Heading to a legal state? Here is some dispensary etiquette for your first time buying legally

Cannabis is definitely not new as it has been recorded and written about for thousands of years. However, in 1937 the plant was made illegal by the United States government and the world followed suit. Since then, it has gone down hill with a very negative stigma. It wasn’t until the mid 1990’s when medical marijuana was legalised in California that brought cannabis and its wealth of benefits into the spotlight again.

New consumers in today’s market would have never imagined less than 10 years ago, marijuana was looked at by some as a heavy hardcore drug. Now in 2019, almost every legal recreational state has a dispensary on every corner. Some less than others but they are popping up quicker than ever.

As much as this is good because competition brings out the best in us, some dispensaries might have different rules than others. For the most part, the rules work the same throughout.

What is a Cannabis Dispensary Store?

A cannabis dispensary store is a store that only sells cannabis and accessories such as paraphernalia. Unlike a liquor store, which may have a host of other inventory items alongside the liquor, a dispensary will only sell products related to cannabis. The laws are so strict in some states and counties that you cannot even sell blunt wraps with tobacco in them. Whether you are looking for cannabis flower buds, wax, edibles, convection dry herb vapes, nectar collectors, or other canna-related products, you can find it all right here. Some people will treat it as a one stop shop if they have all your products. If you live in a legal area wheresweed can help you find cannabis dispensaries near you.

One of the best parts about going to a dispensary is the budtenders. Some of the nicest people you will ever meet are budtenders. They have a hard job because not everyone that comes into a dispensary knows what they want. They have to continuously train, educate and help new customers all day. They know everything they need to in that store from oil vape pens, cannabis flower to ancillary dispensary products. So never hesitate to question them on any question that comes to mind. It is important and good to know what you are consuming and how to do it best.

Difference Between Medical and Recreational

There aren’t a whole lot of differences between medical or recreational dispensaries. Some people claim that medical stores have higher levels of THC which is not true. However, there are new laws for certain states that has the law spread across medical and recreational. For example in California, edibles cannot be higher than 100mg of THC. For the most part, everything is the same. Some states like Florida have also been trying to limit high THC strains and keep it low THC to a high CBD ratio strain.

How to Behave at a Dispensary

When first walking into a dispensary, it could be both very exciting and a bit overwhelming. You may have never imagined walking into a store filled with cannabis products in a legal setting, a far throw away from the 20-bags you used to pick up. Follow these tips on how to have a great experience:

Ask Questions

When you want to get cannabis for something specific, let the budtenders know. If you’re not sure, keep asking questions. Finding out what strains they have and what each one does is great. For example a sativa strain is an upper that is good to be used during the day so you’re not a couch potato like the stigma weed has. Indica will give you more of that feeling.

Don’t Use Your Phone

When you walk into the dispensary, make sure you put your phone away. This is a big deal and you will be told to do so. Having it out in the lobby is fine but when you go into the main room, it’s frowned upon. Generally, the store owner will not want you having your phone out and talking or disturbing people. They also do not like it if you take any pictures.

Be Courteous

This should not be said because it should always be done but be courteous to everyone. Whether it’s the people around you in the waiting lobby, to the security guard or even the budtender. They’re trying to help you so you do the same.

Be Curious

Being curious sort of goes with asking questions but being curious means taking the extra step of curiosity. Ask the budtenders which is best for you and try different stuff. For example, you might like an oil vape pen more than you will like wax. Concentrates are much stronger which can be either an advantage or a disadvantage as new users may not be able to handle as much as easily. Same with edibles, the dose varies, so make sure you dose it correctly and start with less and work your way up if unsure, remembering that edibles take longer to kick in than smoking/vaping.

Tip the Budtenders

Alright this one is very American… Since your budtender is doing a service for you, it’s always good to tip them if they do a good job. There is usually a tip jar in the front where you pay. Simply throw a dollar or two in there.

Bring Proper I.D.

Regardless whether you have your medical recommendation from your doctor or you’re walking into a dispensary and you look over 40, you will need proper identification. A drivers license, state ID, or passport will all work. Make sure they’re all up to date and not expired.

Don’t Smoke on the Property

One of the quickest ways you don’t get to come back to a dispensary is by smoking on the property. When you get your prescription exit bag, make sure you don’t open it until you get off the property. Dispensary owners have to abide by strict laws.

There you have it folks – follow the tips above to minimise friction in your first legal cannabis buying setting!