February 07, 2023
Dear Budtender - I’ve seen tip jars sitting out on the dispensary counters, but I’m never sure how much to contribute! What do you recommend?
From, A (not cheap) Customer
Dear (not cheap) Customer - An excellent and much-appreciated question! There’s a ton of information to go through here, so we’ll try to cover everything for those who want to know.
Budtender Tipping
One of the best ways to learn about your bud is by talking to a budtender! They are the cannabis experts that dispensaries keep on staff to help you choose the right products and the necessary tools to enjoy it. Because budtenders can have such a wealth of knowledge and vastly improve your experience at a dispensary, it’s customary to tip them the way you might a server at a restaurant. The problem is that a lot of cannabis enthusiasts don’t know what the proper ways to tip a budtender are. The solution? You’re reading it. We’ll make sure you have all the knowledge you need to show your appreciation for your local budtender.
Should You Tip a Budtender?
Absolutely. If you had a great experience with your budtender, you should definitely leave them a tip (once you’re sure they can accept a tip). Of course, this isn’t mandatory. While budtenders don’t rely on their tips like servers at restaurants often do, it is a nice bonus to their hourly salary and a great way to ensure you’re noticed any time you step into that dispensary.
Why Should You Tip a Budtender?
Most budtenders choose a career at a dispensary because they have a passion for cannabis. This passion can include knowledge about things like terpenes, production techniques, extraction methods, and more. You may even find budtenders that can talk to you about the different landraces that grow around the globe. If they share that knowledge with you, and they help create a great experience that makes you more informed about where your cannabis is from, how it's made, and what it’s made up of, that’s worthy of an extra monetary nod.
Tipping not only acknowledges expertise, it also makes a budtender feel appreciated for the work they put into being great at their career. Of course, tipping is always discretionary, so it’s up to you to decide how much your budtender meant to you. Conversely, make sure you’re not punishing your budtender because of things outside of their control, like your favorite strain wasn’t in stock. Let their value stand on how they directly impacted you.
How Much Should You Tip a Budtender?
We recommend tipping your budtender the same way you would tip a bartender: around 10 - 20% of your total bill. Why? Budtenders and bartenders are similar when it comes to providing knowledge and customer service. For example, if a bartender makes an excellent co*cktail recommendation, you may throw a couple bucks their way as a thank you. Budtenders can be treated much the same way.
But remember, anything is appreciated—especially because we all know recreational cannabis can be pricey once the taxes are added on. Don’t feel like you need to meet a certain threshold when you tip.
How Much Do Budtenders Make in Tips?
Budtenders may make a few extra dollars a week or hundreds of dollars a month. It depends entirely on their customers, the market, and how they’ve been able to let their expertise shine. Because budtenders don’t rely on tips as part of their wage, tips are just an extra thank you for making your visit pleasant.
What Are the Budtender Tipping Dos?
If you’re new to tipping your budtender, you may be wondering what the right way to do it is. Here are some dos we’ve collected from our budtenders:
1. Do check with your budtender and make sure they can accept tips before offering one. Every dispensary has its own rules, and some states have their own rules too. Because of this, it’s good practice to make sure nothing will go awry for you or your budtender if you toss a tip their way.
2. Do tip like your budtender works in the service industry—because they do.Retail workers have a lot of challenges, whether they’re in a clothing store or a marijuana dispensary. This hard work deserves to be noticed.
3. Do consider the level of customer service you received.If you popped into a dispensary, grabbed the product you needed, and checked out, you may offer a few bucks as a nod to your budtender. If you spent 20 minutes asking your budtender questions about strain recommendations, terpenes, and dab rigs, you may consider giving your budtender a little more for the effort they put in to help you.
What Are the Budtender Tipping Don’ts?
