Flower, Vapes, or Edibles? How to Choose What’s Right for You and Your Customers
Walking into a dispensary for the first time can feel a little like walking into a candy store where everything has a chemistry degree. Flower, vapes, edibles, concentrates, oh my! Suddenly you're standing in front of a budtender or kiosk thinking, “Okay, but which one is actually for me?” Or maybe it’s your first day behind the counter, looking for the best way to help the customer standing in front of you. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or helping someone else find the right product, there are a few key factors to consider. In this article, we’ll break down the difference between flower, vapes, and edibles, and explore how factors like experience level, intended effects, onset, and duration can help narrow down the options. First things first, the best place to start isn't with “What’s the highest THC percentage?” or “What’s the strongest?” It’s with a better question: “What am I—or my customer—looking for?” Experience level, personal preferences, intended use, preferred onset, and how long someone wants the effects to last can all help point them toward the product type that makes the most sense for them.
Flower: The Classic; Grind, Roll, Pack, and Puff.
Flower is a great first option. Most of the time, you are able to see it, smell it, explore different terpene profiles, and oftentimes you can choose from a wide variety of cannabinoid combinations. With a little bit of heat, the flower smoke is inhaled and can produce effects relatively quickly within minutes, typically lasting 1-3 hours. Flower may appeal to someone who is new to cannabis and wants to experience the effects and adjust their consumption higher, gradually.
Flower may be a good fit for consumers who are:
- New to cannabis
- Enjoy the traditional experience
- Like exploring terpene profiles, their effects, and aromas
- Want quick onset time
- Prefer to control their consumption gradually
A good thing to remember is that smoke is still smoke! Traditional flower does not automatically guarantee it’s risk-free. Many physicians recommend other consumption methods to avoid damage to the lungs, like edibles or tinctures.
Vapes: The Quick and Convenient
Vapes are another form of an inhaled option and are very popular for their convenience, portability, and discretion. Like flower, they have a quicker onset time than edibles and deliver cannabinoids through the lungs. These devices fit in your pocket, have little to no odor, and work in seconds. The major caution is the flip side of how convenient they can be: because each pull is so effortless, it can be easy to take more than you had planned. It can take a little more discipline than you think!
Vapes may appeal to someone who:
- Wants quick onset
- Convenience
- Doesn't want the cannabis odor
- Doesn't feel like grinding or rolling
- Wants something discreet and portable
One thing to keep in mind is potency. Vapes can contain highly concentrated cannabis, so the biggest number on the package isn't automatically the trophy winner. Sometimes you don't always need to bring a megaphone to the party.
Edibles: The Patient One
Edibles are a completely different experience from smoking flower or vaping. Instead of inhaling cannabis, you are letting your digestive system handle the transaction. And your digestive system apparently likes to take the scenic route in the body. Edibles can take 30 minutes to two hours to feel the onset effects and last anywhere from 4-8 hours longer than inhaled flower or vaped cannabis.
Edibles may appeal to people who:
- Prefer not to inhale smoke or vapors
- Want a longer-lasting experience
- Like a tasty, convenient dosed treat
- Premeasured products
We’ll let you in on a golden rule: start slow and go low! Don't let these tasty dosed treats fool you. You take one, and maybe nothing happens. So, you take another. And then suddenly the first gummy decides to clock in for work, and you're left on the moon. You can blame your digestive system for the delayed onset of the edibles and having to interact with your endocannabinoid system. Make sure to follow the product label and give it plenty of time before reaching for one more.
What About Medical Use?
When someone is exploring cannabis for wellness, the conversations should focus more on their goals and preferences, and not make any medical claims or promises. Budtenders can educate customers about product types, terpenes, cannabinoids, potency, and methods of consumption, but should not diagnose conditions or promise that any type of product will cure or treat something.
Some helpful questions for budtenders are:
- What are you looking to achieve/what are your goals? Sleep? Hunger? etc..
- Are you looking for something fast-acting or longer- lasting?
- Inhalation or an edible?
- Have you used cannabis before?
- Are you looking for something lower in THC
- Are you looking for a specific terpene?
If you or a customer has questions about cannabis or a specific health condition, medication, or a treatment plan, encouraging them to speak with a healthcare professional is always the best route to take.
Recreational Use?
For recreational use, think about the experience you want or the activity. Relaxing at home? Hanging with friends? Going to a concert? Flower and vapes offer quick onset times, while edibles take much longer. The right choice depends on the person’s desired experience, preferences, and plans. Regardless of the product, don't drive impaired. Cannabis can affect everyone differently, including your coordination, reaction time, attention, and decision-making.
Choosing between flower, vapes, and edibles isn’t about finding the “best” or highest THC percentage. It’s about finding what fits you, or your customer, best. Start slow, go low, consider your experience level and intention, and don’t let a giant THC number on a testing label convince you that bigger is better.
Think back to the candy store from the beginning: there is no single best piece of candy for everyone. Some people want something sweet and simple; some are looking for something chocolatey or savory. The same goes for cannabis. With so many options out there, the goal isn’t to find the strongest product; it’s to find the right one for the person.
Connect with us on Instagram @North_Star_Manufacturing with any questions you have when trying to decide between vapes, carts, and edibles. We would be happy to help guide you in the right direction!
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