Ask a Budtender: Tips for a Father’s Day Smoke Sesh

Question: Father’s Day is coming up, and I want to surprise my dad with some sort of cannabis gift! He hasn’t had any weed since the 1970s and has never even walked into a dispensary, but he’s definitely interested in giving it a try again. I want him to have a good experience and get him a good Father’s Day present. Do you have any suggestions for someone 65+ that’s interested in re-entering the world of cannabis?

Cannabis Coach Haley’s Answer: I love that you’re thinking ahead and want to get a canna-friendly gift for your dad this Father’s Day—how thoughtful! While my own dad doesn’t consume cannabis because of his job’s drug-testing policy, I’ve helped many of my friends’ dads re-enter the world of legal cannabis. If your dad consumed cannabis in the 1970s, then he at least has some idea of what he’s getting into, and once you show him the ropes again, I bet he’ll be so glad you did.

First thing’s first: Ask yourself these questions before diving head-first into a cannabis purchase for your dad:

• Does he get regularly drug-tested for THC at his workplace?
• Does he operate heavy machinery or have a CDL driver’s license for his job?
• Is he on any prescribed heart medications from his doctor?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, consuming cannabis might not be the best option for your dad. The last thing I’d want is for your dad to get fired or in trouble with his job because he tried a joint over the weekend. If your dad is taking regular heart medications, it’s also a good idea to check with his doctor to make sure cannabis is right for him.

If none of these apply to your dad and he’s ready to dip his toes into the legal cannabis scene, here are some tips.

Taking Him Shopping With You

Depending on what state you live in, there may be dispensaries sprinkled all throughout your town, or you may have to drive several hours to get the closest one. If you live in the United States, I suggest first looking at Veriheal’s dispensary directory to see what cannabis retailers are near you.

If a dispensary isn’t nearby, you might plan a road trip with your dad to an adult-use state like Illinois (where I live!). As long as you’re 21+ and have a valid ID and cash, you can shop in adult-use dispensaries even if you reside in another state. Many folks come from other states just to experience Chicago’s robust cannabis scene and purchase cannabis in a legal, safe, and regulated environment.

I find that taking someone to the dispensary for the first time is a very memorable and special experience! If you’ve never been to a dispensary before, check out this post for some pointers.

Start Small—Joints and Edibles Are the Way to Go

As far as what to buy your dad at the dispensary, I always suggest pre-rolled joints, edibles, or both! It’s best to grab 1-3 items to try; that way you’ll have a few different styles of cannabis products to choose from.

When I worked at the dispensary and folks came in wanting Father’s Day presents, we always sold out of our 5-pack mini pre-rolled joints. They came in a classic tin and were perfect if you wanted to share a few puffs with your dad. I’d suggest an item like that to share with him (a pack of small joints usually runs $25-$40).

The other item I’d always suggest for Father’s Day is a small pack of edibles as a take-home gift. Your dad might not be interested in eating a gummy today, but if he had a stash at home, it might sound good to him after a long day of work. Start him out with a low-dose edible (around 5-10 milligrams THC). I find that folks 65+ often like classic edibles like pre-dosed brownie bites, cookies, or hard candies.

If there’s one tip that you tell your dad, make it this: Edibles take around 1-3 hours to kick in. Take one, and if you don’t feel anything, keep waiting until 3 full hours have passed. You might be surprised how long it can take to begin working! Just take one your first time—you can eat more tomorrow!

Consider Buying Him a Cannabis Accessory

I always suggest getting a present that will last and stand the test of time. For example, a new cannabis pipe, grinder, or ashtray is a great Father’s Day gift! Take a look at this guide to cannabis pipes and other smoking devices.

Not to put your dad into a box or stereotype, but many cannabis lovers from the good old days don’t use cannabis grinders and just use their hands to break up their weed (which is fine if that’s what he likes!). If he’s interested in entering the cannabis scene in 2022, you might help him get started by buying him a nice cannabis grinder!

Hope these tips help to get you started! Your dad is lucky to have someone like you helping him re-enter the cannabis scene. Enjoy your Father’s Day weekend and have some canna-friendly fun with your pops!