Cannabis is a drug that can alter your state of mind. It enhances experiences, boosts creativity, inspires socialization, and helps with focus.
Knowing what kind of products you want is essential before you head to a dispensary. For example, if you are prone to anxiety, it might be best to avoid anything that can trigger that.
What is a Dispensary?
A dispensary is an authorized legal retail location where, depending on the state, medical or recreational cannabis products are sold. It is also known as a store, shop, cannabis club, or collective. Like the dispensary in Rockville, these shops sell all types of cannabis products and accessories. They usually have walls and cases filled with various buds, oils, edibles, concentrates, and more. They may also be home to in-house brand products.
Typically, medical dispensaries will ask you to register and keep your recommendation or ID card on file for legal and compliance reasons. This information is generally stored for customer profiles that help budtenders find the best product to match your needs.
Products made from cannabis are available for purchase by anybody over 21 in recreational dispensaries. Some states require that you have a medical cannabis recommendation or ID card to qualify as a medical patient. In contrast, others only require that you be a registered patient for recreational purposes. Regardless of your category, many dispensaries offer first-time customers a discount or deal on their initial order. This can be in the form of a percentage or dollar amount off your purchase.
What is the Difference Between Medical and Recreational Dispensaries?
A medical dispensary is a place where a doctor prescribes marijuana for medicinal purposes. In general, a patient will need to show some form of identification to purchase cannabis in a medical dispensary. This is to ensure the person in question is a medical marijuana patient.
Recreational dispensaries are places where anyone can buy cannabis for non-medicinal reasons. To access recreational dispensaries, you must have a valid state-issued ID. Most dispensaries will also require you to be 21 years or older before they can sell you any cannabis.
Recreational dispensaries usually have an experienced staff of budtenders willing to help you find the perfect product for your needs. They can answer any questions you may have, though they are not necessarily qualified to answer any specific medical questions. They can still provide valuable information and advice, though, and often, they can elucidate certain strains’ medicinal properties without directly recommending them for medicinal use.
What is the Difference Between Online Dispensaries and Local Dispensaries?
Online purchasing can provide greater accessibility to dispensaries for those who cannot travel to a nearby retail store, and it also allows consumers to explore options beyond what is available in person. However, buying weed online is not without its drawbacks. Choosing a reputable and reliable website that adheres to regulatory compliance by selling products that have undergone lab testing is essential. Look for sites that offer Certificates of Analysis that detail each product’s cannabinoid and terpene profiles and the presence or absence of harmful contaminants.
Another important consideration when shopping online is the ability to touch, smell, and inspect each product before purchase. A few online dispensaries offer the option to visit a brick-and-mortar location for this purpose. Still, most require customers to be qualified medical patients or their primary caregivers and present identification at purchase or delivery. In addition, online dispensaries rarely include age-verification gatekeeping tools like those found on many other websites, such as those that sell alcohol or cigarettes. This is in contrast to most physical dispensaries, which employ age-gate tools.
How do I Know What I’m Buying?
The state regulates dispensaries and typically has staff – often referred to as budtenders, consultants, or guides – who can help guide you through your purchase. Dispensary products are labeled for what cannabinoid concentration they contain, and most have undergone testing to ensure potency.
Dispensary menus are available online, so if you have a specific product in mind, it’s worth looking at the website to see if it’s in stock before you head to the store. This will save you time, and it’ll also help you narrow down your options.
Some dispensaries encourage – and even require – their customers to create an account to track purchases or receive marketing material. Be sure to ask how this information can be deleted if you don’t want to keep it.
How do I Know if I’m Getting High?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as everyone’s experience with cannabis products will vary. However, there are a few things you can keep in mind to ensure your first dispensary experience is enjoyable.
Firstly, make sure you have all the gear you need to use your new purchase. This includes a pipe, rolling papers, storage containers, a scale to measure your cannabis and accessories, and anything else you might need for a successful smoke session.
Additionally, try to stay away from alcohol and caffeine as these might lessen the amount of THC in your bloodstream, which can interfere with your high. In addition, it’s a good idea to bring a drink, as the dry mouth that can accompany cannabis consumption can be uncomfortable.
Finally, be aware that as cannabis remains a federally illegal substance, most shops only accept cash (and some even charge a fee to process transactions). However, many have ATMs inside or nearby, so it’s okay if you need to remember your cash on your way to the dispensary. Just be sure to check the shop’s website or visit their social media pages beforehand to find out if they have an ATM.