While there are plenty of things you should do when tipping your budtender, there are also a couple you shouldn’t do. The don’ts of budtender tipping include:
1. Don’t feel pressured to leave a tip.You should never feel like you have to tip, and therefore, can’t get the thing you want from your local dispensary. You should also never feel like you should have to tip regardless of your service. Tipping is always your choice, and no one will judge you if you simply choose not to.
2. Don’t assume budtenders can take a tip. While many recreational dispensaries allow tipping, there are some that don’t. Our LivWell medical dispensaries do not allow our medical marijuana patients to tip due to the marijuana being prescribed for a condition. If you’re unsure if your budtender can accept tips, just ask. They’ll be grateful you cared, even if they have to turn the offer down.
3. Don’t skip the tip because of something out of the budtender’s control. Budtenders don’t have say over a lot of the operational parts of a dispensary. This means that if you can’t find a product you want, or you encounter another problem, don’t take it out on your budtender. It’s not their fault.
Giving Your Budtender Tips
Tipping your budtender is a great way to develop a rapport with cannabis experts once you find a dispensary you love. The marijuana industry is chock full of good people who are trying to enjoy their favorite plant with other like-minded people. Tipping budtenders is just another way we can all show love to our fellow cannabis experts for the work they put in to get good at what they do.
Please consume responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.
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Citrus-Flavored Strains for Summertime
Have fun in the sun and add a zesty burst of citrus to enhance those long, lazy summer days. Make your taste buds zing with our favorite summer canna-flavors.
What Are Citrus Terpenes?
Terpenes, produced in the resin glands of the cannabis flower, are aromatic compounds that contribute to the cannabis plant’s flavor, scent, and effects. The terpenes and the cannabinoids produce the entourage effect, where these compounds work better together than separately.1
Citrus terpenes stand out for their fresh and punchy aroma, reminiscent of summer orchards. These terps are primarily responsible for the lemony, grapefruit, and orange scents and flavors, making these cannabis strains perfect for summertime.
Here are two citrus terpenes commonly found in marijuana strains:
- Limonene- This terpene is also found in lemon, orange rind, and juniper, and used in cosmetics and cleaning products. If limonene is a dominant terpene, like in the Jet Fuel Gelato strain, you’ll find that the cannabis strain has a pleasant lemon-like smell and sweet, citrusy taste.2
- Myrcene- If you like the hoppy, peppery taste of beer, you can think myrcene! The terpene is also found in lemongrass, basil, and cardamom. In cannabis strains, like Lemon Haze and Purple Kush, myrcene is responsible for the mildly sweet, spicy, herbaceous, and earthy flavor and aroma.3 Cannabis users also report that cannabis strains high in myrcene taste like ripe mangoes, and this terpene is abundant in tropical fruit.4
Grapefruit Strains
Grapefruits are winter fruits, but why should you miss out on the sweet, bitter, and tangy taste during summer? With these top grapefruit strains, you won’t have to:
Grapefruit
Sativa-Dominant Hybrid
The classic Grapefruit strain is a sativa-dominant hybrid, with a 70% sativa to 30% indica ratio. Grapefruit was created by crossbreeding tropical-tasting Cinderella 99 with an unknown landrace strain. The strain has a moderate to high THC level of 20-25%, which means it is not good for beginners.5 Expect a grapefruit aroma and taste profile as Grapefruit is sweetly tropical.
Grapefruit Durban
Sativa-Dominant Hybrid
The Grapefruit Durban strain packs a punch with 21-25% THC content.6 The highly sativa-dominant strain combines the traditional attributes of Durban Poison’s spicy, herbaceous, pine, and sage flavor with Grapefruit’s citrus notes. The celebrity child has an earthy, woodsy, and citrusy flavor, but you’ll also get hints of spicy grapefruit.
Grapefruit Kush
Indica-Dominant Hybrid
The indica-dominant Grapefruit Kush strain burns slowly and tastes like a grapefruit with a hint of sweet orange and mango:7 that’s a treat for any cannaseur. Grapefruit Kush’s parents are Bubba and Grapefruit, and the strain has an average THC level of 22%.
