A good dispensary should be a welcoming place for everyone. Here are some things to keep in mind before you patronize one.
Legal marijuana comes with a lot of perks. One of the main ones is its often convenient dispensaries. These spaces can be fun and informative, providing information for newcomers and seasoned consumers alike about every question they could possibly have, from the types of cannabis that work best for them, to new products that can best suit their lifestyle.
No matter a budtender’s level of expertise or how welcome they make their customers feel, it helps a lot to reach your dispensary having some basic knowledge down. Here are seven things you should know before visiting your marijuana dispensary.
Learn the legal status of cannabis in your state
Basic stuff, yet something that has become an increasingly complex topic the more that states in the U.S. earn legal status. As of this writing, recreational marijuana is legal in 18 states, allowing adults over 21 to enter their marijuana dispensaries and purchase products. Here’s a handy list that’s updated regularly to keep you in the loop on our nation’s state-by-state marijuana laws.
Do some research on the type of cannabis you want to consume
Now that you know if your state is legal or not, it’s time to do some research and see which type of marijuana you’re interested in consuming. You can smoke flower, soak in some cannabis-infused bath salts, dab, vape, eat an edible, and more. Know the answer to this question or ask your budtender for more information on each method, learning which one suits your needs best.
Ask yourself about cannabis effects
Most methods have specific strengths and weaknesses. If you’re looking into medical marijuana, you might find better information by contacting a doctor who’s educated in the area versus a budtender who may or may not know your ailment and what you’re looking for. If you need some orientation, here’s a doctor’s general guide to help you find the best method of consuming medical marijuana.
How psychoactive do you want to get?
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Depending on your tolerance, strain, and method of consumption, marijuana’s effects on the mind and body can shift drastically. You should be clear with your budtender about your level of experience with the plant so that they can provide you with the proper product and dosage. It’s also important to be clear about the experience you’re seeking, whether you want some pain relief or are just looking for a fun experience with friends.
Are you looking for discreet products?
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While some are able to openly use dab rigs in their living room, others prefer to have something on them that’s less conspicuous. For these types of users, a dispensary is a perfect place to learn, having someone who can show them different options for edibles, disposable vape pens, patches, and more.
Ask plenty of questions
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Even if you’re a seasoned weed user, visiting a dispensary is a completely different experience than hanging out with your weed dealer. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, no matter how silly they might seem. Budtenders are there to help you, and it’s better to ask questions than to purchase an item you’re not sure about just because you didn’t have all of the necessary information.
Check out their website
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If you live in a legal state, you might have several dispensaries at your disposal. Check out their websites and get a feel of their vibes, maybe trying out different places before you decide to become a regular. Most dispensaries have an online menu, which you can check out and call ahead of time to see if they still have that particular strain of weed on the menu.
