Happy 4/20! Those who partake in marijuana know that there are a wide variety of products that are offered at licensed dispensaries, but if you’re just starting your weed journey, you may not know where to start.
If you’ve never been to a licensed dispensary before, it can certainly feel a little intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! Here are a few things to know about going into a licensed dispensary for the first time.
First off, you have to be 21 or older to buy.
This might be a no-brainer, but most places will card you as soon as you reach the door. It’s a common misconception that dispensaries are just full of freshly 21-year-old people, but there’s a broad clientele in the cannabis space.
“We try to give everyone here a very professional atmosphere. We actually have customers all the way from 21 to your older grandpa or grandma. We’re here to cater for all ages because we know marijuana is really something for everyone,” said Tushar Mallick, Manager and Co-Owner of Strain Stars on Long Island.
Make sure you have your ID on you, or you won’t make it much further!
No one expects you to be an expert – ask questions!
So wait, what exactly am I buying? Do I want an indicia or a sativa, and what does hybrid mean? Or are edibles more my speed? If you don’t know, don’t freak out.
Everyone has to start somewhere! If you’re not sure what to get, that’s what the budtender is for. A good budtender will take the time to make sure you fully understand what you’re getting and the effect it will have on your body so you can make a proper cannabis decision.
“A lot of new customers that do not necessarily know what they want to go in there for, you can just ask the bartender to show you whole product you or tips and recommendations,” said Brandon Carter, COO of TRENDS in Long Island City. “But some basic general questions people should ask are: what is the difference between a sativa and an indicia? What are terpenes and why do they matter? How would edibles affect me?”
“[Customers] should know what experience that they’re looking for. What are you trying to get out of it? For example, what is your pain point, how can we help you, you know, for that pain point?” said Rodney Carter, CEO of TRENDS in Long Island City. “If you’re having trouble sleeping, if you have anxiety, you can get the cannabinoids that help you calm down and relax.”
Don’t judge a book by its cover – or its THC levels
It may be tempting to jump right to the highest percentage of THC, but depending on your cannabis needs, it may be the wrong product entirely.
That said, don’t also jump right to the coolest-looking package either, because it might be the complete opposite of what you’re looking for.
“Don’t just go by the look of the product. As we all know, looks can be deceiving and that’s something that we’re all here to help you and guide you on,” said Mallick.
A dispensary is not a place to consume
Unless they have a clearly designated consumption area, you can’t light up in a dispensary. So be respectful of the space you’re in.
“Some of the biggest mistakes we see customers making, they feel like the dispensary is a consumption lounge. They’ll come in smoking vapes. Unfortunately, dispensaries are not consumption lounges unless you see a consumption lounge on-site,” said Mallick.
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