Orange Strains
If you love oranges, you’re in luck. These three orange cannabis strains taste and smell just like your favorite fruit:
Sweet Tea
Sativa-Dominant Hybrid
Sweet Tea may sound like an afternoon drink, but it’s a sativa-dominant hybrid strain with California Orange (Cali-O), Alcatraz OG, and Space Queen for parents. It does taste like tea, but imagine sweet jasmine and orange-flavored tea with a woodsy overtone.8 The THC content of the Sweet Tea strain ranges from 22-24%, making it ideal for the experienced canna-enthusiast.
Alien Rock Candy
Indica-Dominant Hybrid
Alien Rock Candy looks like it’s from outer space with its neon nugs, orange hairs, and amber-tinted resin. By marrying Sour Dubble and Tahoe Alien, this 80% indica-dominant hybrid strain has a sweet and citrusy aroma with a sugary aftertaste.9 Alien Rock Candy, also called Alien Candy, has a more pungent smell that is intensely earthy, sweet, and orangey. It’s beginner-friendly with 15-19% THC content.
Gobbstopper
Hybrid
The Gobbstopper strain will leave you gobsmacked with its delicious flavor profile that makes your taste buds dance. Imagine a marriage between sweet berries and sour orange, and you’ll know what Gobbstopper tastes like. The strain has 50% indica and 50% sativa genetics and was bred with yummy Candy Diesel and the potent Vortex as parents. The average THC level is 14-16%.10
Lemon Strains
Tangy lemon is very refreshing on a hot summer’s day, making lemon cannabis strains a great choice during the hot months. Here are the top three lemon strains to try:
Lemon Cherry Gelato
Indica-Dominant Hybrid
Enjoying gelato by the beach during summer is a must. The Lemon Cherry Gelato strain is a flavorful affair that blends the sweet taste of cherry with bright citrus lemon notes. It has an earthy pine-fresh raspberry aroma. Lemon Cherry Gelato is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid made from crossing Sunset Sherbet, Girl Scout Cookies, and an unknown strain. The THC content ranges from average to potent (19- 29%),11 so newbies should beware.
Lemon Diesel
Indica-Dominant Hybrid
As the name suggests, the Lemon Diesel strain has a pungent lemony aroma with sweet, spicy, and sour lemon flavors. The 70% indica-dominant Lemon Diesel is a creeper strain, as some enthusiasts note that the effects start later than expected. The strain is a cross between California Sour and Lost Coast OC, and it has 18-20% THC levels.12
Pink Lemonade
Indica-Dominant Hybrid
The Pink Lemonade strain will remind you of drinking a delicious pink lemonade to help cool you down. Lemon Skunk and Purple Kush were crossbred, making the 80% indica-dominant hybrid Pink Lemonade. The strain has an average THC content of 17-22% and a sweet berry candy taste with a hint of tangy lemon. The aroma of Pink Lemonade is different since it has a sour earth scent mixed with a sharp lemony herbaceousness.13
Find Your Summer Strain
These strains can make summertime much more enjoyable, as the right citrus strain can add a refreshing flavor and aroma to your day. The best cannabis strain is one that perfectly aligns with your personal preference and desired effects. Chat with your budtender to find the ideal strain for your summer needs.
