CANNABIS EXPLAINER
How to Read a Cannabis Menu
Cannabis menus have their own language — learn the key terms before you shop.
CANNABIS EXPLAINER
Cannabis menus have their own language — learn the key terms before you shop.
Cannabis dispensary menus are organized by product category, strain, and potency. Online menus on platforms like Leafly or Weedmaps let you browse before your visit and see current inventory. In-store menus are often displayed on tablets or screens. Products are listed with name, strain type (indica/sativa/hybrid), THC/CBD percentage, weight or serving size, and price. Some menus include terpene profiles, lab results, and customer reviews.
Strain names like "Blue Dream," "OG Kush," or "Sour Diesel" identify specific genetic varieties with typical flavor and effect profiles. However, naming is inconsistent in the cannabis industry — a "Blue Dream" from one dispensary may differ significantly from another's. Focus on the cannabinoid and terpene numbers rather than relying solely on strain names. New strains are created constantly, and many dispensary "exclusive" strains are simply rebranded common varieties.
Cannabis is priced per gram or in common weights: 1g, 3.5g (eighth), 7g (quarter), 14g (half), 28g (ounce). Price per gram typically ranges from $8-20 for standard flower in mature legal markets — premium "craft" flower may cost $20-25 per gram. Buying in larger quantities typically offers better value per gram. Pre-rolls include a markup for convenience. Concentrates cost more per gram but contain much more THC per dollar in many cases.
High-quality dispensaries include terpene test data in their menus. Common terpenes to look for: myrcene (relaxing, sedating), limonene (citrus, mood-lifting), caryophyllene (spicy, anti-inflammatory), pinene (pine, alertness), and linalool (floral, calming). Selecting strains based on terpene profiles is more scientifically grounded than using indica/sativa labels. Ask to see the full COA for terpene data if it's not displayed.