New to Medical Cannabis? Start here.
Getting your Mississippi Medical Cannabis Card is exciting, but if you’re also feeling a little overwhelmed, you’re not alone.
One of the first questions we hear is, “I have my card…now what?”
The good news is, you don’t need to know everything before you walk through our doors. That’s what we’re here for.
Whether you’ve never tried cannabis before, it’s been years since you last used it, or you’re simply curious about what’s available, our goal is to help you feel comfortable, informed, and confident. There are no silly questions here. We believe learning about cannabis should feel approachable, not intimidating.
This guide covers the basics every first-time patient should know before getting started.
Before Your First Visit
Before heading to the dispensary, make sure you have:
Your Mississippi Medical Cannabis Card
A valid photo ID
Your preferred payment method
That’s it!
If you have questions before you come in, write them down or bring this guide with you. We love talking cannabis, and we’d much rather spend time helping you understand your options than have you leave feeling unsure.
Let’s Talk About Your Goals
Before picking out a product, take a second to think about what you’re hoping to get out of the experience.
Maybe you’re looking to relax after work.
Maybe you’d like better sleep.
Maybe you’re hoping to stay productive during the day.
Or maybe you’re simply curious to see what works best for you.
There’s no wrong answer.
Knowing what you’re hoping to accomplish helps us point you toward products that may be a better fit for your lifestyle.
It’s also worth remembering that cannabis affects everyone a little differently. The same product can feel different depending on your dose, tolerance, body chemistry, what you’ve eaten, or even the time of day.
Finding your “right fit” usually isn’t about getting lucky on the first try, it’s about learning what works for you.
Understanding Your Allotment
One thing every Mississippi patient should know is how your allotment works.
Instead of tracking purchases by dollars or product count, Mississippi uses something called Mississippi Medical Cannabis Equivalency Units (MMCEUs) or as most call them “units”.
Think of MMCEUs as your monthly allowance.
Your allotment works on a rolling 30-day cycle, meaning every purchase becomes available again exactly 30 days to the minute after you bought it.
As a general rule:
One MMCEU is about the same as 3.5 grams (⅛ ounce) of flower.
Vape cartridges, concentrates, and infused products are measured differently based primarily on their THC content.
It sounds confusing at first, but don’t worry, we can always help explain how much of your allotment a product will use before you purchase it.
How Do You Want to Consume?
Cannabis isn’t just flower anymore.
Some people prefer smoking or vaping because they feel the effects quickly. Others like edibles because they last longer and are more discreet. Some patients choose tinctures, capsules, or topicals depending on what fits their routine.
Every method has its pros and cons, so there isn’t a “best” option, only the one that’s best for you.
Start Low. Go Slow.
If there’s one piece of advice we’d give every new patient, it’s this:
Start low. Go slow.
Seriously.
More isn’t always better.
If you’re smoking or vaping, take one small inhale and give yourself 10–15 minutes before deciding if you’d like another.
If you’re trying an edible, start with 2.5–5 mg of THC and wait at least two hours before taking more. Edibles take longer to kick in than most people expect.
Be patient with yourself. Cannabis isn’t a race.
THC, CBD & Terpenes
You don’t have to become a cannabis expert overnight, but knowing a few basics can make shopping much easier.
THC is the cannabinoid most people associate with the feeling of being “high.”
CBD doesn’t produce that intoxicating effect and is commonly included alongside THC in many products.
Then there are terpenes: the natural compounds that give cannabis its unique smell and flavor. They’re also one of the reasons two products with similar THC percentages can feel surprisingly different.
If you’d like to dive deeper, we’ve put together a guide on terpenes that you can read next.
What About Sativa, Indica & Hybrid?
This is probably the question we get asked the most.
The short answer?
Those labels can be helpful, but they don’t tell the whole story.
Many patients describe sativas as feeling more uplifting and indicas as more relaxing, but your experience depends on much more than the label. Things like cannabinoids, terpenes, dosage, and your own body chemistry often play a much bigger role.
Instead of chasing a label, focus on how a product is built and how it makes you feel.
A Few Tips Before You Go
Give yourself time to enjoy the experience.
Try your first product somewhere comfortable.
Begin with one product rather than a few
Stay hydrated.
Avoid mixing cannabis with alcohol.
Don’t drive if you’re feeling impaired.
Give yourself time to learn what works best for you.
Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Everyone’s experience is unique, and finding the right product may take a little trial and error.
Common First Time Questions
“Will I feel high?”
It depends on the product, dose, and your individual response. Some products are designed to be non-intoxicating or very mild.
“What if I take too much?”
It can feel uncomfortable, but it is temporary. You can chew whole peppercorn to help dampen some of the effects.
Start low, go slow, and you greatly reduce this risk.
“How do I know what to buy?”
Start with your goal (sleep, relaxation, focus, etc.), and we’ll help guide you from there.
“Can I switch products later?”
Absolutely. Most patients try a few different options before finding what works best.
Keep Notes
One of the easiest ways to find your favorite products is by keeping track of what you’ve tried.
Write down the product name, your dose, how long it took to kick in, and how you felt afterward.
Over time, you’ll start noticing patterns, and choosing products becomes much easier.
Come curious. Leave confident.
Starting something new can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to.
Whether you’re looking for guidance, have a question about a product, or just aren’t sure where to begin, we’re here to help.
Our goal isn’t to rush you through a transaction. It’s to help you feel confident, comfortable, and informed every step of the way.
Welcome to the Hill. We’re glad you’re here.
Educational Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always follow the recommendations of your certifying healthcare provider and consume responsibly.
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