Find a Dispensary
Sources
1. “How Terpenes Affect Cannabinoids,” CannaCon, March 1, 2018, https://cannacon.org/terpenes-affect-cannabinoids/
2. “Limonene,” National Library of Medicine, https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Limonene#section=Color-Form
3. “Myrcene,” Frontiers, July 19, 2021, https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2021.699666/full
4. “Myrcene,” Weedmaps, https://weedmaps.com/learn/the-plant/myrcene
5. “Grapefruit Marijuana Strain,” Allbud, https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/sativa-dominant-hybrid/grapefruit
6. “Grapefruit Durban Marijuana Strain,” Allbud, https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/sativa-dominant-hybrid/grapefruit-durban
7. “Grapefruit Kush Marijuana Strain,” Allbud, https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/indica-dominant-hybrid/grapefruit-kush
8. “Sweet Tea,” Leafly, https://www.leafly.com/strains/sweet-tea
9. “Alien Rock Candy Marijuana Strain,” Allbud, https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/indica-dominant-hybrid/alien-rock-candy
10. “Gobbstopper Marijuana Strain,” Allbud, https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/hybrid/gobbstopper
11. “Lemon Cherry Gelato Marijuana Strain,” Allbud, https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/indica-dominant-hybrid/lemon-cherry-gelato
12. “Lemon Diesel Marijuana Strain,” Allbud, https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/sativa-dominant-hybrid/lemon-sour-diesel
13. “Pink Lemonade Marijauna Strain,” Allbud, https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/indica-dominant-hybrid/pink-lemonade
Please consume responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.
How to Make Canna Oil in 5 Steps
Are you looking for a new edible delight or a smoke-free option to make your recipes special? Whether you want to elevate an everyday recipe or bake a special treat, canna oil could be right for you. While you can buy canna oil at your favorite dispensary, making it at home allows you to tailor it to fit your cooking and consumption needs.
What is Cannabis Cooking Oil?
Cannabis cooking oil, also called canna oil or cannabis oil, is a marijuana-infused oil that’s mostly used in culinary creations. The cooking oil is made by infusing the active ingredients of cannabis, such as the cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes, into a carrier oil like coconut oil, olive oil, or canola oil.
There are a number of reasons why some cannabis enthusiasts choose to make their own cannabis oil at home:
- You can choose the ingredients that go into the canna oil recipe, including the strain, the potency, and the carrier oil.
- It’s versatile, so canna oil can be used in any meal, snack, and beverage.
- Cannabis oil can also be used sublingually, topically, or in capsule form.
Worried about dietary restrictions? Canna oil can be vegan-friendly and gluten free, so it can be used to make almost any food an edible.
What Carrier Oil Should You Use?
High-fat oils like olive oil or coconut oil are the best for this recipe, as well as just about any other DIY infused edible. That’s because THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids are fat-soluble, meaning they need to bind to fat molecules to become available for the body to absorb. Without the right amount of lipids, cannabis will be completely broken down by your digestive system and pass right through your body. There’s no such thing as a fat-free marijuana edible!
What You Need to Make Cannabis Oil
When making cannabis cooking oil for the first time, we recommend starting with a 1:1 ratio of cannabis to oil. Here’s what you’ll need for the cannabis oil recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 cup of decarboxylated cannabis flower (about 7 grams pre-ground)
- 1 cup of your preferred cooking oil
Cooking tools:
- Non-stick baking sheet or parchment paper
- Baking tray
- Double boiler
- Mixing bowl
- Cooking or candy thermometer
- Cheesecloth
- Glass bowl
- Airtight glass container (for storage)
DIY Cannabis Cooking Oil Recipe [5 Steps]
Here’s how to make canna oil at home in five easy steps:
Step 1: Decarboxylate the Flower
The first step to making any edible is decarboxylation. The decarbing process is essential to turn the inactive cannabinoids like THCA and CBDA into their psychoactive forms (THC and CBD).
To decarb the cannabis flower, preheat your oven to 240-245℉ (115-120℃). Use a cannabis grinder or hand crush the flower over a lined baking tray. Spread evenly, and then bake for 30-40 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Double Boiler
Fill the bottom pan of the double boiler with water. A makeshift double boiler–where you place a heat-proof mixing bowl on top of a pot filled with water–works, too.
Step 3: Add Cannabis
Mix the decarbed cannabis with your carrier oil in a bowl, and add the mixture to the top pan of the double boiler.
