It’s hard to find knowledgeable budtenders in New York. Legal cannabis is new to the city, but New Yorkers have been consuming it for decades — just not always with clarity on what they were getting.
The advantage of shopping at a licensed dispensary is knowing exactly what’s in your product and what effects to expect. That’s why at Stoops NYC in Flatiron, we vet all our budtenders to make sure they have a pulse on the cannabis industry.
Many people are trying cannabis for the first time or want to be more informed, and our team makes sure every customer walks confident and satisfied with their choice.
So, we put together a list of the best questions to ask your budtender based on the ones we hear most often at Stoops.
7 Smart Questions to Ask Your Budtender
1. What effect does this strain usually produce?
The way a product makes you feel depends on its THC and CBD balance, and its terpene profile. These natural compounds shape aroma, flavor, and mood.
Asking about effects helps you understand whether a strain will leave you energized and creative or relaxed and mellow. our budtenders break this down in plain language.
Things to Keep in Mind
Sativa effects = Uplifting and energizing
Indica effects = Calming and relaxing
2. What’s the THC and CBD percentage?
Knowing the THC and CBD percentage is key to understanding how strong a product is and how it might make you feel.
THC is responsible for the high, while CBD helps balance those effects and promote relaxation.
Asking about potency helps you control your experience, so you can enjoy cannabis comfortably instead of overdoing it.
We suggest balanced products for beginners and high-potency picks for experienced consumers who know what they like. Our goal is to help you find that perfect middle ground between enjoyable and overwhelming.
3. What terpenes are dominant in this product?
Terpenes are the natural compounds that give cannabis its distinct aroma, taste, and effects.
For example, myrcene is linked to calm and relaxation, while limonene tends to boost mood and focus.
Asking about terpenes helps you understand why two strains with similar THC levels can feel completely different.
4. How should I consume this for the best results?
Flower, edibles, vapes, and tinctures have different onset times, intensities, and durations. For example, edibles take longer to kick in but last much longer, while vaping or smoking provides faster, more controllable effects.
Your budtender can help you figure out which method fits your goals and tolerance level.
5. What’s popular right now in NYC?
New York’s cannabis scene is evolving fast. Asking your budtender what’s trending can help you find local favorites. Your budtender will know which brands, strains, and edibles are making waves across the city.
Right now, Jaunty vapes and Camino gummies are some of the most-loved picks among our regulars.
6. What products are best for relaxation, focus, or creativity?
Everyone turns to cannabis for different reasons. Some want to unwind after a long day. Others want to boost focus or spark new ideas.
Asking your budtender about products helps you customize your experience and make sure you’re getting the results you’re looking for.
7. What do you personally recommend?
Sometimes the best way to find a new favorite is by asking your budtender what they love. This simple question opens up a conversation that can lead to genuine, experience-based recommendations you won’t find on a product label.
At Stoops, our budtenders live the culture. Each one has personal favorites and insights shaped by firsthand experience, so when you ask for their go-to picks, you’re getting guidance from someone who actually knows what works and why.
Pro Tips for Choosing Your Perfect Product
Your budtender is your best friend when you’re at a dispensary in NYC.
These trained guides can help you find the right fit. Tell them what you’re looking for—relaxation, creative inspiration, or help with sleep—and they’ll steer you in the right direction.
- Indica, Sativa, & Hybrid: Indica strains typically offer relaxing effects, perfect for unwinding. Sativa strains tend to be more energizing and uplifting. Hybrids offer a balance of both.
- Terpenes: These aromatic compounds influence the smell, taste, and effects of cannabis. For example, Myrcene is often relaxing, while Limonene can be uplifting. Ask your budtender about terpene profiles for a more custom experience.
- Consumption Methods: Flower offers a classic experience with quick effects. Vape cartridges are discreet and portable. Edibles (gummies, chocolates, beverages) take longer to kick in but offer longer-lasting effects. Pre-rolls are convenient and ready to use. For experienced users, concentrates pack a more potent punch. Tinctures offer precise dosing, and topicals provide localized relief without psychoactive effects.
Take your time, ask questions, and enjoy finding what works for you.
Finding Knowledgeable Budtenders in Manhattan
You’ll find licensed dispensaries popping up all across the city, each bringing its own local flavor.
Finding a reliable neighborhood NYC cannabis shop can change your experience into a community connection.
At Stoops NYC, we’re proud to be that neighborhood spot for Manhattan’s Flatiron District. We serve communities around Flatiron like Union Square, NoMad, Chelsea, Murray Hill, Kips Bay, West & East Village, and NYU.
We’ve built our dispensary to be a welcoming, judgment-free space. Our knowledgeable staff is here to guide you through our menu to make sure you find exactly what you need.