5 Essential Items You Need When Visiting a Marijuana Dispensary
By Rian Kochel
If you are new to recreational or medical marijuana dispensaries in the U.S., they can seem daunting. However, a little consideration can go a long way. So, before you head out the door to buy something to pack in your bowl, be sure you are packing these items on your person:
A current government issued photo ID
It doesn’t matter if you’re 95 years old and look it, you will need to show ID before entering any dispensary in any state in the U.S.
Regulations surrounding legal cannabis vary from state to state, but universally the stakes are high for business owners that don’t follow protocol. One tiny slip up could cost them their license. And so, you will find a person at the entrance to every cannabis retailer whose sole purpose is checking everyone’s ID. And trust me, they don’t have time to hear excuses, nor do the people in line behind you that brought their ID’s.
Cash
Cannabis may be legal in the state you live in, but it is not legal on a federal level, so debit and credit card purchases are hard to come by. Without endorsement from Uncle Sam, cannabis retail owners can’t procure federally insured, small business bank accounts. Meaning they can’t deposit any sort of tender associated with their business. Only cash… Welcome to America, where you simultaneously can and can’t have something, but still be taxed for it.
You can assume there’s an ATM at the dispensary you’re visiting, but also assume service charges will be steep, and that ATM might not have cash left to withdrawal. Do yourself a solid - come to the dispensary with at least a pair of twenties. You’ll find a use for them.
Knowledge
Take a minute to gander at the goods your chosen dispensary has on their website before you visit. This will give you a good lay of the land and help with decision making when it’s time to purchase your provisions.
Start by considering what kind of outcome you’re after. Are you looking for an energetic and engaged buzz? Perhaps something to puff before you blast some David Bowie and clean your house on a Saturday afternoon. You’ll want a sativa dominant strain. If you’re looking for something headier and more introspective, try something indica dominant.
Wanna look like a pro on your first visit? Know the difference between an indica and sativa. I’ll let you in on a little trick I employ; while a sativa high is more upbeat and dynamic, indica = IN-DA-COUCH. You’re welcome.
Curiosity
Knowledge is invaluable, but a know-it-all is insufferable. Don’t be afraid to ask your budtender (reasonable) questions.
Tell them what you’ve tried and liked. Or ask what the hell dabbing is all about - because that shit looks crazy. They can point you in the direction of some great products that you may never have known about otherwise.
Respect
Every dispensary has rules regarding in-store behavior. Respect them. If they say no phones or photos, wait until you’re outside to post to Insta. Can you touch that? Smell this? A good rule of thumb: It’s better to ask than presume.
Lastly, have mercy on your hard-working dispensary staff. Tip your budtender if permissible. They might be working in weed, but it’s a retail job now. And in my humble opinion, if everyone had to work retail at some point during the course of their lives - even for just a few hours - this world would be a more patient place, and Karen would just be another name.