What Are You Smoking?

With the advent of modern technology, humankind has been spurred to invent many, many, ways of ingesting cannabis. When I was in middle school, you could leave 2 kids with an apple and a Swiss Army knife for 30 minutes and they'd come back with a bong. Fast forward to over a decade later, kids are smoking out of vapes with a Honda Civic dashboard. If that’s not an example of the indomitable human spirit, I don’t know what is.

Today we are spoiled with choice: flower, edibles, vapes, tinctures, oils, etc. You may become overwhelmed by the amount of options, and in this economy, you don’t want to spend money on something that’s not right for you. But don’t worry - we got you covered. We’re going to go over how to choose the right product for your needs. Whether you’re a newbie or a veteran, we at Herbarium are here to help you find the herb you deserve.

 

Start With Your Intentions

First things first: let’s figure out what you want cannabis for. Do you need cannabis for anxiety or sleep? Or are you looking for the best cannabis for pain? Is it for medical or recreational use? Or is it maybe a bit of both?

Knowing the different purposes of what you need it for can help narrow down the types of products best suited for those situations. If you use it during the day or at night, at home or outside, to feel relaxed or creative - these are important factors to consider when choosing a product.

Flower (a.k.a. Bud, Weed, Herb)

The most common way is smoking weed via a joint, pipe, bong, etc. Cannabis flower is fast-acting, and there are countless strains to try. And if you’re not Seth Rogen or don’t want to take time rolling joints, you can also buy pre-rolls, which makes it more accessible for beginners.

Just be careful not to cough your lungs out to the point of crying in front of your Hinge date and get ghosted. Just my opinion.

Pros:

✔ Fast-acting
✔ Wide range of strains
✔ Full-spectrum experience

Considerations:

• Smell lingers
• Requires some gear unless pre-rolled
• Coughing may give the ick

Best for: People who want quick relief and want to try different varieties

Click to browse our flower from: Los Angeles (West Hollywood), Los Angeles (Pico), and New York (Queens)

 

Edibles

Cannabis edibles are a more tasteful way to enjoy weed, such as THC gummies, infused beverages, and baked goods to get baked good. The main downside is that it takes a while for them to kick in, which may lead to another dose that ends up making it worse. And let me tell you, that was one of the worst times to have a family emergency.

The key is to start low (2.5-5mg THC) and wait before another dose. You may want to clear your day for these.

Pros:

✔ Discreet and portable
✔ No smoking involved
✔ Effects last 4–8 hours

Considerations:

• Effects take 30–90 minutes to kick in
• Dosage matters — always start low and be patient

Best for: People who want a smoke-free option or anyone needing long-lasting relief.

Click to browse our edibles from: Los Angeles (West Hollywood), Los Angeles (Pico), and New York (Queens)

 

Vapes (Cartridges, Pens, Disposables)

Cannabis vape pens have been increasing in popularity, bringing up the debate between vaping vs. smoking. Vapes are also fast-acting, but more discreet than a joint or pipe. They’re more accessible but also more expensive. They vary in strength so double check the potency when buying.

Pros:

✔ Fast onset (within minutes)
✔ Odor dissipates quickly
✔ Easy to microdose

Considerations:

• Potency varies — always check labels
• Choose licensed, lab-tested brands for safety
• Still risk of coughing

Best for: People who want fast, clean, and low-profile cannabis use.

Click to browse our vapes from: Los Angeles (West Hollywood), Los Angeles (Pico), and New York (Queens)

 

Tinctures & Oils

Tinctures are liquid cannabis extracts usually taken under the tongue (sublingually) or added to food/drinks. With these you can measure more precise doses, which means it might take more time to find what works for you.

Pros:

✔ Precise dosing
✔ Lower sugar than edibles
✔ Versatile use

Considerations:

• Flavor may be herbal or earthy
• Takes some experimenting to find your sweet spot

Best for: Wellness-focused users looking for flexibility and control.

Click to browse our tinctures from: Los Angeles (West Hollywood), Los Angeles (Pico), and New York (Queens)

 

Topicals (Creams, Balms, Patches)

Cannabis topicals provide localized relief without a “high.” They’re great for sore muscles, joint pain, and even skincare. These are less for recreational use, and more for overall wellness.

Pros:

✔ No psychoactive effects
✔ Targets specific areas
✔ Available with THC or CBD

Considerations:

• Effects stay on the surface — you won’t feel “high”
• Works best with consistent use

Best for: Athletes, wellness seekers, or anyone looking to ease tension without altering their state of mind.

Click to browse our topicals from: Los Angeles (West Hollywood), Los Angeles (Pico), and New York (Queens)

 

Still Unsure?

Everyone reacts to different things in different ways, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and see for yourself. At Herbarium, we’re a community-based dispensary dedicated to helping you find what cannabis can do for you. We can work together to tailor the perfect recommendations that will fit just right.

Find the Herb You Deserve

It takes time to find the right product for you, and we are here to help. You can visit us at any of our locations, and we will be happy to help. If you want to check out our products right away, you can check out our locations in Los Angeles at West Hollywood or Pico, and New York.