9 Tips for New Dispensary Visitors
As cannabis gains legal ground and public acceptance, more people than ever are considering adding it to their lives, for medical or recreational reasons. Until 2018, there are still some requirements that you need to meet to visit a medical marijuana dispensary. These simple tips will help new cannabis consumers have a great first trip to any dispensary.
- Research local dispensaries. Dispensaries are as varied as any retail store. They carry different products and have different atmospheres. The first place to check is the dispensary’s website. There’s no excuse not to have one, so if the place you’re considering visiting doesn’t, you should choose another option. Location shouldn’t be the only consideration when choosing where to shop.
- Check business hours. New memberships take some time to process and verify. Make sure you show up at least 30 minutes before closing or you may need to come back.
- Bring your doctor’s recommendation and a valid CA driver’s license or state ID. While recreational cannabis is legal in California you still need a doctor’s recommendation to gain membership to dispensaries until next year. You must also provide proof of California residency. A valid driver’s license or state ID card are the only acceptable forms of identification most dispensaries accept.
- No guests. Unless you have a friend who is also ready to sign up, they should probably wait in the car. Until 2018, all shoppers need a valid California medical recommendation, ID and membership to enter the retail area. However, if you have a friend or family member who would also like to join a dispensary, most will offer gifts for referrals.
5. No cell phones. For security reasons, dispensaries don’t allow the use of mobile devices on the premises.
6. Bring cash. Federal cannabis prohibition means that dispensaries are mostly a cash business. Don’t go in expecting to use your credit or debit card. If you want to use alternate methods of payment, call in advance and ask what they accept.
7. Know what you want. Cannabis dispensaries can be overwhelming on the first visit, with so many products and strains to choose from. It’s good to have at least a rough idea of what you’re looking for before you go. Check the website menu and read product descriptions before you go or bring a list of strains/products you’re interested in that a budtender can help you find.
8. Ask smart questions. The internet can answer your basic questions about cannabis. Don’t take up valuable time asking questions you should already know the answers to. Instead, ask your budtender for product information or recommendations.
9. Be a respectful customer. Don’t consume cannabis on the property, blast loud music in the parking lot or try to bring cannabis into the dispensary. Give the security personnel respect.