First Timer’s Guide : 5 Questions to Ask a Budtender

Are you new to cannabis? Well, you’re in the right place. At Starbird, we welcome everyone. We love our seasoned smokers and total first-timers. While we see plenty of longtime cannabis lovers, we take just as much pride in introducing newcomers to the plant. Between curious locals and the hundreds of tourists that visit the Witch City, there is plenty of people looking for cannabis consultation. No matter where you're at in your journey, you’re welcome here and just so you know, there are no stupid questions.

Cannabis and the culture around it have evolved massively over the years. New products, trends, and research are constantly emerging, and we’re here to stay on top of all of it so you don’t have to feel overwhelmed. When you visit us, feel free to ask anything. Our goal isn’t just to supply you with amazing bud. We’re also here to offer the knowledge and guidance that helps you feel confident in your choices.

Our staff is full of personality and passionate people. We’re not the kind of dispensary that shoves an iPad in your face and waits impatiently while you scroll. At Starbird, we’re about conversation, comfort, and connection. We’ve built a space that’s not only a great dispensary but also a place for community, creativity, and collaboration.

So if we start chatting and you suddenly feel lost, don’t sweat it. We expect questions and in fact, we welcome them. Your experience matters to us, and we’re here to make sure it’s as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Not sure where to start? Here are five solid questions to ask a budtender if you’re new to cannabis

Our flower selection is huge! Surely there’s a strain in here that’s your perfect match.

What Is The Meaning of Indica and Sativa?

Scientifically, Indica and Sativa refer to the physical characteristics of the cannabis plant, not its effects. Indica plants are typically short and bushy with broad leaves, while Sativa plants are taller with narrow leaves.

This is Cannabis 101. Most budtenders will tell you that Sativa is more cerebral, energetic and optimal for daytime use. Indica on the other hand is known for its relaxing and body-heavy effects. This is the foundation of how we categorize cannabis, but it's only the starting point. The full story of cannabis has many more chapters. 

These are the bones of what we consider cannabis knowledge, but it has a bit more nuance than many would like to think. These days, everything has been crossbred for stability and potency and is a hybrid with a certain lean. You might be after an Indica strain that’s more of a night time knock out than a chill afternoon smoke. Perhaps you’d like a nice happy Sativa but without high energy. Our staff will be able to recommend you the best matching product based on that information, always with your best high in mind. 

That said, you’ll probably notice a general direction you enjoy. You might lean more toward energizing highs or chill, body-relaxing ones. Our flower and prerolls are always separated by these indicators for your ease. When in doubt, Sativa-leaning strains tend to be more uplifting, Indicas more mellow, and hybrids give you a little of both. If a budtender is recommending a strain and you feel unsure, feel free to ask which way the strain leans and what the effects are. Make sure to take note of strains you enjoy and let your own experience guide you.

We put lots of intention into your experience

What Strain Will Help with Pain, Sleep, ect?

When you're shopping at our Salem dispensary, one of the best things you can do is talk to our staff about the effects you’re looking for in a strain or product. We're not just here to hand you weed and send you on your way, we're here to help you craft an experience. So if you’re looking for something specific, don’t hold back. Let us know what you’re hoping to feel, fix, or explore.

We hear a lot of people say, “I’m just trying to get high,” but we encourage you to go deeper than that. Cannabis is powerful and personal and there’s nothing wrong with wanting a good buzz! But is it to help with stress? To get through a creative block? To finally get some sleep? Maybe you’re planning a nature walk, or maybe you just want to melt into the couch. Whatever the goal, being honest about your intentions helps us guide you to the right product, the first time.

All of our recommendations come from a place of real-life cannabis experience and deep product knowledge. We know that everyone’s body chemistry is different and that cannabis can hit people in unexpected ways. That’s why we always share what’s worked for us and for other people. You’re not getting some generic suggestion off a chart. You’re getting human feedback from real cannabis users who’ve tried the products themselves.

For example, we carry a wide variety of edibles specifically formulated to help with sleep. But not all sleep edibles are created equal; some are melatonin-based, some are CBD-heavy, some kick in fast, others are more gradual. That’s where our team shines. We’ll help narrow it down and get you the one that aligns with your personal needs, lifestyle, and preferences.

At Starbird, it’s never just about getting high.It’s about getting it right. Let us know what kind of experience you’re chasing, and we’ll make sure you walk out with something that truly enhances it.

What Are Cannabinoids?

The repetitive acronyms really throw people off, but don't let them confuse you! These guys are pretty important when you’re being intentional about your cannabis choices.

Most people are familiar with CBD (Cannabidiol) to a degree. Its a cannabinoid that has relaxing, pain relieving and anti-inflammatory capabilities without having psychoactive effects. It's good to get familiar with CBD because it is often added to edibles to provide a well rounded high that can be more mellow. CBD can be found in sleep edibles, gummies meant for pain relief, or an even ratio for balanced effects. 

People seem to get confused when they see other cannabinoids in the mix. WIth all these different letters, we can’t blame you! Another popular cannabinoid is CBG (Cannabigerol), often referred to as ‘the mother cannabinoid’” It is known for enhancing focus, balancing a mood and combatting anxiety. Many stoners gravitate to strains with CBG in them if they are prone to feeling overwhelmed or anxious during their high, so it is a perfect thing to keep you a bit more centered without depleting your energy.

Another interesting cannabinoid is CBN (Cannabinol) which has sedative effects that make it ideal for sleep. CBN forms as THC degrades and can be found in gummies fashioned as sleeps aids. So if you are looking for a gummy that will knock you out, look for the CBN concentration and try some of our options. 

