here’s what usually happens:
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You check in at the front desk.
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A budtender welcomes you, asks what you’re hoping to feel or avoid, and guides you through products.
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You can ask as many questions as you want. Seriously, we love questions!
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Staff will walk you through dosing, timing, and what to expect.
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You make your purchase, receive your sealed products, and head out.
You don’t need to know any jargon. You don’t need to know the difference between live resin and distillate. We’ve got you.
Can I mix cannabis with alcohol?
It’s best not to. Cannabis and alcohol can amplify each other in ways that feel unpleasant for many people, especially beginners. Since effects vary by person, combining the two can make it harder to predict how you’ll feel. Keeping them separate is usually the most comfortable experience.
What’s the deal with microdosing?
Microdosing is using very small amounts of cannabis, often 1–2mg of THC, to get a subtle effect. Some people use microdoses for daytime creativity or relaxation without feeling noticeably “high.” If you’re looking to microdose THC, we recommend trying the new Pixils Infused Sugar Clusters. They’re like the popular Nerds candy, but each piece is infused with about 1mg of THC. We really like the Cherry and Grape flavors!
If you’re curious, gummies are a great way to explore microdosing because they offer consistent amounts of THC per piece. Cutting gummies into smaller pieces is totally normal for beginners.
What is the entourage effect?
The entourage effect is the idea that cannabis compounds, things like cannabinoids and terpenes, may work together to create a fuller experience than any single component on its own. Think of it like music: one instrument is nice, but the whole band playing together creates something richer.
Again, this isn’t a medical claim; just a way people often describe how different parts of the plant can interact.
How do I avoid taking too much?
A few simple rules help keep things smooth:
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Start with a small dose, especially with edibles.
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Give yourself time before taking more.
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Try cannabis in a comfortable environment.
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If you don’t feel effects immediately (looking at you, edibles), resist the urge to “double up.”
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Have some water and snacks nearby.
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Relax; the effects will pass with time.
If you ever feel like you’ve taken more than you wanted, find a calm place to rest, breathe deeply, and give your body time to settle. You’ll be okay.
Final Thoughts
Cannabis doesn’t have to be confusing. With a bit of guidance, a slow approach, and some quality beginner-friendly brands like Plant Nerd, Terple Gang, Wana, and Fresh Coast, your first experience can be enjoyable and comfortable.
As always, your experience may vary, and nothing in this guide is meant as medical advice. When in doubt, ask your local budtender; we’re here to help you explore confidently, safely, and at your own pace.
