Photo by Rohaneh
As the rapid legalization of cannabis continues to take place all over the country, dispensaries seem to be popping up left and right.This allows so many people who have yet to experience cannabis to finally try it for themselves in a safe and legal manner.
That said, cannabis dispensaries can be a bit perplexing at times. This applies to seasoned vets just as much as first-time users. That’s where we come in. Below is the ultimate guide to navigating a dispensary. For those who have yet to make the trip and those who just need a refresher, this list of tips should make for a smooth experience.
Licensed or Unlicensed?
It’s crucial to know that what’s being purchased is safe. Items sold legally are tested in a lab before they hit the shelves. A certificate of analysis can confirm that a product is free of any pesticides, microbials, mycotoxins, heavy metals, foreign matter, and solvents. Customers can find these results by scanning the QR code on the packaging. This is a peace of mind that only licensed operators can provide.
Believe it or not, it’s pretty common for unlicensed dispensaries to enter the fold in states where cannabis is legal. The process of getting a legal dispensary off the ground is a long and arduous one, which allows a number of illegal vendors to take advantage. In cities like New York, authorities are still working to shutter unlicensed dispensaries stealing customers from businesses that are doing things legally.
The easiest way to find out if a place is legitimate is to go to its state’s website. Each state in which cannabis is legal has a dispensary map or directory where you can search for the location in question. If it doesn’t show up, it’s unlicensed. Another telltale sign is if no one is checking ID at the door.
What to Bring
Speaking of ID, dispensaries won’t let anyone in who didn’t bring theirs. The minimum age to purchase cannabis in all legal states is 21. Those purchasing medicinal cannabis must bring their med card as well. Of course, visitors will also need a form of payment on them. It’s recommended to go in with a decent amount of cash on hand, as some dispensaries don’t accept credit or debit cards due to federal banking regulations.
Method of Purchase
There are numerous ways to get cannabis. Many locations allow shoppers to order online for pick up or delivery. Some even have an interactive kiosk inside for those who already know what they want. Both choices will show the buyer everything the place has in stock, both a blessing and a curse. This myriad of selections is great for a seasoned vet but can be overwhelming for those who don’t even know what they’re looking for. Still, it doesn’t hurt to browse the dispensary’s website to see what’s available before making the trip.
Making Sense of the Menu
Cannabis comes in so many different forms—a trip to the dispensary only emphasizes that. Looking to partake with some friends? Consider a pack of pre-rolls. Want something easy and convenient? Invest in a THC vape. Dealing with pain and hoping to avoid a head high? CBD gummies might do just the trick.
Here are some terms to know to avoid going in blind:
Photo Credit: Maria Penaloza
Cannabinoids—chemical compounds found in cannabis and hemp plants. There are more than 100 known cannabinoids; some are psychoactive (like THC) while some including CBD are not.
Terpenes—aromatic compounds that are responsible for the scent of plants including cannabis.
Indica—strains known for their relaxing qualities are usually classified as indica. Reasons for using indica include pain relief, trouble sleeping, or just a chill night. Buyer beware, a high enough dosage could put someone right to sleep.
Sativa—a much more energetic type of strain than its laid back counterpart. Sativa’s stimulating effect is good for social situations, productivity, and reducing anxiety.
Hybrid—hybrids are a combination of indica and sativa plants. Due to decades of cross breeding, most cannabis strains are hybrids. The high itself depends on the strain. Some hybrids are indica dominant while others are sativa dominant.
THC—tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as THC, produces a high. THC potency in flower usually falls between 10% and 30%, while vape products live in the 60% to 90% range. A higher THC percentage or amount means higher potency, and a stronger effect. In other words, the lower the potency, the better off first time users are.
CBD—cannabidiol, or CBD, doesn’t produce a high like THC, but it’s used medicinally by those dealing with issues like pain, anxiety, and even psychosis.
Hemp—unlike cannabis, hemp is CBD dominant, containing less than 0.3% THC. Products infused with hemp don’t produce the traditional high that cannabis-infused products do.
Flower—bud in its purest form. The flower itself is the part of the cannabis plant that’s smokable. People buying flower usually own some sort of smoking apparatus that they pack themselves. Flower is usually sold in quantities ranging from 3.5 grams (otherwise known as an eighth), half ounce, or more.
Pre-roll—joints that have been previously packed and rolled. Perfect for those who don’t have a smoking device, group sessions, and nights out. Just take one, light up, and enjoy. Doesn’t get much easier than that. Dosages range anywhere from .5 grams to a full 3.5 grams.
Edibles—cannabis-infused food or beverages. Edibles come in the form of gummies, chocolates, and even drinks. While it takes much longer for the effects to be felt than the average smoke session, the high is longer lasting. Dispensary edibles usually come in doses from 2.5 mg to 10 mg or more per edible. Due to the intense high edibles produce, we’d recommend the inexperienced stay closer to 2.5 mg.
Extracts—cannabinoids like THC and CBD that are isolated and removed from plant material, typically in the form of concentrates. Some better known extracts include oil, shatter, and tinctures. Some products like edibles or pre-rolls are infused with extracts.
Full Spectrum—products that preserve the naturally-occurring, full spectrum of compounds found in a cannabis plant. This includes terpenes and cannabinoids.
Broad Spectrum—contains a variety of naturally-occurring plant compounds, but unlike full spectrum, these products usually contain little to no THC.
Vape—an electric device meant to vaporize cannabis extracts like oil and wax. Shoppers can opt for a disposable vape or buy a battery themselves and use disposable cartridges. Vape pens are especially enjoyed for their convenience and discretion. They’re usually sold in quantities of half grams, grams, and 2 grams.
Nano-Emulsification—the process of increasing the bioavailability of cannabinoids like THC, which results in faster and more consistent effects. Edibles with nanoemulsion have quicker onsets (20 minutes or less) than traditional edibles (which can take about an hour).
Topicals—any cannabis-infused gel, cream, balms, and lotions that are applied to the skin. While it doesn’t produce a high, many people use topicals to treat pain, inflammation, and skin problems. It’s also ideal for anyone who’d rather not traditionally ingest cannabis.
Befriending the Budtender
Budtender Melissa Burgos explains different cannabis products to customers. Photos by Dabian Canale.
For first-timers, we’d recommend talking to a budtender, an associate whose job is to answer questions or make recommendations. Budtenders are passionate about and have a wealth of knowledge about cannabis products. A big part of their job is guiding customers towards the product that works best for them. Dispensaries serve first-time visitors all the time, so never be afraid to ask questions.
Budtenders will also ask the customers questions. Information like experience level and preferred method of consumption can really simplify the decision. They’ll also ask what type of high the buyer is looking for, often listing common adjectives like “creative,” “energetic,” or “relaxed.”
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Very well written and well organized. At least I feel I can go into a reputable cannabis location and have a little more knowledge of what I might want. I will probably refer to the article while shopping.