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Cannabis 101 in Queens: A Friendly Guide for First-Time Shoppers

Buying weed in New York City can feel overwhelming or confusing, with so many options for cannabis products and where to shop. But at House of Strains, we’re here to help you navigate the experience simply and comfortably. 

Located in Flushing, Queens, House of Strains redefines what it means to be a dispensary with educated budtenders, welcoming decor, and a delivery radius from Manhattan to Montauk

Keep reading to learn more!

 

What to Know Before Visiting a Dispensary

Here’s what you need to know before you walk in the door: 

  • You must be 21 years old or older, with a valid state or federal ID 
  • Out of state IDs are valid 
  • You can pay with cash, debit card, or Areopay. We have an ATM onsite
  • No knowledge of cannabis is necessary!
  • Asking questions is encouraged – we’re here to help. 
  • There is a product limit: 3 ounces of flower and 24 grams of concentrate (yes, it’s a lot!)
house of strains blog cannabis 101 in queens a friendly guide to first time shoppers understanding cannabis basics

Understanding Cannabis Basics

One of the most common questions we get at House of Strain is exactly what cannabis is, and how it works in the body. 

Cannabis is a plant that has evolved with humans for over 10,000 years. It contains compounds called cannabinoids, which include THC and CBD, and interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in your body. 

Every person has an ECS, and this system has receptors on every organ in your body. The ECS is like a fingerprint – everyone’s is unique. The differences between endocannabinoid systems is why people’s experiences with cannabis can vary. 

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the most famous cannabinoid and is responsible for the intoxicating effects of weed. CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid, but it’s still psychoactive – which means it has measurable effects in the brain, without that “high” feeling. 

 

Common Cannabis Product Types

There are a few types of cannabis products you’ll find at every dispensary. 

  • Flower: The most traditional option. Ground and smoked in bowls or papers, flower is versatile and easy to dose, though smoking isn’t for everyone.
  • Pre-Rolls: Ready-to-use joints that require no prep. Popular with beginners, they typically come in 0.5g or 1g sizes and can also be infused for added potency.
  • Vapes: A concentrated form of cannabis that’s easy to use and discreet, with less odor than smoking. Vapes can be potent, so smaller doses are often best to start.
  • Edibles: Gummies, chocolates, and drink additives offer a smoke-free option. They take longer to kick in but last longer than inhaled cannabis.
  • Concentrates: Highly potent extracts available in various textures and forms. These are best suited for experienced consumers.

 

Our budtenders are here to help you find the best cannabis products for your ECS and your needs. We always, always recommend that people start with a low dose and go slow when trying new products to understand how these products affect your body. 

 

How to Choose the Right Product for You

There are many factors that go into finding the right cannabis products. 

Consider the following questions when browsing House of Strains’ selection: 

  • How do I want to feel? Relaxation, creativity, socialization, and better sleep are all common answers to this question.
  • Where will I be consuming? Smoking a joint with friends before a party will feel very different than taking an edible at 8 pm before you start your bedtime routine. 
  • What is my tolerance? New consumers often have a low THC tolerance, which means that lower doses and less potent products can be a better fit. Experienced consumers may want stronger, more potent products to achieve their desired experience. 

 

These are tricky questions, especially when faced with hundreds of options. That’s where our Oaksterdam University-certified budtenders come in. 

Their education ensures a deep understanding of how cannabis works in the body, and they are well-versed in our inventory so they can help you narrow down your selection to find the products that match your preference.

house of strains blog cannabis 101 in queens a friendly guide to first time shoppers what sets house of strains apart

What Sets House of Strains Apart

When you visit House of Strains, you get more than a highly curated product selection; you’ll chat with budtenders who remember your name and care about your experience. Every product we carry has been carefully vetted for quality and safety so you can consume with confidence. 

We want you to stay awhile, and our dispensary has been designed for just that, with comfortable lounge decor and thoughtfully selected art pieces that create a welcoming environment for everyone. 

Inclusivity is a core value for House of Strains; cannabis is for everyone, and so is our dispensary. 

 

Shopping Your Way at House of Strains

It’s never been easier to buy cannabis in New York City. Order online or through the app for curbside delivery, or same-day home delivery in all five boroughs, and Long Island. 

If you’d rather visit us in-person, our budtenders are here to walk you through the product selection and find what best fits your needs. 

 

Rewards, Returns & Customer-First Policies

Our rewards program is designed to save you money from your very first visit. You’ll earn points on every purchase, and you can stack those to earn discounts on real products. 

We stand behind the quality of every purchase, and if something goes wrong, we’ll make it right. That’s why we offer a 15-day satisfaction guarantee on all hardware and products purchased at House of Strains. 

 

First-Time Tips from the HoS Team

Here’s what our budtenders advise during your first dispensary visit: 

  • Start small. This can be a small purchase or low-potency products. There’s no rush to jump into the deep end. Take your time and feel comfortable with what you’re consuming. 
  • No pressure. Buy as little as you want. If you want a single eighth or one 5-pack of gummies, that’s fine. 
  • Ask questions. Ask the big questions and the small ones, the silly questions and the serious. There’s no such thing as a dumb question when it comes to cannabis. 
  • Have fun! Visiting a dispensary should be a stress-free experience that leaves you feeling confident and comfortable with your purchase. 

 

Cannabis Made Simple in Queens

Cannabis doesn’t have to be intimidating – and when you visit House of Strains first, you’ll find unparalleled customer service and cannabis education that ensure you find exactly what you need to feel how you want. We also have a rewards program, so you can earn points every time you stock up on your favorite product. 

If you’ve been thinking about visiting a dispensary, now is the perfect time to stop by House of Strains, where comfort and education come first. Our knowledgeable budtenders are here to answer every question, because you deserve to consume with confidence. 

Don’t have time to come in? Order online for curbside pickup or delivery, from Manhattan to Montauk. Our house is your house, and the door is always open.


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.

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