A First-Time Buyer’s Guide to Edibles

Edible-curious but not sure where to start or even how to buy them? All of the different choices available today can feel overwhelming. But remember, even the most regular user you know was a first-timer once.

Bringing a friend or family member can help you ease into the dispensary experience, but even if you’re shopping solo or online, we’re here to help. We put together this beginner-friendly guide so you can feel confident shopping for edibles for the very first time. (We’ve also answered all of your other most burning edibles-related questions in this complete first-timer’s guide. Definitely give it a read before you partake!) 

How Do Dispensaries Work?

When you first enter a dispensary, you’ll likely walk into a lobby before going into the store. There, a staff member or security guard will be waiting to greet you and check your ID. Once inside, feel free to take a look around the merchandise displayed throughout the store, or wait to speak to the first available budtender working behind the counter. They’ll either call you up when they’re ready to help, or you just wait in line for your turn.

What is a Budtender?

A coffee shop has baristas; a dispensary has budtenders. It’s their job to answer any questions you may have and guide you to the best products for your edible journey.

Feel free to ask them anything! Here are some questions to get you started:

• It’s my first time trying edibles. I’m looking for something that will help me wind down at night. What do you suggest?
• I’m just starting out with edibles, and I haven’t tried other forms of cannabis. What’s the best product or format for me to try first?
• Can you run me through the edible labels and strengths?

Your budtender will likely ask you some questions to help find your best fit. They’ll want to know why you’re seeking out edibles and what kind of feeling you’re looking for. That could be support for relaxing, winding down, or being more present. 

Reading the Label

Since you’re new to edibles, the budtender will steer you towards products with lower THC content, likely between 2.5mg and 5mg per serving. 

Edible formulas don’t just contain different dosages; they may also contain hemp-derived compounds beyond THC, like CBC, CBN, and CBG. They're usually added to enhance a formula's effect, whether that’s to uplift mood or support relaxation. Once you have a little bit more experience under your belt, you’ll likely find the right ratio of THC to other cannabinoids for the type of high you're after. But in the beginning, paying attention to the amount of THC is the most important, as that’s the cannabinoid responsible for a weed edible’s psychoactive effects, or that classic “high” feeling. 

When looking at an edible’s label, you’re likely to notice two different THC mgs listed — one higher and one lower. The higher amount refers to the total mg of THC in the package (usually this hovers around 100 mg), the lower mg amount refers to how much THC is in a single serving, be it a gummy or piece of chocolate. 

What’s Your (Edible) Type?

Edibles come in a variety of forms and flavors, from gummies to mints to chocolate bars, and more. The one you pick will depend on a few different factors, including product strength and the results you’re looking for. 

Here are a few of our intro-level favorites:

• Espresso Dark Chocolate Bar: Made with 5mg of THC per serving (one piece) and 5mg of CBD per serving, for a 1:1 ratio to help you slow down and unwind.
• ‘Recover’ Freshly Squeezed Gummies: Calm both mind and body with 5mg of THC and 10mg of CBD (non-psychoactive) per gummy. 
• Tart Cherry Mints: Just 2.5mg THC per mint, these are light, subtle, and easy to take on the go.

Ordering Edibles Online

Looking to shop online instead? You can find and order edibles through licensed vendors. Websites like weedmaps.com give you the option to have products delivered from a local dispensary, or you can shop directly at some brand sites, including our very own Kiva Confections, where you can buy Camino gummies, Lost Farm chews, Petra mints, Kiva chocolate bars, and Terra chocolate bites. (Our virtual budtender can also help you explore your best edible options based on occasion or effect.)

For online orders, you might be required to meet a minimum spend. Most dispensaries accept payment via cash, debit card, or platforms that link directly to your bank account. But if you’re ordering online, it could open up other options, like credit cards or PayPal. Payment can happen either at checkout or at delivery.

Once your online order arrives, you’ll have to show and verify your ID, just like you would at a dispensary.

Set Up for Success

Now that you’ve got your edibles in hand, let’s walk through some tips that can help you have the best experience possible. 

• Set up in a comfortable space. That could be your home, a friend’s house, or even a park or yard.
• Start with the recommended dosage, or, better yet, just take half. You can simply cut or just bite off half of the edible.
• Wait 2 full hours for the edible to kick in; your packaging should have clear instructions on timing. 
• If you don’t notice a difference after 2 hours, you can take another dose. You can always take more if you’re not feeling the effects, but you can’t go back in time and take less, so always start low and go slow. 

Effects tend to last a few hours, but everyone is different. Remember, if this edible format or formula isn’t right for you, it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. When you’re ready to try again, your local budtender will be there to help!

Rounding It Out

All in all, your edible journey should be as stress-free as possible. Remember to start low, go slow, and don’t be afraid to ask your budtender the questions you need to feel comfortable. 

Want to start with some window shopping? Explore the full KIVA edibles collection and discover the possibilities. 

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Liza Semenova is a Brooklyn-based copywriter, specializing in the wellness space. In her free time, she enjoys exploring all the city has to offer (often powered by cannabis).