Step 4: Heat
Simmer the mixture on low heat for 2-6 hours. With a thermometer, regularly check that the mixture’s temperature stays between 160-200℉ (71-93℃). Ideally, aim for 180℉ (82℃) and ensure the mixture doesn’t boil, which decreases the cannabinoids’ potency. Stir the mixture occasionally and add water as needed.
Step 5: Strain and Store the Oil
Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then use a cheesecloth to strain the cannabis-infused oil into a glass bowl. You may be tempted to wrap the cheesecloth and squeeze out the extra oil, but it would add more chlorophyll to the oil, making it taste plant-like. Throw away the leftover plant material in the cheesecloth.
Store the canna oil in a labeled and dated airtight glass container in a cool, dark place, such as your pantry.
How to Use Cannabis Cooking Oil
Cannabis oil can be used in a variety of ways:
- Edible: Add cannabis oil to your foods and beverages. Drizzle it over pancakes, ice creams, or salads; or stir it into casseroles, curries, and soups. Use cannabis cooking oil instead of regular cooking oil or cannabutter, unless the recipe requires cooking or baking at high temperatures, which would degrade the cannabinoids.
- Topical: Create your own custom scent or enhance your favorite body care products to make infused topicals.
- Sublingual: Add a few drops of cannabis oil under your tongue for quicker absorption (onset time can vary from person to person, ranging anywhere from 30-90 minutes).
- Capsule: The canna oil can be added to an empty capsule, which when swallowed, has a similar effect to other edibles, like THC syrup.
FAQs About Cannabis Cooking Oil
Want to know more about cannabis oil, use, and storage? Here are some frequently asked questions:
Can I freeze canna oil?
You can freeze canna oil as it won’t compromise the quality or potency of the edible. Freezing cannabis oil helps prevent the fats from going rancid.
Should I use cannabutter or canna oil?
You can use cannabutter and canna oil in savory and sweet dishes, depending on your taste preferences and the recipe. It’s best to use cannabutter for recipes that require butter and cannabis oil for those that need oil – but you can experiment to find what works best for you.
Do I need to decarb the flower before adding it to the oil?
It’s essential to decarb the cannabis flower before infusing it into the base or carrier oil. If you don’t decarboxylate the cannabis, the end product will be regular oil because you need to heat (or decarb) the marijuana to activate the cannabinoids and turn the infused oil into an edible.
Is canna oil the same as CBD Oil?
Cannabis oil is not the same as CBD oil. CBD oil is a type of distillate that only contains this single cannabinoid. Canna oil is a full-spectrum cooking oil that contains a variety of cannabinoids.
DIY Cannabis Cooking Oil
While it’s easy to make canna oil at home, the process is quite lengthy. Don’t want to wait to start trying cannabis cooking oil in your recipes? Chat with your budtender to learn more and find the best cannabis oil for you.
Find a Dispensary
Please consume responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.
Cannabis Etiquette 101: Beyond the “Puff Puff Pass”
You're sitting in a circle with friends, passing around a cannabis flower joint, but wait—is there a right way to do this? Welcome to the world of cannabis etiquette, where the unspoken rules of smoking marijuana can make or break your smoking experience. Let's delve into what cannabis etiquette is all about and why it's more than just "puff puff pass."
What is Cannabis Etiquette?
Cannabis etiquette encompasses the unwritten rules and social norms that govern the consumption and sharing of cannabis. It's about respect, consideration, and ensuring that everyone in the smoking circle has an enjoyable experience. Whether you're a seasoned smoker or a newbie, understanding these etiquettes can elevate your cannabis sessions to a whole new level.
Marijuana Etiquette 101
If you’ve been invited to or included in a smoke session with friends, chances are good that everyone knows you’re a chill person, so don’t stress too much. At the end of the day, not knowing all the details isn’t going to get you kicked out, especially if you approach the session like any good person would. Still, you don’t want to go into it without a clue, and that’s where knowing the rules for marijuana etiquette can really help:
Be Welcoming
When inviting others to join your smoke session, make them feel welcome and comfortable. Offer hospitality and create a warm, inclusive atmosphere. That said, nobody likes feeling pressured, especially when it comes to consuming cannabis. Respect everyone's boundaries and never force anyone to partake if they're not interested.
