Quality control: A licensed cannabis dispensary gives consumers peace of mind knowing that you can buy not just flower, but a whole range of cannabis products that have met certain safety and quality standards.

Many dispensary products are required to undergo lab testing, and even indicate potency as well as other helpful information such as cannabinoids and terpene content in its label. This way, you don’t have to second-guess how much THC or CBD is in your pot, which is crucial especially for medical patients who need cannabis to treat symptoms of a variety of illnesses.

Cannabis dealers don’t typically grow their own pot – they are merely middlemen who profit from the sale. That means that they don’t provide their clients or patients with important information or guarantees regarding safety and potency. Meanwhile, licensed dispensaries have to adhere to state regulations so they can give you quality assurances. They have to comply to state standards to continue running their business and make a profit honestly.

Product variety: The cannabis industry is now more sophisticated than ever. What this means for consumers is that the breadth of choices is so overwhelming. You can now choose from dozens of strains, cultivars, and consumption methods, many of which can even be customized to meet your needs.

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Established dispensaries even have warehouses where they always keep stock of good products. You can find an assortment of marijuana ranging from affordable to top-shelf depending on your budget and needs. Being able to shop at a dispensary, online or in-person, also enables you to compare products and make an informed decision based on your own preferences and research.

Discounts and loyalty programs: Just because you’re buying from a licensed, reputable dispensary doesn’t automatically mean you’ll always have to spend much more money.

You can still enjoy discounts and save money while enjoying all the other benefits of a cannabis dispensary especially if you partake in their loyalty and membership programs. These enable you to take advantage of a variety of money-saving offers such as rewards, dollar deals, free merchandise, daily specials sent straight to your inbox or phone, cash backs, and so much more.

These loyalty programs are carefully designed by dispensaries to grow their customer base,  and there is always something in it for you.

Personalized recommendations: Unlike dealers, budtenders and dispensary staff have to undergo training in order to succeed at their job. This means that they are educated, and in some cases even certified by organizations to sell cannabis professionally.

Dispensary staff are great sources of information when it comes to cannabis. They are up to date with the latest products, strains, and methods of consumption so they are even better people to build relationships with as opposed to your dealer. They are familiar with questions on THC content, first-time dosing guidelines, and many other common issues that they are equipped to answer and you can be sure that their recommendations are safe.

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The more you develop relationships with your budtender, the more they will be familiar with your personal preferences and unique needs. With time, they can make excellent recommendations and give you the assistance that you truly need. You will be able to enjoy getting references based on your budget, specific health goals, and lifestyle.

Safety and reduction of health risks: If you buy from a dealer or someone that you don’t know very well, there’s no real way of telling if the pot you’re about to smoke was synthetically produced.

The rise of synthetic cannabis is extremely dangerous and has caused hospitalizations as well as death. Dealers are only after a profit. As mentioned earlier, cannabis sold at licensed dispensaries should be tested somewhat, to ensure that you are consuming cannabis that is safe and free of nasty stuff like mold and toxins — all of which pose serious health risks.

You won’t be supporting criminals: Buying cannabis from the black market means that your dollar goes to supporting violent crime, while buying from a dispensary supports local businesses and the economy while helping the health care system improve.

Also, keep in mind that illegal cannabis growers don’t care for the environment and the quality of product that they are producing. They use tons of herbicides and pesticides that are so dangerous to consume because they just don’t care.

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Having said these, there are things to keep in mind before you go to a dispensary especially if it’s your first time.

For one, budtenders will want to know the effects you’re after. Do you want a strain that will energize or sedate you? Are you after medicinal relief for a specific ailment? Knowing what you are after will enable them to tailor a recommendation based on your needs. Never be afraid to ask questions because it’s always so much better to know that you are leaving a dispensary with a purchase you made because you were educated and informed.

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been reposted with permission.