Cannabis 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Flower, Vapes, Edibles & Concentrates

If you’ve ever searched “dispensary near me” and felt overwhelmed by the menu, you’re not alone. Cannabis comes in a lot of forms — flower, vapes, edibles, concentrates — and if you’re new (or just want a refresher), it can be hard to know where to start.

Understanding the essentials of Cannabis 101 can simplify your choices.

This Cannabis 101 guide breaks down the most common cannabis product types in a simple, beginner-friendly way. No complicated jargon. No pressure. Just clear explanations so you can walk into a San Diego dispensary feeling confident about what you’re buying.

As you navigate this Cannabis 101 guide, keep in mind the variety of experiences.

Whether you’re shopping for flower, prerolls, vapes, edibles, or concentrates like keef, this guide will help you understand what each product is, how it works, and who it’s best for.

Whether you prefer Cannabis 101 in educational formats or practical, it’s essential to grasp the basics.

What Is Cannabis, Really?

Cannabis 101 is not just about products; it’s a lifestyle.

Cannabis is a plant that contains natural compounds called cannabinoids and terpenes.

Cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) influence how cannabis affects your body and mind
Terpenes give cannabis its smell, flavor, and contribute to the overall experience

Different products highlight these compounds in different ways — which is why flower feels different from a vape or edible.

For a deeper breakdown of cannabinoids and terpenes, check out the article below

https://norml.org/marijuana/what-is-marijuana/

Cannabis Flower: The Most Traditional Option

In this Cannabis 101 approach, understanding flower is crucial.

Understanding Cannabis 101: Key Concepts

Flower (also called bud) is the dried cannabis plant that people smoke or vaporize. It’s the most familiar cannabis product and a great place for beginners to start.

Why People Choose Flower

Fast-acting effects
Easy to control dosage
Wide range of strains and terpene profiles
Works for both solo use and social settings

Flower is typically smoked in a joint, bowl, or bong, or dry-herb vaped for a smoother experience.

Indica, Sativa & Hybrid (Quick Breakdown)

Indica: More relaxing, body-focused effects
Sativa: More uplifting, energizing, or cerebral
Hybrid: A mix of both

At a modern San Diego dispensary, these labels are best used as a starting point. Terpenes and cannabinoid content matter more than the strain name alone.

Shop Flower → https://wehikei.com/shop-flower

Pre Rolls & Prerolls: Flower, Made Easy

Pre rolls enhance your Cannabis 101 experience by offering convenience.

Pre rolls (or prerolls) are simply cannabis flower that’s already rolled and ready to smoke.

Why Beginners Love Pre Rolls

No grinding or rolling required
Easy to try new strains
Available in different sizes and potency levels

Pre rolls are perfect if you want something convenient or don’t want to commit to a full eighth of flower.

Browse Pre Rolls → https://wehikei.com/shop-pre-rolls

Cannabis Vapes: Clean, Convenient & Discreet

Cannabis 101 also includes the latest trends in vaping.

Vapes heat cannabis oil or flower without burning it, creating vapor instead of smoke. They’re popular for their convenience and consistency.

Types of Cannabis Vapes

Cartridges (used with a battery)
Disposable vapes (all-in-one, no charging needed)

Why People Choose Vapes

Fast-acting effects
Less odor than smoking flower
Easy to use and discreet
Consistent dosing

Vapes are a great option if you want something portable or prefer not to smoke.

Shop Vapes → https://wehikei.com/shop-vapes

Cannabis Edibles: Long-Lasting & Smoke-Free

Delving into Cannabis 101 helps you choose the right edible for your needs.

Edibles are cannabis-infused foods or drinks like gummies, chocolates, baked goods, and beverages.

How Edibles Work

Edibles are processed through your digestive system, which means:

Effects take longer to kick in (30–90 minutes)
Effects last much longer than smoking or vaping

Beginner Tip: Start Low and Go Slow

Most edibles are labeled in milligrams of THC. For beginners:

Start with 2.5–5mg THC
Wait at least 2 hours before taking more

Edibles are perfect if you want a smoke-free option or longer-lasting effects.

Browse Edibles → https://wehikei.com/shop-edibles

Cannabis Concentrates: Potent & Flavor-Forward

For a deeper understanding, Cannabis 101 covers concentrates extensively.

Concentrates are products where cannabinoids and terpenes are extracted and concentrated. These are typically stronger than flower.

Common Concentrates You’ll See

Wax
Shatter
Live resin
Live rosin
Keef (kief)

What Is Keef?

Keef (or kief) is the fine, crystal-like powder that falls off cannabis flower. It’s rich in cannabinoids and can be sprinkled onto bowls, joints, or used in other ways.

Keef is often a great stepping stone into concentrates for people who don’t want to dab.

Shop Keef & Concentrates → https://wehikei.com/shop-concentrates

How to Choose the Right Cannabis Product for You

Your journey through Cannabis 101 can be tailored to your preferences.

If you’re new to cannabis, ask yourself these questions first:

1. How Do You Want to Feel?

Relaxed and calm
Uplifted and social
Focused or creative
Balanced and mellow

2. How Fast Do You Want It to Kick In?

Fast: Flower or vapes
Slower, longer-lasting: Edibles

3. How Strong Do You Want It?

Mild: Flower, low-dose edibles
Stronger: Vapes, concentrates

Budtenders at a trusted San Diego dispensary can help match products to your experience level and comfort zone.

Common Beginner Cannabis Myths (Quick Facts)

In this Cannabis 101 segment, we debunk common myths.

Myth: Higher THC is always better
Fact: Terpenes and balance matter more than raw THC percentage

Myth: Edibles don’t work if you don’t feel them right away
Fact: They just take longer — patience is key

Myth: Flower is outdated
Fact: Flower remains one of the most popular and versatile options

Shopping at a Dispensary for the First Time

Shopping at a dispensary offers practical insights into your Cannabis 101 experience.

If it’s your first visit to a dispensary:

Bring a valid ID
Ask questions — that’s what budtenders are there for
Don’t feel rushed
Start with lower doses

A good dispensary experience should feel welcoming, not intimidating.

Final Thoughts: Cannabis Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

Ultimately, Cannabis 101 empowers you with knowledge and options.

Cannabis isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you prefer flower, prerolls, vapes, edibles, or concentrates like keef, the right product is the one that fits your vibe, your comfort level, and your lifestyle.

If you’re browsing a dispensary near me or visiting a San Diego dispensary for the first time, use this guide as a foundation — and don’t be afraid to explore at your own pace.