How to Choose the Right Cannabis Strain at a Dispensary

Standing in front of a dispensary menu with dozens of strains can be overwhelming. Here is a simple framework that makes it easy.

Step 1: Define Your Goal

• Relaxation and stress relief → indica or indica-dominant hybrid
• Creativity and social energy → sativa or sativa-dominant hybrid
• Sleep → indica with myrcene or linalool terpenes
• First time → low-THC hybrid, 15% or under

Step 2: Look at the THC Percentage

• Under 15% — Mild. Great for beginners.
• 15-20% — Moderate. The sweet spot for most consumers.
• 20-25%+ — Strong. For experienced consumers.

Step 3: Check the Terpenes

• Myrcene — Earthy. Relaxation and sedation.
• Limonene — Citrusy. Mood elevation and stress relief.
• Caryophyllene — Peppery. May reduce anxiety.
• Linalool — Floral. Calming and sleep.

Step 4: Ask Your Budtender

Tell them your goal and experience level. They will narrow it down to the best two or three options. At Stashouse in Moline and Maryville, IL, our team knows every product on the shelf. Browse at stashouse.com.