By Joshua Schon
Every year, more and more states are legalizing medical and recreational marijuana. If you live in one of these states or are considering traveling to one, then your first dispensary visit is probably inevitable, if it hasn’t already happened.
Due to the conflicting legality of marijuana, your first visit to a dispensary can be terrifying yet exhilarating at the same time. You’ll feel the excitement of doing something that you “shouldn’t be doing” with the comfort of knowing that you won’t get in trouble for it. The thought of going to a dispensary can be in and of itself a bit overwhelming. So, before you make your first trip to the dispensary, there are some things you should know that will help prepare you with confidence.
Bring Cash and a Valid Government Issued ID
Since marijuana is still illegal at the federal level, banks will not work with cannabis companies, which requires them to run a strictly cash-based business. Make sure to bring enough cash for your products, the state taxes, and a tip for your budtender (the person behind the counter who will help you out). If you’re not comfortable with carrying large amounts of cash, check their Weedmaps profile or call ahead to ask if they have an ATM on site.
All reputable dispensaries are required to check your ID to make sure you are over the age of 21, so make sure you have it on hand before you enter. Additionally, if you’re a medical marijuana patient, you’ll want to bring a copy of your current state-issued medical marijuana card.
Research Dispensary Menus and Prices Beforehand
Being as it is your first time going to a dispensary, the price of products may not be a top priority for you, but it’s always smart to compare prices if there are several dispensaries to choose from. I suggest using third-party apps such as Weedmaps or Leafly in order to check prices, deals and if the products you are looking for are in stock. Many dispensaries are offering online ordering and curbside pickup as a result of the pandemic, so there’s also an option for you to place your order online and pick up your products curbside.
If you’re going inside the dispensary, you’ll feel a lot less anxious if you have an idea of what kinds of products are on their menu. There are a variety of different products on the market that range from sublingual tinctures, edibles, topicals, traditional marijuana “flower” and many more. Make sure to browse through their brands and strains, but remember that there’s always a chance they’ll be out of stock once you arrive, so have some backup choices ready as well.
Determine What Kind of Experience You Want From Your Cannabis
Are you looking for something that will increase your creativity, make you more energetic and sociable? Or are you going for more of a relaxed movie night at home on the couch? Consider the different strains of marijuana before deciding: Indica dominant, Sativa dominant, and Hybrid. Keep in mind different strains can affect each person differently and may have the opposite effect of what you are looking for. Here’s a good rule of thumb to go by:
Indica dominant strains tend to be more relaxing with a strong body high whereas Sativa dominant strains are generally more uplifting and cerebral. A hybrid dominant strain is just a combination of both.
From someone who has tried various strains, the only way to truly know which strain gives you the effect you are looking for is to experiment with as many strains as you can until you find the ones that give you the desired result. When trying new products, make sure to start low and go slow. Your high can get uncomfortable very fast if you take too much of an edible or take too big of a hit from your pipe or bong.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Dispensary staff members are there to assist you, so don’t be shy if you have questions about a certain product or strain. For me, the best part about working at a dispensary was being able to help customers with any questions or concerns they had. Being apprehensive to ask for help is understandable, but I can assure you that budtenders truly enjoy educating and assisting new customers because we get to share our love and knowledge of this incredible plant! The more curious the customer is, the more enjoyable it will be for both you and the employees. So, ask away!
Don’t Feel Obligated to Purchase
Since it will be your first time visiting a marijuana dispensary, you may feel inclined to make a purchase, but you are under no obligation to do so. If you just want to browse or talk to a budtender about various products and what they do, you are welcome to do that. On a side note, it’s extremely rare for a dispensary to accept any product returns. So, if you are on the fence about buying a certain product, don’t buy it just to buy it. Do some research on that product, talk to a friend and consider looking at online reviews in order to help you make the right decision for you.
Wait Until You Are Home or at a Private Place Before Consuming
When you leave the dispensary and get into your car, you may feel the urge to open your newly purchased marijuana products and start devouring what’s inside, but you need to delay this urge. It’s not just unbecoming and unsafe, it’s illegal. Wait until you’re in a private and safe environment before you partake.
I hope these six tips help you feel more comfortable visiting the dispensary for the first time. Once you’re in a safe and comfortable environment, grab your favorite snack, kick your feet up and enjoy your bud!