Walk into any dispensary and the first thing you notice is variety. Jars of flower, rows of vape cartridges, gummies in every flavor, concentrates that look like they belong in a lab. For newer shoppers, the question isn't "what's good" — it's "what's the difference?"
At Flushing Cannabis Co. on Roosevelt Avenue, we help customers compare products every day. This guide breaks down the five main cannabis product categories you'll find at a licensed New York dispensary, what makes each one distinct, and what questions to ask before you buy. No mood promises. No medical claims. Just the facts, so you can choose with confidence.
1. Flower: The Classic Starting Point
Cannabis flower is the dried bud of the plant — the form most people picture when they think of cannabis. It's versatile, comes in countless strains, and contains naturally occurring cannabinoids and terpenes, with amounts that vary by product and batch.
What to know when comparing:
- THC percentage: Typically ranges from 10% to 30%+. Higher isn't always better — it depends on your tolerance and experience.
- Terpene profile: These aromatic compounds shape the flavor and character of each strain. Common ones include myrcene (earthy), limonene (citrus), and pinene (pine).
- Strain type: Indica, sativa, and hybrid are common labels. Use them as rough guides, but terpenes and THC percentage tell you more.
- Freshness: Check the harvest or package date. Fresher flower generally retains more terpenes.
Best for: People who want the traditional experience, full flavor, and control over how much they consume.
At Flushing Cannabis Co.: Our flower is stored in sealed, humidity-controlled containers to preserve freshness. Ask our budtenders about recent drops and rotating strains.
2. Vapes: Discreet and Portable
Vape cartridges contain cannabis oil that's heated and inhaled. They're compact, produce less odor than flower, and allow consumers to take small inhalations, although the amount consumed with each inhalation can vary.
What to know when comparing:
- Oil type: Distillate is highly refined THC oil. Live resin preserves more terpenes from the fresh plant. Full spectrum aims to retain a broader range of compounds.
- THC percentage: Often higher than flower — commonly 70-90%+. Start with one small puff and wait.
- Terpene source: Cannabis-derived terpenes come from the plant itself. Botanical terpenes are added from other plants.
- Hardware: Most cartridges use 510-thread batteries, which are widely available.
Best for: Adults comparing portable, lower-odor, non-combustible formats.
At Flushing Cannabis Co.: We stock both live resin and distillate options. Our staff can explain the difference in flavor and experience between the two.
3. Edibles: Delayed Onset and Longer Duration
Edibles are food or drink products infused with cannabis — gummies, chocolates, beverages, and more. They're processed differently from inhaled cannabis, so onset and duration may differ. Individual responses vary.
What to know when comparing:
- THC per serving: New York requires clear labeling in milligrams. Common single servings range from 2.5mg to 10mg.
- Total package THC: The entire package's THC content must also be listed. Know how many servings you're consuming.
- Onset time: Noticeable effects may be delayed, sometimes for 30 minutes to 2 hours or longer. Timing varies by person and product. Do not take more because you don't feel it immediately.
- Duration: Effects may last several hours or longer. Individual responses vary.
Best for: Adults comparing non-inhaled formats and products with a potentially delayed onset and longer duration.
At Flushing Cannabis Co.: We carry a range of edible types and potencies. If you're new to edibles, our budtenders will walk you through the "start low, go slow" approach.
4. Concentrates: Higher-Potency Extracts
Concentrates are extracted cannabis products with very high cannabinoid content — live resin, wax, shatter, and similar forms. They're consumed by dabbing or adding to flower.
What to know when comparing:
- Potency: Often 60-90%+ THC. These are significantly stronger than flower.
- Texture and form: Live resin is saucy and terpene-rich. Wax is pliable. Shatter is glass-like and brittle.
- Consumption method: Requires a dab rig or specialized device. Not beginner-friendly.
- Lab testing: Because extraction involves solvents, residual solvent testing is especially important. Legal cannabis products sold through licensed New York dispensaries are subject to OCM testing, labeling, and packaging requirements. Testing information does not mean a product is safe or risk-free.
Best for: Experienced adult consumers who understand higher-potency products and specialized consumption methods.
