Cannabis 101: Your Starting Guide
New to cannabis? Start here. A friendly, no-judgment introduction to everything you need to know — from what cannabis is to finding your perfect product.
Welcome! Whether you’re completely new to cannabis or just looking for a refresher, you’re in the right place. At Yerba Buena, we believe everyone deserves access to honest, easy-to-understand cannabis education — no jargon, no judgment, just good information from people who care.
What Is Cannabis?
Cannabis is a flowering plant that has been used for thousands of years for its therapeutic, recreational, and wellness benefits. The plant produces natural compounds called cannabinoids and terpenes that interact with your body to produce a wide range of effects — from relaxation and pain relief to creativity and focus. Today’s legal cannabis market offers an incredible variety of products designed for every lifestyle and comfort level.
The Endocannabinoid System
Your body actually has a built-in system designed to interact with cannabis — it’s called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS helps regulate things like mood, sleep, appetite, and pain through a network of receptors found throughout your body. When you consume cannabis, its compounds work with these receptors to produce the effects you feel.
Major Cannabinoids
Cannabis contains over 100 different cannabinoids, but the two you’ll hear about most are THC and CBD. THC is the compound responsible for the “high” associated with cannabis, while CBD offers wellness benefits without intoxication. Beyond these two, cannabinoids like CBN, CBG, and CBC each bring their own unique properties to the table. Read our full guide on cannabinoids to learn what each one does and how they work together.
Ways to Consume
One of the best things about today’s cannabis market is that there are so many ways to enjoy it. From classic flower and pre-rolls to edibles, tinctures, beverages, topicals, and vaporizers — there’s a consumption method for every preference. Each method has its own onset time, duration, and experience profile. Explore all the ways to consume cannabis and find the one that fits your lifestyle.
Dosing Basics
If there’s one piece of advice we give every new customer, it’s this: start low and go slow. Everyone’s body responds to cannabis differently, and taking your time to find your ideal dose is the key to a great experience. Begin with a small amount, wait for the effects, and gradually adjust from there. Read our beginner’s dosing guide for detailed recommendations by product type.
CBD vs. THC
THC and CBD are the two most well-known cannabinoids, and understanding the difference between them is a great starting point. THC produces the euphoric, psychoactive effects people typically associate with cannabis. CBD, on the other hand, is non-intoxicating and is popular for its calming, anti-inflammatory, and wellness-supporting properties. Many products combine both in different ratios, so you can find the balance that works best for you.
Your First Dispensary Visit
Walking into a dispensary for the first time can feel like a big step, but it doesn’t have to be intimidating. A good dispensary — like Yerba Buena — is designed to make you feel welcome, comfortable, and supported. Our budtenders are here to answer every question, help you find the right product, and make sure you leave feeling confident about your purchase. Read our full guide to your first dispensary visit so you know exactly what to expect.
Ready to Get Started?
We’d love to welcome you to Yerba Buena, Brooklyn’s Do Good, Feel Good cannabis dispensary in Cobble Hill. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time cannabis enthusiast, our team is here to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Stop by our shop at 292 Atlantic Avenue — we can’t wait to meet you.
