The basics, no jargon.

Quick rule of thumb: indica = body-heavy, sativa = head-forward, hybrid = both. It's a simplification — modern strains are mostly hybrids, and how a strain lands depends more on the specific terpene profile than the indica/sativa label. But for shopping, the labels still help: people who like heavier, earthier profiles often start with indica. People who like brighter, citrus profiles often start with sativa. In-between, hybrid.

Start low. 2.5–5 mg THC is plenty for most first-timers. The full effect can take 60–90 minutes to kick in (longer if you ate a heavy meal), and a misdosed edible can stretch into a long, uncomfortable few hours. Common mistake: take 10 mg, feel nothing at 30 minutes, take another 10 mg — then the first one hits and you're way in over your head. Wait two full hours before considering a second dose. Have a non-cannabis snack on hand.

THC% on flower is the percent of the flower's weight that's THC. 18% is mid; 22%+ is high; 28%+ is very high. Higher isn't always better — terpene content and curing matter just as much for the experience. On edibles, look at total mg per package AND per piece — a 100 mg gummy bag with 10 pieces is 10 mg per gummy. CBD is the non-intoxicating cannabinoid; CBD-heavy products don't get you high — people reach for them when they want the cannabinoid without the head change.

Terpenes are the aromatic compounds in cannabis (and in basically every plant). They're why one strain smells citrusy and another smells like pine. Terpenes also shape how a strain lands: myrcene shows up in strains people pick for a body-heavy session, limonene in ones they reach for when they want a mood lift, pinene in daytime-leaning strains, linalool in ones folks pick to wind down. If a strain smells right to you, it's a decent first signal that it'll feel right too. Ask a budtender — we'll match by smell.

Bring a valid 21+ ID. We'll check at the door and again at the counter — required by Washington law, no exceptions, no offense taken. Inside is just like a normal retail store, except a budtender is at the counter to walk you through the menu. Feel free to ask anything: dosing, what's new, what we've been smoking lately, what's a fair price. Cash only (ATM on site). In and out in 10 minutes if you know what you want; longer if you want to chat.

Cannabis is federally illegal, so the major card networks (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) won't process payments at dispensaries. Some shops use workarounds like cashless ATM or pin-debit, but these can be unstable and add fees you'd rather not pay. We keep it cash + ATM on-site, which is faster, more reliable, and skips the surcharges. Bring a few extra dollars and you'll be set.

21+ to purchase, with valid government ID. Daily purchase limits apply: 1 oz flower, 16 oz infused-edible solid, 72 oz infused-edible liquid, 7 g concentrate. No public consumption (streets, parks, vehicles, on the lake, etc.) — only on private property where the owner allows it. Don't drive impaired; cannabis affects reaction time. WA also prohibits below-cost sales, BOGO, and free cannabis giveaways — so any deal you see at a legitimate WA shop, including ours, operates within those rules.