Want to learn how to buy weed like a pro? Here are some quick tips and facts about cannabis

For marijuana enthusiasts, advocates, and occasional partakers, Saturday, April 20, is a day to celebrate the cannabis plant and culture.

While the festivities seem to be a day filled with marijuana consumption, many advocates and dispensary owners see this as an opportunity to educate anyone who might be curious about cannabis.

There is no specific origin to how the yearly April 20 festivities began, but many stories have been passed down from generations of users. The most widely known origin story, according to the High Times, is the Legend of the Waldos, which dates back to 1971 at San Rafael High School in California

A group of five high school students, who called themselves the Waldos, would meet up after school at 4:20 p.m. every day to smoke "doobies" under the school statue of Louis Pasteur. The legend also said this group of friends would search for a mysterious cannabis field in the hills just outside town.

For people who have never gotten high off of marijuana products or know little about it, here are some tips on how to buy it.

What to expect when you walk into a dispensary

Walking into a dispensary isn't like going to the liquor store; the security precautions are higher. When you first walk into a dispensary, don't expect to see any marijuana product right away. Security will greet you in a tiny lobby room, asking you to scan your driver's license, U.S. passport, U.S. military ID, or state-issued ID.

Even though you might look over 21 years old, your ID must be scanned due to the half-ounce per-person per transaction limit for recreational users in CT. Medical marijuana patients are permitted to purchase up to five ounces per month with no per-transaction limit.

The security staff at dispensaries scan your ID to ensure you haven't exceeded the legal limit you can purchase in the day. There is no limit to how many dispensaries you can visit in one day, but there is a limit on the amount of marijuana products you can purchase.

After you pass security, the staff will buzz you in, and you will finally enter the floor where marijuana products, accessories, and dispensary merchandise are displayed. All dispensaries are a cash-only business. Debit cards may be accepted, but credit cards are not because marijuana is a federally illegal substance. Be sure you bring a valid ID and cash to make your first visit to the dispensary go smoothly.

More: Norwich's first cannabis dispensary opens, bringing jobs and tax revenue

How can I buy marijuana?

There are hundreds of types of marijuana strains that fall under three species of cannabis: Indica, Sativa, and hybrid. The most popular ways to consume marijuana are to inhale vapor or smoke and eat or drink it.

Various devices sold at dispensaries create many methods of getting high, and the effects of the high depend on the technique and the marijuana strain.

Cannabis flower and vape cartridges are two ways in which people smoke marijuana. Cannabis flower is the smokable part of the plant. Dispensaries sell flowers by an eighth of an ounce, which is 3.5 grams.

While smoking flower requires some equipment, edibles and vaporizers are an easier way to get high. Dispensaries label any food or beverages made with THC as "edibles." There are dozens of edible varieties, from chocolate bars and gummies to seltzer waters and hot cocoa.

How much does it cost to buy recreational marijuana?

Recreational and medical marijuana prices vary, and it depends on the strain, the form it's purchased in, and taxes. Recreational marijuana is subject to a 20% sales tax.

The average cost of an eighth of an ounce of marijuana in Connecticut is between $36 to $50. The price depends on the quality of the cannabis and taxation.

The average cost of a single pre-roll, or joint, from a licensed cannabis dispensary starts at $12. A THC vape cartridge is between $29 and $55; the vaporizer device is sold separately.

Then, there are accessories and equipment needed to smoke marijuana. Smoking flower requires a grinder to cut it up so it can fit in a pipe, a bong, or rolling paper. Rolling paper is used to pack flower into a joint or blunt.

Depending on the quality and material of the device, a grinder can cost between $5 and $80 or more. Rolling papers cost between $1 and $5 before taxes.

More: Plainfield might not see cannabis sales until at least 2024. What did other CT towns do?

How long does marijuana stay in my system?

The effects of marijuana last between one and six hours, depending on how much is consumed and the method of consumption. Long after the effects wear off, marijuana takes up to 30 days to leave your system, which means it can show up in urine and hair drug tests weeks after consumption.

While edibles might be more convenient, note that the high can last longer and be more intense compared to smoking marijuana. Edibles are processed through the stomach and liver, which takes hours to leave your system, prolonging the high.

Local dispensaries

There are three dispensaries in The Bulletin coverage area: Zen Leaf in Norwich, The Botanist in Montville and Higher Collective in Killingly. Both Zen Leaf and The Botanist dispense recreational and medical marijuana; Higher Collective is recreational only.

In honor of the 4/20 cannabis holiday, Zen Leaf has announced it is offering 10% off storewide from Friday to Sunday, April 19 to 21. On Saturday and Sunday the dispensary will also offer 20% off on all CTPharma. These deals apply to all four Zen Leaf locations in CT.

Both Zen Leaf and Higher Collective offer a loyalty program that gives customers a discount after spending a specified amount. Higher Collective also offers discounts to senior citizens and veterans.

The Botanist offers a $5 off all pre-order sales of $25 or more and a 10% senior discount. Free delivery is available for orders in excess of $100.

This article originally appeared on Gardner News: What to know when buying recreational marijuana in Connecticut