Cannabis Shopping 101: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy

Do you find it challenging to shop for cannabis online? You’re not alone. At Indacloud, we hear from customers every day who are overwhelmed by choices, confused by cannabis jargon, or unsure where even to begin. 

We want to help you select the best cannabis for the experience, result, or effect you’re looking to achieve, setting the stage for an awesome time. 

So picture us, you and I, standing in a shop, talking about cannabis. I’m behind a counter, and I greet you when you walk in. Hi, I’m Deb, and welcome to Indacloud!

Don’t worry if you don’t know the difference between indica, hybrid, and sativa. Or when to choose a flower or a pre-roll. What about edibles? There is so much out there that it can feel overwhelming. 

With this guide, you can confidently navigate the cannabis aisle (aka our website). Before jumping in, we want to provide a few pro-tips to make your experience awesome. 

No matter how long you have been using cannabis for 30 years or if you are a millennial who is just beginning to explore cannabis, please consume responsibly. Cannabis is for those who are over the age of 21.

We want you to have access to and make informed choices as a cannabis consumer. Taking too much of anything (food, alcohol, shopping, smoking) isn’t good for your health, mentally or physically. Moderation is key. Use common sense. We don’t want you to feel sick or get injured. 

The effects of cannabis vary based on weight, metabolism, stomach contents, and other medications can affect how you respond to edibles. Some folks also have a higher tolerance to edibles than others. Consult a medical professional or doctor before trying cannabis for relief from pain or discomfort. 

What’s your why? Intentional Cannabis Consumption 

Once you get to Indacloud’s website, you might feel like you’ve entered another dimension with words like Indica, Sativa, Hybrid, and Dope Rope (yes, that’s a thing). It’s easy to feel lost if you don’t speak the language. But today you’ll learn that, and so much more! 

Before you add anything to your cart, take a moment to consider your intention. Why do you want to use cannabis? Think of this as your cannabis mission statement. 

When is cannabis on your shelf at home, when would you pick it up? Maybe for you it is a pain reliever, or your evening “glass of wine” to relax after a long day. No matter what it is, this might sound silly, but write it down. I find that when I write something down, it helps me gain clarity on what it is I’m after. 

Everyone comes to cannabis differently, and it is no surprise that so many common problems can be aided by a bit of cannabis. It is an herbal plant used for medicinal purposes.

To know the “kind” that is best for you, you’ll need to decide on how you want to feel. When talking about cannabis, most users will say that Sativas are more “daytime” strains, ideal for energy and creativity. 

While Indicas are “nighttime” strains, ideal for relaxation and sleep, hybrids land somewhere in the middle. Most people are familiar with smoking, but there are options for everyone, including vapes, pre-rolls, and edibles. 

We always recommend what is best for you. If you are concerned about the risks of vaping and/or smoking, then you can either try flower decarbing for cooking or baking, or try our pre-made edibles!  But first, start with your “why” so that you can choose responsibility. “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” Mae West

Dissolve Anxiety with cannabis crystals 

Have you experienced anxiety, or do you have difficulty relaxing? Many people turn to food, alcohol, shopping, or other non-social activities. Alternatively, cannabis (In moderation) has been found to help reduce anxiety and aid relaxation.

Traditionally, indica-dominant strains of cannabis have been known to aid in relaxation. Indacloud’s Chronic Crystals come to mind as a “go-to” for a day and nighttime popping crystals.

The Day Time pack is delicious, Orange Mango Peach, as it pops, 25 mg THC dissolves on your tongue. The Night Time Bedtime Berry crystals have 10 mg of CBN and 25 mg THC, plus melatonin, GABA, and L-theanine to relax your body and mind. Designed to wind you down without the wait.

Are you a gummy gal? Grape Soda Shop is gummy for a sweet treat to help you find calm. For the smokers in the room, try Alaskan TF pre-rolls. 

Sleep sound with bliss gummies 

How have you been sleeping? Most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep to feel fully rested for the day ahead. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services says the body needs time to reset, recharge, and recover. 

It might be hard, but taking a break from your phone an hour before bed feels like giving up your arm. Screens emit blue light, which messes with your melatonin production and tells your brain, “Hey, it’s party time!” instead of “Let’s sleep.”

In a recent survey we conducted, 67 percent of respondents said they have used THC to sleep, and it works! If you’re ready to relax, grab one of our sugar-free sleep gummies. Not only are the sleep gummies tasty, but they are a game-changer if you struggle with sleep. 

A formulated blend of cannabinoids, amino acids, and neurotransmitters that work together to help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and allow you to wake up feeling refreshed. 

Cannabinol (CBN) is often called “the sleep cannabinoid” because of its sedative properties. Studies show that CBN enhances deep sleep and reduces nighttime wake-ups, especially when paired with THC. This Sleep Gummy formula delivers the perfect THC-to-CBN ratio (5mg to 10mg) for maximum relaxation.

Do you need something a bit stronger? The Sour Apple and Grape Soda Shop gummies are a great stepping stone. For the advanced cannabis consumer, we recommend trying the Beast Mode series. 

