THC 101: Your Beginner’s Cheat Sheet to the Cannabis Marketplace

From First-Timers to Confident Consumers: Know Yourself, Know Your Cannabis

Today’s Norm: Blind Leading The Blind

For many people entering the medical or adult-use cannabis markets for the first time, uncertainty and confusion are common. Despite the wide availability of THC products, consumers often feel overwhelmed by branding, marketing, and the sheer number of options—yet still lack the guidance they need. Healthcare professionals often avoid discussing cannabis, leaving patients to navigate the complexities on their own. While budtenders are enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the products they sell, they typically lack the medical expertise required to make personalized, responsible recommendations. Even within the medical cannabis industry, some well-meaning professionals may offer support but fall short of delivering evidence-based care. As a result, new consumers are left to navigate a complex and confusing market without proper direction.

The cannabis industry often advises beginners to “go low and slow” when starting with THC products, and while th…