How to Choose Cannabis Flower: A Shopper’s Guide to Strains, THC, Terpenes, and Freshness
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.
Choosing cannabis flower can feel overwhelming, especially if you're new to dispensaries. Modern menus are filled with strain names, THC percentages, terpene profiles, and categories like indica, sativa, and hybrid. With so many options available, it's easy to wonder where to start.
The good news is that finding the right flower doesn't require memorizing hundreds of strains. By understanding a few key factors, such as including your desired experience, terpene profile, THC percentage, and flower quality, you can shop with confidence and discover products that fit your preferences.
Whether you're looking for a relaxing evening strain, something uplifting for daytime use, or simply want to understand what separates one flower from another, this guide will help you make more informed choices.
Our flower selection is huge! Surely there’s a strain in here that’s your perfect match.
Start With the Experience You Want
Before looking at strain names or THC percentages, start by asking yourself a simple question:
What kind of experience am I looking for?
Some consumers want something uplifting and social. Others are looking to relax after work, enjoy a movie night, support sleep routines, or simply unwind.
The more clearly you can describe your goals, the easier it becomes to find flower that aligns with them.
When shopping at Starbird, our budtenders often begin by asking about your plans rather than recommending a specific strain immediately. A flower that's perfect for a hike, creative project, or social gathering may be very different from one chosen for a quiet evening at home.
Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid Are Starting Points
For years, cannabis consumers have used indica, sativa, and hybrid labels to guide purchasing decisions.
Traditionally:
Indica strains are associated with relaxing, body-focused experiences.
Sativa strains are associated with uplifting and energetic experiences.
Hybrid strains combine characteristics of both.
While these labels remain useful, they should be viewed as starting points rather than guarantees.
Modern cannabis genetics have become heavily crossbred, and many strains contain characteristics from multiple lineages. Two products labeled "hybrid" may have completely different terpene profiles, aromas, and overall experiences.
For a deeper look at these categories, see our guide to indica vs sativa vs hybrid.
Our Printed Menu. There’s no need to shove a screen in your face
Why THC Percentage Is Not the Whole Story
One of the biggest mistakes new shoppers make is choosing flower based solely on THC percentage.
While THC contributes to potency, it doesn't determine everything about a flower's quality or overall experience.
A flower testing at 20% THC with excellent terpene content, freshness, and cultivation quality may provide a more enjoyable experience than a flower testing at 30% THC with limited aroma or flavor.
THC percentage also cannot tell you:
How a flower will taste
How a flower will smell
Whether it was properly cured
The quality of the cultivation process
Which terpenes are present
This is why many experienced consumers eventually stop chasing the highest THC flower on the menu.
Learn more in our guide explaining why THC percentage is not the whole story.
the Starbird budtenders are professional stoners. What works for them could work perfectly for you!
How Terpenes Shape Flavor, Aroma, and Effects
Terpenes are aromatic compounds that help create the flavor and aroma profiles found in cannabis.
They are responsible for the scents consumers recognize as:
Citrus
Pine
Floral
Sweet
Earthy
Gassy
Spicy
Terpenes work alongside cannabinoids like THC and CBD to create each strain's unique character.
This is why two strains with similar THC percentages can feel completely different. One may feature bright citrus aromas and an uplifting profile, while another may lean toward earthy, relaxing characteristics.
Understanding terpene profiles can help you choose flower based on the aromas and flavor families you naturally enjoy.
For a deeper dive, explore our complete guide to cannabis terpenes.
Why Freshness, Cure, and Grower Quality Matter
Not all flower is created equal.
Even the best genetics can underperform if flower is improperly grown, cured, or stored.
Freshness plays a major role in preserving terpene content, aroma, and overall quality. Over time, flower naturally loses moisture and terpenes, reducing flavor and complexity.
Experienced consumers often pay close attention to:
Harvest dates
Packaging dates
Cultivator reputation
Flower appearance
Aroma intensity
High-quality flower should smell vibrant, feel properly cured, and reflect careful cultivation practices.
Some of our fabulous cannabis beverages!
How to Compare Strains on a Dispensary Menu
When browsing a menu, consider multiple factors rather than focusing on one number.
A good comparison process includes:
Desired experience
Indica, sativa, or hybrid classification
THC percentage
Dominant terpene profile
Grower reputation
Freshness
Looking at the complete picture will usually lead to better purchases than selecting flower based solely on THC content.
Questions to Ask a Budtender About Flower
Budtenders can be one of your best resources when shopping for cannabis flower.
Instead of simply asking for the strongest product, consider asking:
What's fresh right now?
Which strains have the strongest aroma?
What terpene profiles are most popular?
What would you recommend for my goals?
Which cultivators consistently produce quality flower?
The more information you share about your preferences, the more personalized your recommendations can become.
At Starbird, we believe there are no bad questions. Whether you're a first-time shopper or a longtime consumer, our team is always happy to help guide you toward products that fit your needs.
Shop Cannabis Flower at Starbird
Finding the right flower doesn't have to be complicated.
At Starbird, our team helps shoppers explore cannabis beyond strain names and THC percentages. Whether you're interested in terpene-rich flower, balanced hybrids, flavorful cultivars, or high-potency options, we're here to help you make informed decisions.
Browse our selection and shop cannabis flower in Salem, or speak with a budtender to discover new strains based on flavor, aroma, potency, and your desired experience.
Fly high!
FAQs: First-Time Questions to Ask a Budtender
What’s the difference between Indica and Sativa, and how do I choose?
Indica strains are known for relaxing body effects, while Sativas typically bring uplifting, cerebral energy. But most modern cannabis is hybridized. Ask your budtender how a strain “leans” and what its expected effects are—especially if you're new and figuring out what you enjoy.
Which strain or product is best for pain, sleep, or stress?
Tell your budtender what you’re looking to feel—whether it’s better sleep, creative focus, pain relief, or calming stress. We’ll match you with strains or products tailored to your goals, using both real-world experience and product knowledge to guide your choice.
What are cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, and CBN, and do they matter?
Absolutely. Cannabinoids play a huge role in how cannabis affects you. CBD offers calming, non-intoxicating relief. CBG may help with focus and anxiety, and CBN is known for sleep support. Ask about cannabinoid content—especially if you're choosing edibles or topicals.
Does Starbird offer any deals or specials I should ask about?
Yes! We offer rotating daily specials, bulk pricing, and promos on everything from flower to edibles. Feel free to ask your budtender what deals are available—we love helping guests stretch their budget while still getting quality products.
How do I know which cannabis product is right for me?
Think about what your night looks like—chilling with friends, deep sleep, or a creative project—and let us know. Based on your lifestyle, tolerance, and preferences, we’ll help you choose from prerolls, vapes, edibles, or concentrates that match your vibe. We’re always happy to talk it through.