Product Recommendations for Beginner Cannabis Consumers

If you’re new to consuming cannabis or looking to try a new product, it can be difficult at first to know what to choose. As a first-timer, you are sure to have some questions, so allow this article to help inform your decisions.

If you’re new to consuming cannabis or looking to try a new product, it can be difficult at first to know what to choose. It’s great that there are so many options now available on the market, but there can be a lot of differences among them including dosage, cannabinoid content, quality, or potency. As a first-timer, you are sure to have some questions, so allow this article to help inform your decisions.

As you read this, know that we offer a virtual concierge service on our website. To be connected with a March and Ash virtual concierge, simply click on the green chat button near the bottom right corner of your screen. We are here from 8 AM until 8 PM daily to answer any questions you may have about product selection, ordering, and more cannabis or shop related questions.

First, determine why you want to use cannabis. Recreational cannabis may be used by anyone over the age of 21 in California, however, some people use medical marijuana for health reasons.

For those who want to try cannabis, but do not want to get too high

Product suggestion: vape oil pens

A All-In-One vape pen requires no setup and using it is as easy as inhaling or pressing a button. The vapor is easier on the lungs and you can dose moderately by taking smaller puffs. You can also purchase a reusable, chargeable battery that uses cartridges filled with cannabis oil.

Luckily there are varieties available that have a higher or balanced CBD content compared to THC.

For those who don’t want to smoke or eat marijuana edibles

Product suggestion: sublingual tincture

Although edibles are an attractive smoke-free option, sometimes their effects can feel too intense for a cannabis beginner. In this case, try a sublingual tincture. A tincture is made with cannabis extracts in which an alcohol is used to separate terpenes and cannabinoids such as THC or CBD from the cannabis plant. Alcohol is used as the solvent and ultimately removed from the final product.

A sublingual tincture is fast-acting, so you will be able to feel its effects quickly. Although tinctures are not spoken about as much as other popular consumption methods, prior to prohibition, it was actually the most common form of medical cannabis in the US.

If you’re looking for a product that provides more medicinal effects than high effects, try a tincture that contains more CBD than THC, such as Outco’s 20:1 Tincture.

For those who want to try edibles, but don’t want to feel too high for that long

Product suggestion: low-dose edibles of 5mg or less

Microdosing has become more and more popular over the years and many brands offer products with smaller portions for a customizable experience. Microdosing is when you take tiny amounts of THC in order to receive its benefits, but not necessarily feel the intoxicating effects. Breez mints, for example, contain only 2.5mg per serving so you can really control your intake. Once you try different dosage levels with your preferred edible type, you’ll be able to determine your preferred experience. For a complete guide about cannabis edibles, check out this post.

For those who want to experience the benefits of medical cannabis without the high effects

Product suggestion: CBD capsules and topicals

CBD has gained popularity as a means to treat a variety of ailments. Some promising research has shown it to effectively treat pain, inflammation, anxiety and more without psychoactive or “high” effects. CBD products are made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant, then diluting the extract with a carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed oil.

For more information, check out our Quick Guide to CBD.

For those who want to smoke, but don’t want cannabis that is too strong

Product suggestion: Pre-rolls or flower that are lower in THC and higher in CBD content

Cannabis strains today are much more potent than they used to be with some even pushing 30% THC content. If you’re looking for a flower strain with lower THC content, choose a strain that has a balanced ratio of THC to CBD. These mixed THC/CBD strains are perfect for someone looking to jump back into cannabis after a hiatus because they are mellow in effect. Importantly, be sure to read the labels as all producers are required to list cannabinoid content.

In closing, the best cannabis experiences come from an informed decision. At the end of the day, it’s all about what you like, which might be different from what the budtender or your friend likes. There are dozens of options from hundreds of companies. The goal is to find what works for your personal chemistry by a brand or grower that you like and can enjoy over and over again.

DISCLAIMER: THIS SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE.

All information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other materials contained on this site are for informational purposes only. No text, graphics, images or other materials on this site are intended to be professional medical advice or a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional medical advice because of something you have viewed on this site.

DISCLAIMER: THIS SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE.