At Flushing Cannabis Co.: We stock concentrates for experienced users. If you're curious but new, our budtenders can recommend lower-potency alternatives to start.
5. Tinctures and Topicals: Precision and Non-Inhalation
These two categories are often grouped together because neither involves inhaling — but they serve very different purposes.
Tinctures:
- Liquid cannabis extract, typically taken under the tongue (sublingual)
- Onset: 15-45 minutes
- Precise dosing via dropper
- Often available in various THC:CBD ratios
Topicals:
- Creams, balms, and patches applied to the skin
- Intoxicating effects vary by formulation. Check the label, especially for products containing THC or products designed for transdermal delivery.
- Used for localized application
What to know when comparing:
- Tincture ratios: Some are THC-dominant, some CBD-dominant, some balanced. The label should clearly state the ratio and total cannabinoid content.
- Topical ingredients: Check for additional ingredients like menthol, essential oils, or carrier bases if you have skin sensitivities.
- Onset and duration: Tinctures act faster than edibles but slower than inhalation. Topical and transdermal formulations vary; follow the product label and required warnings.
Best for: Adults comparing labeled dropper servings (tinctures) or products intended for application to the skin (topicals).
At Flushing Cannabis Co.: We carry both tinctures and topicals. Ask our staff about the differences in onset time and how to read the ratio labels.
How to Choose: A Simple Framework
If you're unsure where to start, use these three questions:
1. Do you want to inhale or not?
- Yes → Flower, vapes, or concentrates
- No → Edibles, tinctures, or topicals
2. Compare labeled onset information and method of use.
- Inhaled products may have a faster onset than ingested products.
- Tincture onset depends on the product and method of use.
- Edible effects may be delayed; wait before consuming more.
3. Compare duration information.
- Duration varies by format, serving size, potency, product, and individual.
- Follow the package directions and required warnings.
- No product format guarantees a particular onset, duration, or experience.
There's no universal "best" product — only what's best for your preferences, experience level, and situation. Our budtenders at Flushing Cannabis Co. are trained to walk through these questions with you, no pressure.
FAQ for Product Comparison
Q: What's the strongest product type?
A: Concentrates typically have the highest THC percentages (60-90%+), but "strongest" depends on how much you consume and your individual tolerance.
Q: Are edibles stronger than flower?
A: Not necessarily — but edibles are processed differently from inhaled cannabis, and onset, intensity, and duration can vary by person and product.
Q: What's the difference between live resin and distillate?
A: Distillate is highly refined THC oil with a neutral flavor. Live resin is made from fresh-frozen cannabis and may retain a different terpene profile than distillate, affecting labeled aroma and flavor characteristics.
Q: Do topicals produce intoxicating effects?
A: It depends on the formulation. Products intended for localized application may differ from transdermal products, and products containing THC may affect individuals differently. Review the label and required warnings.
Q: How do I know how much to take?
A: Start with the lowest labeled serving, especially for edibles and concentrates. You can always take more later. Our budtenders can help you read the labels.
Q: Can I mix product types?
A: Combining product types can make total THC intake and effects harder to assess. Start with a low serving, use one product at a time, and wait before consuming more.
Visit Flushing Cannabis Co.
The best way to compare products is to see them in person. Our budtenders can show you the differences, explain the labels, and help you find what fits your preferences.
📍 136-15 Roosevelt Avenue, Flushing, Queens
🚇 2-minute walk from Main Street (7 train)
🌐 Browse our live menu at flushingcannabis.com
📱 Order online for in-store pickup
Must be 21+ with valid ID. Licensed by the New York State Office of Cannabis Management.
For adults 21+ with valid government-issued ID. Flushing Cannabis Co. is licensed by the New York State Office of Cannabis Management (License OCM-RETL-25-000303). Legal cannabis products are subject to New York Office of Cannabis Management testing, labeling, and packaging requirements. Individual responses vary; product information cannot promise a specific effect, and dispensary staff cannot provide medical advice. Start low and go slow, especially with edibles. Do not drive after consuming cannabis. Keep cannabis securely stored away from children and pets.
