So you’re a UC Berkeley student. You attend the No. 1 public university in the world, and you’re ready to change the world. That’s an ambitious goal, so you’re going to need something to stay sane. Why not take the stereotypical route and smoke a few joints?

Or you could take the other stereotypical route and take Adderall. Your body, your choice. Weed in the Bay Area is a particularly quintessential experience, however, so let’s go with that.

Get a med card – even if you’ve turned 21

You’re a UC Berkeley student. If you tell this to the doctor evaluating your need for medical marijuana, they’re going to understand why you want something to help you relax.

But seriously, you’ll be in better hands if you have a recommendation. Plus, it gives you access to all the “blunts of skunk” you could ever want if you’re not 21 yet. It will cost you, but you’ll save money in the long run by paying fewer of the taxes that came about when recreational use was legalized in California. If you ever get caught, you have extra legal protections as well.

NuggMD is probably the best choice. See? We’ve already done some of the work for you. All you have to do is call up a pot doctor and tell them you’re a little anxious.

Understand and use your resources

Now that you have that wonderful medical marijuana recommendation, it’s time to start shopping around. But how do you that? Weedmaps is the most comprehensive resource for that. It’s frequently updated to reflect all of the dispensaries in our area as well as the delivery services that are frequently going in and out of business.

Delivery services are your friend…

Dispensaries are the most commonly talked about places to buy your OG Kush, but delivery services are way better when you’re trying to buy in bulk. Also, these services are much less likely to impose all of the new (and ridiculous) state and city taxes put into effect this year. You’ll get more bud for your buck, and you don’t have even have to leave the comfort of your house.

(But yes, you unfortunately have to leave the couch.)

…but know when the time is right for a dispensary

That being said, there’s a time and a place for making the trek out to a local dispensary. If you’re just looking for an eighth or even just an edible, you’re not going to meet the minimum that most delivery services have. If you’re still testing the waters and unsure of what you like, dispensaries are a good option. While Berkeley’s dispensaries are good, San Francisco has way more to offer. It’s an “all-you-can-smoke” fest — and it’s just a short BART ride away.

Your wallet will thank you if you look out for deals

Now that you know how and where to get your stash, it’s important to remember that you’re still a broke college student. You already have the Weedmaps app, so go ahead and check out that “Deals” section. It’ll give you all the best deals available right now at nearby storefronts and delivery services.

But that’s not all — if you look at individual listings, you’ll find that almost every single business has exclusive deals not just for first-time patients, but also for different days of the week. Sometimes random sales will also be available.

Stay on top of that, because while Bay Area weed is known to be overpriced, there are great deals available from individual sellers if you know how to look carefully.

Congratulations, you’re now ready to take on the Yay Area pot scene. Toke on, you Bears!