Don’t Pressure Anyone
This goes for all things in life—if someone isn’t interested in trying something, don’t pressure or force them. Blowing smoke in someone’s face might seem funny at the time, but it can quickly turn a session sour and get you uninvited to any future events.
Sharing is Caring
Sharing is a fundamental aspect of cannabis culture. If you're part of a group smoke session, contribute something to the mix—whether it's cannabis, snacks, or even good vibes.
Be Transparent
Honesty is key when it comes to sharing cannabis. If you’re leading the session, always inform your fellow cannabis enthusiasts about what strain they're smoking or the edibles they’re eating. Transparency builds trust and ensures that everyone knows what they're getting into. If you’re joining the session, make sure you ask questions if you’re concerned a strain might not be right for you.
Respect Roller’s Rights
If someone takes the time to roll a joint or pack a bowl, show respect for their effort. Avoid criticizing their rolling skills or messing with the joint without permission. The person who rolls the joint should always be the first one to spark it. Always.
Puff, Puff, Pass
The age-old mantra of "puff, puff, pass" is a golden rule in cannabis circles. Take two hits before passing the joint to the next person on your left to ensure everyone gets a fair share. Keep the rotation flowing smoothly to maintain a harmonious smoking experience for all.
Keep It Clean
There are two ways to keep a session clean: don’t smoke when you’re sick, and respect the smoking environment by keeping it clean and tidy. Cleanliness contributes to a pleasant atmosphere and shows consideration for your surroundings and the people in it.
Light the Right Way
When lighting a bowl, "cornering" the bowl—only lighting a portion of the cannabis—allows everyone to enjoy fresh greens. Avoid "canoeing," where one side of the bowl burns faster than the other, resulting in uneven hits.
Respect the Space
Whether you're smoking indoors or outdoors, respect the space and property of others. Avoid smoking in prohibited areas and be mindful of noise levels.
Know Your Limit
Cannabis affects everyone differently, so know your limits and consume responsibly. Pace yourself and avoid overindulging to prevent unpleasant experiences. If you notice someone overindulging, encourage them to take a break.
Answering Cannabis Etiquette FAQs
If you’re looking to join or host your first smoke session, don’t worry. We’ve got answers to questions you may have:
Do you pass a pre-roll to the left or right?
According to tradition, joints are typically passed to the left. There are a variety of possible places this tradition started, from old naval traditions to religious experiences. Wherever the first left pass originated, today, passing to the left is a simple rule that keeps the rotation consistent and prevents confusion.
What should I bring to a smoke session?
It's always appreciated when guests contribute to the session. You can offer to bring cannabis, snacks if people get the munchies, drinks, or even music to enhance the experience. If you didn’t know you were going to be joining a session, or you don’t have anything handy, just offer money. Some cash or a quick Venmo can ensure you are invited back the next time.
How many times should I hit a pre-roll before passing it?
As the saying goes, "puff, puff, pass." The first hit to try, the second hit to enjoy. Take two hits before passing the pre-roll to ensure everyone gets a turn without bogarting the joint.
Understanding Cannabis Etiquette
Good cannabis etiquette is about fostering a sense of community, respect, and camaraderie among marijuana enthusiasts. By following these unwritten rules, you can ensure that everyone has a positive and enjoyable experience during smoke sessions, and most importantly, you’ll ensure you get an invite back for next time.
Find a Dispensary
Use of Marijuana Concentrate may lead to: Psychotic symptoms and/or Psychotic disorder (delusions, hallucinations, or difficulty distinguishing reality); Mental Health Symptoms/Problems; Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) (uncontrolled and repetitive vomiting); Cannabis use disorder/dependence, including physical and psychological dependence. Please consume responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.
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