You can hardly open a news source these days without reading something about cannabis. But how does that translate to a personal level? And outside of regulations and politics, how does it inform your choices?

The first thing a budtender needs to know when you walk into their store is what you’re looking for. What kind of experience are you after? Are there certain attributes you value above others? There’s lots to consider, but first and foremost, what overall effect you’re seeking helps them steer you toward a category. From there you can hone in on your best choice that day. For example:

Different cultivars or “strains” have different effects. If you seek a calming effect, look for indica-dominant strains. If you seek an uplifting effect, look for sativa-dominant strains. If you want to walk the line, or get a bit of both, look for a hybrid that’s fairly equal of both. An “indica-leaning” hybrid may provide a calming effect without “couch lock,” for example, while a “sativa-leaning hybrid” might provide some uplift without getting into anxiousness. Your shop’s budtender can help steer you in the right direction.

Terpenes are a thing. Half of the molecule of cannabis is comprised of terpenes. Terpenes provide the smell and taste of cannabis - as they do to many other plants, as well. For plants, terpenes help them thrive by attracting beneficial pollinators and repelling pests. For us humans, they impart the flavor and taste that makes cultivars unique and that enhance our experience.

Scientists are discovering that terpenes can also have beneficial health effects. There’s always more to learn about cannabis — and more will be learned as federal regulations are loosened enough to allow people to study it.

We love to track the terpenes in our cultivars. They’re like a unique signature. Which terpenes are your favorite?

If you’re seeking relief for medicinal purposes, get a patient ID from a legitimate physician who knows medical marijuana, not a cheap card from someone who’s just issuing paper. Medical needs are real. Treat it with the respect it deserves to get the effect you seek. You’ll need to go to a medical dispensary for those preparations, while Moment’s Peace Farm Craft Cannabis flower products are only available in recreational dispensaries.