8 Tips for the Best Cannabis Dispensary Experience

So you want to try cannabis, but are overwhelmed about what the cannabis dispensary experience might be like? Here are some tips to help curb that anxiety!

Have your ID ready

If you are purchasing cannabis at a retail outlet here in the United States, you are essentially banking on that state’s protection of you. You see, cannabis is still classified as a Schedule I drug, which means it’s still a federal crime. When you look at it that way, you realize it isn’t a huge imposition to allow them to see your identification. Most places do not record that information for recreational purposes but feel free to ask if they do.

Ask questions!

Feel free to ask questions about any of the products. Often, dispensaries run daily specials, and many apps will assist in finding stores near you. They also supply menu information as well! Rules regarding handling, etc. vary state to state, so in some cases, a budtender might invite you to sniff some bud but not allow you to hold it. Feel free to ask!

Make sure you have the necessary equipment to enjoy your purchase!

Gone are the days where there were a few ways to consume (blunt, joint, bong or bowl). Many products require other equipment (dab rigs, cartridge batteries), while some are self-contained. Make sure you understand which you’re dealing with!

When dealing with edibles, less is more at first.

When purchasing and initially dosing with edibles, please use the lowest dose amount first. The way that the liver deals with cannabis is vastly different than how it hits the bloodstream after being inhaled, and the effects after eating edibles stay for a much longer time. If you are looking for something with a bit more control, try an oil-based tincture sublingually — it’s hard to overdose and the effects wear off much faster.

Don’t consume on the dispensary property!

There’s one exception to this rule, that I know of, and it’s in California. Most places still prohibit public consumption of cannabis, and please respect the dispensaries and the difficulty they shoulder already. Don’t consume on their property. Just don’t.

Bring Cash, and Check the Tax.

Until the SAFE banking act passes, most places are going to be unable to allow you to use your credit card. Plan for purchases and bring cash! One of the great things about many of the apps and dispensary websites is that they will show you their menu, complete with prices.

Photo by Alex Person on Unsplash

For Flower, know how much weight you’re interested in getting.

Sometimes this will be limited by the state’s laws. Here in Oregon, when purchasing over an ounce of flower you need to be a medical patient (or they can split the order if you come in with two people).

1 Gram is enough to roll one massive joint or a few smaller ones. For reference, a .5 gram joint/pre roll is a very common size to get.

3.5 Grams, or an eighth of an ounce, is the most common weight for purchase.

7 Grams, or a quarter of an ounce, is a good amount to settle in with a strain and get to know how its terpenes and cannabinoids affect you and consider — it would allow you to roll 14 half gram joints.

From a half to an ounce, you start to see the best price breaks. If you buy cannabis flower in this amount, please also consider you’ll need to store it.

ENJOY.

The most important rule of all!