We carry many products that have no THC like tincture, topicals and vapes. Even though they don’t get you high, the other cannabinoids do their work to provide pain relief, relieve stress or sleep aid. We recommend trying these products even if you do enjoy the effects of THC, that way you can gauge what you actually need from cannabis. And we get it, these acronyms are confusing, especially if they are all paired together. You should never hesitate to ask what each cannabinoid function is, so you can stay completely knowledgeable about your purchase.

If you are ever puzzled, especially when shopping for edibles, ask the budtender to clarify the cannabinoid ratios and explain the effects.

the Starbird budtenders are professional stoners. What works for them could work perfectly for you!

What Deals Does the Dispensary Offer?

When you visit, make sure to take note of the list of specials we offer! Don’t be shy, ask if there’s something that is more accessible for your budget. We make sure that there is always something special for everyone, whether it be edibles, vapes or flower. There are also deals for certain days or rotating specials, so always check with a budtender so you can stay in the know. 

Our goal is to help you save a little money while still getting top shelf quality. We constantly update our deals depending on what’s popular, new or seasonal. This gives you the chance to try products you might have missed otherwise.

From bundle deals with local brands to bulk pricing, we work hard to offer a solid mix of savings. Don’t worry about trying to catch every deal we have, our budtenders have your back. They’ll normally bring up specials during your visit so you can stretch your budget or try something new. 

At Starbird, weed is fun. Not sterile, not generic and definitely never boring. Many dispensaries have a still, cold and clinical atmosphere that feels more like a hospital than a chill spot to buy weed. We value relaxation, coziness and whimsical energy. We often have fun promotions like games and holiday themed specials to make sure your experience doesn’t fall flat. Not only can we give you a killer deal, but we can put a smile on your face. It’s a win-win-win! So next time you're in, let us know what you're shopping for and we’ll show you how to get the most bang for your buck without sacrificing the good stuff.

Our Late Night Luck Game, a special only for the night owls!

What Is The Best Product For Me?

Honestly, that depends on a lot of factors. When you walk through the doors at Starbird and take a look at our paper menu, you’ll likely be greeted by a budtender asking “What’s the vibe tonight?”

Our recommendations change depending on what you’re up to. Are you settling in for a chill gaming night with friends? Or heading out for a walk in the woods? Not everyone is packing a bowl on their coffee table, and we always bear that in mind. Cannabis has this beautiful way of enhancing experiences, so we always aim to pair you with something that aligns with your plans.

Some of our guests prefer a morning “wake and bake” that helps them focus and energize for the day. Others are looking for something more relaxing to wind down at night or help with sleep issues. These are completely different vibes, and the strains and products we recommend will vary accordingly. The more transparent you are with us, the better we can match you with something you’ll actually love.

Your lifestyle plays a huge role in choosing the right product. For example, if you're a parent who enjoys lighting up but wants to keep the house odor-free, we might guide you toward edibles. They are discreet, effective, and there’s no smoke involved.

 On the flip side, if you’re someone who loves getting really high but find that flower isn’t cutting it anymore, we’ll likely send you to explore our concentrate section. It's full of potent and flavorful options.

There’s plenty to explore when it comes to cannabis. Walking into a dispensary for the first time can feel like stepping into a whole new world, especially if your only point of reference is brick weed and gas station lighters.

But times have changed. These days, getting high doesn’t have to mean rolling a joint or packing a bowl. You can grab something as simple as a cannabis-infused drink, take a few sips, and feel chill and happy before you even realize it’s kicked in.

If you’re completely new to cannabis and not sure where to start, we’d probably suggest a preroll. It’s ready to go out of the box, and all you need is a lighter. Just let us know what your night looks like and what kind of experience you’re after, and we’ll find the perfect preroll just for you.

Sometimes cannabis takes some trial and error. We’re all about open dialogue and feedback. Let us know how things hit when you come back in. That way, we can continue curating products that really work for you based on what you’ve already enjoyed.

Some of our fabulous cannabis beverages!

Why Do I Have to Talk to a Budtender?

We understand that for some, it might be difficult or intimidating to communicate your cannabis needs to another person. Many people believe all weed is the same, but it's surprisingly intricate. It's important to optimize the effects and experience you want to achieve, so we can recommend the best products. 

You can easily order online and quickly grab your weed from Starbird with just a smile and good wishes from the staff. But when you’re flipping through our paper menu, you’ll find our staff will swoop in to ask if you need help or have any questions. No, we aren’t trying to rush you out with the most expensive thing in the store. We are here to inquire with. There are hundreds of questions that could arise when you’re in front of countless strains. A quick conversation often reveals a hidden gem or a sweet deal you might have missed otherwise.

So, what’s the best product at Starbird? That’s the million dollar question, but of course it doesn’t have one solid answer. Our staff will have you confirm what kind of experience you’re ideally looking for before sending you home with a brand new jar of flower. If you thrive on a social, uplifting Sativa we do not want you to be matched with a strain that has you napping before noontime. We make mindful recommendations based on your desires. 

When you look at flower, a bunch of crazy names and percentages pop out at you, but you probably don’t know the exact smell, taste or effect of that specific flower. Our staff will happily tell you which one is their favorite and why, and which ones work best for specific effects. 

After shopping with us for a while, you will find our budtenders understand your wants and needs. We love nothing more than these genuine conversations, full of sharing information and warmth. 

Why do our guests come back again and again? Because after a few visits, our budtenders start to get to know you. Your preferences, your vibe, and your go-to strains. And we love that. There’s nothing better than those warm, genuine conversations filled with curiosity and information. All ponderings are welcome. If you’re wondering about it, we care about it. No question is too silly! 

Fly high!