With cannabis now legal for recreational use in New Jersey, consumers around the Garden State actually have one of the best selections of quality flower, concentrates, edibles, vapes, and much more they ever had. With so many options, it can be difficult to know how to find the best cannabis product for you.

Here’s a simple guide to doing so, making sure you shop smart, stay safe, and experience something really great, whether you’re a first-time user or a frequent consumer.

1. Shop at licensed dispensaries

Please keep this in mind – always buy from a licensed dispensary! Licensed dispensaries are obligated to follow exact standards for product safety, product testing for potency, and the reliability of products labels. NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) keeps an updated list of licensed dispensaries and locations. Avoid unlicensed sellers because not all shops are legally authorized to sell Cantubis, you will never know if quality, potency, consistency and compliance. 

2. Consider reputable brands

When you’re in the store, look for brands with which you are familiar. Brands that value quality will be transparent about what their efforts and processes to cultivate and/or test their products in a laboratory setting. Many cannabis brands share their certificates of analysis (COAs) of their products that show a true representation of cannabinoid and name terpene profiles, while demonstrating the absence of harmful contaminates. Please ask the budtender to share this information with you, again they are there to help you make a better decision.

3. Understand Your Product Types

Cannabis is available in many forms, and the type you choose depends on your preference and the effects you want:

1. Flower (bud): Flower is the best product for fast relief, as users can smoke or vape the flower. 
2. Concentrates: Concentrates include oils, wax, shatter, and live resin that are very potent and are intended for quick effects. Concentrates are great for seasoned users. 
3. Edibles: Edibles can provide long-lasting effects, do not have a strong smell, and are great for discreet use. Dosing is very important: 5–10 mg THC is standard for beginners. 
4. Vape cartridges: Cartridges are user-friendly and provide clean and enjoyable flavor. Be sure to use high quality cartridge hardware and reputable brand oils. 
5. Topicals & Tinctures: There are topical and tincture products that are non-psychoactive and aren't intended for intoxication, instead they apply to a specific area in need of relief or for wellness. 

Identify how you would like to consume, how you want your experience to feel like, and use products in a way that fits into these two criteria.

4. Understand Potency & Dosage

Potency is important and likely the most important aspect if you are new to cannabis. The label indicates the THC content and CBD content, in milligrams or percentages.

1. Flower is usually between 15%–30% THC.
2. Concentrates, which usually have a strong potency, can be very high in THC at times achieving 70%–90% THC.
3. Edibles list how many milligrams are in a "serving size". Again, starting low, 5–10 mg is a good starting range. Be sure to wait at least 90 minutes to adjust your dose based on feeling. Depending on the type of edible, gradually increase if you like how you feel and want to increase the dose. 

If you are used to taking cannabis for no other reason other than for wellness and do not want a psychoactive effect, search for "high-CBD" products or "balance" products (1:1 or 2:1).

5. Speak to Knowledgeable Staff

Budtenders are your best resource in the world of cannabis selections. Let them know if you are looking for options for

1. Relaxation or sleep aid: Indica-dominant strains or products high in CBN (a sleep aid).
2. Energy and creativity: Sativa-dominant strains or uplifting terpenes like limonene or pinene.
3. Pain or anxiety relief: High-CBD strains, tinctures, or topical creams.

A staff whose resume includes real product knowledge can direct you to suitable brands, target dosages, and responsible usage methods—particularly important if you are new to cannabis or have health sensitivities.

Read also: Top-rated Recreational Weed Cannabis in New Jersey

6. Safety & Lab Testing

Safety is key. Licensed products are required to have been tested for:

1. Potency (THC/CBD levels)
2. Pesticides
3. Residual solvents
4. Microbial contaminants
5. Heavy metals

Choose to see COAs for your products or trust brands with transparent testing protocols. Safety-first products promote trust and ensure better experiences. 

7. Find value & deals

Budtenders point-of-sale stores don't need to be too expensive for good cannabis. Licensed dispensaries often have:

1. Daily discounts (ex: "first time customer", "medical patient", or special day-of-the-week deals).
2. Bulk or grams-per-dollars pricing.
3. Loyalty programs with rewards, points and exclusive offers.

Keep an eye on weekly specials or brand promotions, and remember value often complements quality when you shop smart!

8. Start small; track effects

Cannabis works differently for everyone. When you are trying a new product:

1. Start small: grams, mini-cartridges or 5mg edibles
2. Track your effects: write down when you first feel it? how long it lasted? did you experience any adverse reactions.
3. Let your experience help you fine-tune future choices
4. Keep writing down your dosage until it becomes easy for you to remember what dosage works for you

The mindfulness of observing your dosage helps you to have a better experience by reducing waste and surprise.

9. Store products properly

The goal of proper storage is to lengthen the lifespan and help maintain potency:

1. Keep flower in a dark, cool, airtight container
2. Store edibles in a child-resistant and properly sealed package
3. Keep cartridges away from heat and excess moisture
4. Write down on each product the date purchased and any specifications

Well-stored cannabis means that it will have maximum flavor, be effective and be safe to consume.

10. Be aware of New Jersey's legal limits

In New Jersey:

1. Adults who are 21 and over may purchase a maximum of 1 ounce of cannabis flower (or equivalent in edibles/concentrates) at a time.
2. You may have a maximum of 6 ounces in your home.
3. Cannabis must only be used undividedly in private; consuming cannabis in public view, or driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal. 

Stay involved and aware of local regulations in case anything changes. This will help you stay safe and compliance.