While over half of Americans have smoked marijuana at least once, that still leaves a large percentage who have yet to try it. And if you’ve only smoked weed from before it was legal, you should know that legal recreational weed from a dispensary offers a very different experience.
Never been to the marijuana dispensary? You’re in luck — it’s a great experience, where you can get your questions answered and walk out with the perfect product for you. However, like with all new experiences, it can also feel intimidating.
In this guide, we’ll give you what you need to succeed during your first time at a dispensary. Read on to learn the basic dispensary etiquette tips you should know.
What is a Marijuana Dispensary?
If you’re in a state with legal cannabis, you’ll buy it from a dispensary. These shops are the only places licensed to sell cannabis products legally.
In many ways, it’s a good thing. Buying from a dispensary means you benefit from a commitment to quality made by the stores and brands.
When you buy black-market weed, it’s hard to be sure about what you’re getting. But at a dispensary, each product is clearly labeled to help you make the right choice. Plus, the staff is there to answer your questions about each and every product, as well as the effects.
However, you’ll need to make sure recreational cannabis, not just medical marijuana, is legal in the state. Otherwise, you’ll need to get a medical card before you can shop.
What Can You Buy at a Dispensary?
Dispensaries sell all kinds of different strains of marijuana. Some offer potent highs, while others have mild effects. Some affect your mind more, while others have powerful effects on the body.
But in addition to cannabis flower, you can buy a wide range of other products at a dispensary, too. These shops, including Deep Roots Harvest, sell products that offer different ways to consume cannabis, like edibles and concentrates. So if you don’t want to inhale smoke you no longer have to, to get the high you want.
You can even expect to find CBD products, which don’t get you high but offer medical benefits. These might range from drinks to snacks to capsules.
Many dispensaries also sell accessories, like glassware to smoke out of, unique merchandise, and more. We like to believe there is something for everyone, veteran user or not.
Best Etiquette for a Cannabis Dispensary
If you’ve never been to Deep Roots Harvest, don’t worry — it’s just like going to any other specialty store. You can think of visiting the dispensary as similar to visiting a brewery to pick up some craft beer, or a cheese shop to find the perfect appetizer.
Of course, dispensaries are unique in their own ways Just follow these tips and you’ll navigate the dispensary with no trouble.
Come with Cash
Since marijuana isn’t legal federally (just yet), there are hurdles that prevent businesses in the cannabis industry from putting money in federal banks. Forcing them to operate on a cash-only basis. That’s why you’ll need to buy everything in cash.
Many dispensaries do have ATMs you can use, but there are fees involved. It’s better to get your cash somewhere you don’t have to pay a fee. Plus, arriving with only a certain amount can be inconvenient in case you find something else you want to try.
Make a List
To help keep you focused, it’s a good idea to have a list of what you’d like to buy before you arrive or at least an idea of the type of products you like to try.
For example, maybe you just want to get high for the first time. Or maybe you don’t like smoking, but you want to try edibles. It could be that you’re looking for a new strain to replace the one you didn’t love.
Dispensaries can overwhelm you with options if it’s your first time. Come prepared with a list of what you’re looking for, so you can stay on track and ask the staff the right questions. You typically can’t return marijuana products, so take the time to buy what you like. Our budtenders are equipped to answer any questions you may have and make recommendations on products.
Be Realistic About Your Experience
When shopping for marijuana products, it’s important to be realistic, and not try to buy something that’s more than you need.
You don’t need to be a heavy smoker to visit a dispensary. The staff won’t judge you for being a newbie, or inexperienced. In fact, they can do a better job of helping you pick something good if they know your true experience level.
For example, if you’ve only tried weed once before and didn’t like it, tell the staff. They can help point you to a strain that may work better for you.
Bring Your ID
Like alcohol, you have to be over 21 to legally buy weed. If you don’t have your ID, the staff won’t let you shop at the dispensary.
Your driver’s license or your passport are safe choices for your ID. If you’re in a medical dispensary, have your medical marijuana card handy, too. Have these things out and ready to be checked when you walk in.
Be Patient
Depending on the dispensary you go to, you may need to wait in a waiting room before being helped by a budtender. Each state has different rules. Some let you come in and browse like it’s a normal store, while others only help a single customer at a time.
The staff might be busy helping others, so wait for your turn. Be patient and respectful, no matter what the rules are. While you wait, you can use your phone to look up different strains and products and think about what you’d like to get or browse the dispensaries menu.
Ask Questions
The staff is there to help you, so use their expertise!
Ask all of the questions you have — or at least the ones that Google can’t answer. Be respectful of their time, since they also have other customers. But take the time to get the answers you want, too.
How to Find the Best Weed Dispensary
These basics will help you enjoy your time at the weed dispensary, every time. But for the best results, you should also pick the best dispensaries to visit.
Luckily, many dispensaries have online menus. You can spend some time browsing the options before you visit to see if they have what you want. At Deep Roots Harvest, our commitment is to you, we want to make your first-time cannabis dispensary experience as comfortable and easy as possible.