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March 11, 2026
Pot o’ Gold Scratchers Promotion TERMS AND CONDITIONS NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. The March and Ash St. Patrick’s Day Pot o’ Gold Scratcher Promotion (“Promotion”) begins at 6:00:00 AM Pacific Time (“PST”) on March 17, 2026, and ends at 10:00 PM PST on March 23, 2026 (“Promotion Period”). Scratchers are valid for redemption through 10:00 PM PST on April 6, 2026. Th e computer clock of the Administrator is the official time-keeping device in the Promotion. ELIGIBILITY The Promotion is open only to customers 21 years of age and over (or 18+ with a valid medical cannabis recommendation) at the time of Promotion participation. By participating, you agree to these Official Rules and to the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding in all respects. Void where prohibited by law. All federal, state, and local laws and regulations apply. HOW TO PARTICIPATE Make a purchase at any participating March and Ash store during the Promotion Period and receive a scratcher card (“Scratcher”). No purchase is required to receive a Scratcher. To obtain a Scratcher without making a purchase, visit a participating store during the Promotion Period and request one from a staff member. Limit one Scratcher per customer, per day, regardless of the number of purchases. Scratchers must be redeemed no later than 10:00 PM PST on April 6, 2026. Failure to redeem before the expiration date will result in forfeiture of the prize. SCRATCHER ODDS A total of 15,000 Scratchers are available to be awarded during the Promotion by randomly distributing Scratchers during the Promotion Period as described above. Prize distribution: a. 8,987 Scratchers for $5 off your next purchase of eligible products with a minimum $10.01 purchase before tax. b. 5,982 Scratchers for $10 off your next purchase of eligible products with a minimum $10.01 purchase before tax. c. 31 Scratchers for $100 off your next purchase of eligible products with a minimum $10.01 purchase before tax. Actual odds of winning depend on the num ber of Scratchers distributed and redeemed. SCRATCHER RESTRICTIONS Scratchers have no cash value and cannot be redeemed for cash. Scratchers are not applicable toward the purchase of accessories or items under $10. Scratchers expire at 10:00 PM PST on April 6, 2026. Scratchers may be combined with store promotions and member group discounts unless otherwise stated. Scratchers must be used in full during a single purchase. Any unused portion will not carry over to future transactions. Scratchers cannot be redeemed on the same day they are received and must be used on a subsequent visit. Customers redeeming a Scratcher will not receive an additional Scratcher on that transaction. Scratchers can only be redeemed in-store and are not valid for online purchases or delivery. A valid government-issued ID must be presented at redemption to verify age and identity. Customers may redeem only one Scratcher per transaction. Multiple scratchers cannot be combined (e.g., two $5 scratchers cannot be used together for $10 off). March and Ash is not responsible fo r lost, stolen, or damaged scratchers. March and Ash reserves the right to modify, suspend, or cancel the Promotion at any time without prior notice. GENERAL CONDITIONS By participating, you agree that March and Ash, Inc., and their respective subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, employees, agents, successors, and assigns, along with their advertising and promotional agencies, shall have no liability for, and shall be held harmless from, any damage, loss, or liability to person or property arising from participation in the Promotion or acceptance or use of any prize. Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to terminate, modify, cancel, or suspend the Promotion if fraud, viruses, bugs, or other causes beyond the Sponsor’s control corrupt the administration, security, or proper operation of the Promotion. Sponsor is not responsible for technical malfunctions, network failures, human error, or other issues that may impact participation. Acceptance of a Scratcher or prize constitutes permission for Sponsor to use the winner’s name, photograph, and likeness for promotional purposes without additional compensation, except where prohibited by law. For information on how personal data is used, please review the Sponsor’s Privacy Policy at: https://marchandash.com/privacy-policy RELEASE OF LIABILITY By entering the Promotion, participants agree to release and hold harmless March and Ash, Inc., its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, and representatives from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses arising out of participation in the Promotion or acceptance, use, or misuse of any prize. CHOICE OF LAW AND JURISDICTION All issues concerning the construction, validity, interpretation, and enforceability of these Rules shall be governed by the laws of the State of California. Any legal action arising out of this Promotion shall be brought exclusively in the courts located within the State of California. ARBITRATION AND DAMAGES By participating, you agree that any disputes arising out of or relating to this Promotion shall be resolved individually and exclusively through arbitration, without resort to class action. Any claims shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs associated with participation. SPONSOR AND ADMINISTRATOR: March and Ash, Inc. 2835 Camino del Rio S #220 San Diego, CA 92108
March 11, 2026
Customers who shop at select March and Ash locations may receive a Refer a Friend coupon . Once you have your coupon, share the “For a Friend” portion with someone who has never shopped at March and Ash. When they redeem it, they’ll receive 30% off their first purchase — and you’ll get 30% off your next visit . Two coupons. Two discounts. One great introduction. What Your Coupon Includes For a Friend Give this portion of the coupon to someone new to March and Ash. They’ll receive 30% off their first purchase . For You Keep this portion of the coupon. Use it for 30% off your next visit . How It Works Step 1 — Get a Coupon Customers may receive a Refer a Friend coupon when shopping at select March and Ash locations. Step 2 — Share with a Friend Give the “For a Friend” coupon to someone who has never shopped at March and Ash. Step 3 — They Redeem It Your friend brings the coupon in-store and receives 30% off their first purchase . Step 4 — You Save Too Keep the “For You” coupon and use it for 30% off your next purchase . Who Qualifies The Friend Coupon is valid for customers who: Have never made a purchase at March and Ash Are 21+ with valid ID Present the coupon at checkout Where It’s Valid Valid at participating March and Ash locations including Mission Valley Imperial Valley Availability may vary by location. Important Details • Coupon must be presented at checkout • One coupon per customer • Coupons cannot be duplicated or reproduced • Coupons are valid for a limited time and subject to change or cancellation at any time. What products are excluded? Discount excludes: Accessories Items under $10 CBD / ratio products (Imperial Valley and Palm Desert only) FAQ Can I give the friend coupon to anyone? Yes — as long as the person has never made a purchase at March and Ash before . Can the coupon be used online? No. The coupon must be presented in-store at checkout . Can the discount be combined with other deals? No. Referral coupons cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts . Terms Valid in-store only at participating March and Ash locations. One coupon per customer. Coupon must be relinquished at time of purchase. 30% off first-time purchase valid for new customers only. 30% off next purchase valid on a return visit. Not combinable with other offers. Excludes accessories and items under $10 at all participating locations. Excludes CBD/ratio products at Imperial Valley and Palm Desert locations only. Limited time offer. See store for details.
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Few things go better together than cannabis and food. Take mealtime to the next level by visiting some of our favorite taco stops in San Diego, and enjoying these complementary cannabis pairings.
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Support the LGBTQ+ community when you shop these cannabis brands at March and Ash in San Diego and Imperial County.
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Drew Martin is an herbalist, award-winning mixologist, and self-proclaimed wanderer. He launched his eponymous line of botanically blended pre-rolls in 2020 with a goal of creating new ways for people to experience cannabis.
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How to get to sleep faster and stay asleep longer with Papa and Barkley's new Sleep Releaf collection. Available now at March and Ash.
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