Cannabis has steadily shifted from being a taboo to becoming a mainstream industry, with legal dispensaries showing up across the US. For many first-time visitors, the idea of walking into a dispensary can be both exciting and intimidating.
Whether you’re curious about recreational products, exploring cannabis for wellness purposes, or just want to see what the hype is about, knowing what to expect can make your experience smooth and enjoyable.
Let’s walk through what your first visit might look like.
Bring the Right Identification
One of the most important things to remember is that dispensaries operate under strict legal regulations. You will need to bring a valid, government-issued photo ID to prove that you are at least 21 years old for recreational purchases.
The amount you can buy and consume is also subject to laws and regulations, which may vary by state. For example, if you’re in San Diego, you’re allowed to carry no more than 8 grams of concentrated cannabis and a San Diego dispensary offering these products will follow these limits.
Make sure your ID isn’t expired.
The Check-In Process
Once you’re inside, you may need to check in at the reception desk. Here, you’ll be required to show your ID again and sometimes provide your phone number or email if you want to join the dispensary’s customer rewards program.
First-time visitors are often added to the system so the staff can track purchase history and offer loyalty points or discounts.
Some dispensaries also keep a separate medical line for patients with medical marijuana cards, giving them access to specific products or tax exemptions.
Meeting the Budtenders
One of the best parts of visiting a dispensary is talking to the staff. They’re like your guides through the world of cannabis. Whether you’re looking for something to help with sleep, ease pain, or just to have fun on the weekend, budtenders are trained to match you with the right product.
Don’t be shy about asking questions. For example, you could say, “I’ve never tried edibles before. Where should I start?”
Budtenders aren’t there to judge. They genuinely want to help you have a safe and enjoyable experience. You can even ask them to explain different products and use cases.
Exploring the Product Selection
When you enter the main retail area, you’ll notice that dispensaries like Catalyst Cannabis offer various kinds of cannabis-infused goods. Shelves and display cases may be filled with a wide variety of products, including flowers, pre-rolls, vapes, topicals, and more.
A flower or bud is the classic cannabis product, while edibles like gummies, chocolates, or baked goods are a popular choice. Each product has labels that indicate THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) or CBD (cannabidiol) percentages.
If you’re new, start with products that have lower THC levels to avoid overwhelming effects.
Don’t Forget Cash
Most dispensaries operate as cash-only businesses because federal laws still restrict cannabis banking. While debit and credit card options are limited, you can call ahead to confirm if they do offer these options. Some places have ATMs inside or nearby.
If you want to avoid extra changes, bring cash with you.
The post What to Expect on Your First Visit to a Cannabis Dispensary appeared first on Moss and Fog.