Cannabis is a mood booster 

Maybe you called it Mary Jane (Aka cannabis) when you smoked it “back in the day,” but today, cannabis can be called all sorts of things. Cannabis is consumed with edibles, vapes, or flower. Cannabis is known for its “mood boosting” capabilities. Cannabis can help the laughter get started, like a funny or visually stimulating movie always gets me out of my grumpy pants.

If you are up for a laugh, try Pineapple Express THCa flower, you can smoke it or decarb it for an edible – maybe spaghetti and meatballs with a side of silly. 

Cannabis can help with ADHD 

Choose cannabis based on how you want to feel. If you’ve been struggling with focus, and you’ve tried all the traditional steps of removing distractions, but you are still distracted!

Symptoms like hyperactivity and difficulty focusing, called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), are a common neurodevelopmental condition that affects an estimated 4.4% of adults. 

Although there isn’t much research on cannabis, a 2020 study of 112 adult patients with ADHD who used medical marijuana reported that those who consumed a dose with higher percentages of CBD were able to take fewer other ADHD medications. 

This doesn’t mean taking cannabis replaces traditional medication. Speak with a medical professional before replacing any medications. We encourage you to get curious and see what works for you.  Durban Poison THCa flower is a great option for a flower that will help fuel focus and creativity.   

Inspire Focus and Creativity with Cannabis 

Seeking inspiration? Cannabis has been known to spark joy and creativity for generations. Thinking about what your next art project is going to look like sounds a bit boring. Bring cannabis to the party, open your mind, and think outside of the box.

Blue Dream is a sweet berry classic flower that balances mood-lifting with mellow-minded clarity. Dream your next art piece to life. 

Some use cannabis for pain relief 

Cannabis is an increasingly popular alternative to prescription medications as more US states continue to legalize medical and recreational cannabis, offering more access to all, including pain sufferers.  

Cannabis may be natural, but it’s still a medicine. Before starting any cannabis-based treatment, consult a medical professional, especially if you have existing health conditions or take other medications. See more info about using cannabis here.

Have a pain relief solution for every mood. Pick up our edibles bundle. 

• Indica (body-relaxing strains) strains are a go-to for arthritis, muscle spasms, or back pain. 
• Sativa (uplifting and energizing) strains are known to help with headaches, mood swings, and nerve pain. 

Concerned about the psychoactive effects of THC? Good news, CBD is like pain relief without the party. Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of over 400 chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant.  CBD products can reduce inflammation and soothe discomfort without leaving you feeling “off.”   

Is consuming cannabis safe? 

Indacloud’s products are lab tested and certified by a third party to confirm the potency and that our products are free from harmful contaminants. 

Does that mean it is safer to buy cannabis online than to buy cannabis from the guy on the corner? Yes. These reports, also called Certificates of Analysis (COAs), are listed on our website in the top left corner navigation. 

You’ll see a search bar to easily find the product you are looking for and find that report. If you want to know how much Delta 8 or 9 is in a product, the results are listed at the top (on most of them) and sometimes in the bottom right corner. 

As with all kinds of adult products, consume these at your own risk. Use your best judgment about the time of day you consume cannabis (do you have to drive somewhere later?) and the amount. For edibles with small doses, 5mg or 10mg, and see how that goes.

All cannabis products have different potencies, so it’s best to know what you can handle and make sure to keep products away from and out of reach of children.

Shopping online for cannabis: Is it legal? 

The question we get the most is around the legality of selling a product like cannabis online. Our products are sold legally and safely, thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. Hemp-derived cannabinoids like Delta 8, Delta 9 (from hemp), HHC, and THCa can be sold online in many states. 

These cannabinoids offer many of the same effects as traditional cannabis but are compliant under federal law, as long as they meet THC content limits and sourcing requirements. 

We understand your concern. We are doing our part by sharing stories of our customers, like the recent YouTube video of Mona interviewing a Texas native about changes to state laws. 

Cannabis laws vary by state, so you should always check your local laws before placing an order. We strive to stay informed of any regulatory changes impacting our ability to sell in certain states and localities. We will provide updates via our marketing channels on any changes to our product availability.

Our products are currently available across the continental United States; we are unable to ship internationally or to military bases and a few select areas.  While we are unable to give legal advice, we recommend that you stay informed of your local laws and regulations to make informed decisions.

Shopping for cannabis online doesn’t have to be intimidating. With a little intention, curiosity, and our guidance, you can find the perfect strain or product to match your goals. Whether you’re looking to chill, laugh, create, sleep, or vibe, cannabis can be a supportive tool to enhance your everyday life.

At Indacloud, we’re here to help you find the fun in functional cannabis, without the stress. So next time you’re scrolling and stuck between Blue Razz or Watermelon Rush, just remember: there’s no wrong answer. 

We are here for you, as your online budtenders. Send us a message.  Check out reviews, read what others have to say about the cannabis products you are interested in, and ask yourself, What would you use cannabis for?  What is the experience you want to have with cannabis? Once you know you want to use cannabis for it, it will be easier to identify the right product for you! 

Check out previous guides, including: A Guide to Cannabis for Pain Relief, The 2025 Guide to Responsible Cannabis Consumption, and Can Cannabis help with depression?, A Guide to Edibles for Extraordinary Experiences, and Cannabis Etiquette: How to be the Life of the Party.

Question? Send us an email at [email protected].