What to expect when visiting a dispensary
Serra, Portland
Going to a dispensary for the first time can feel a bit overwhelming. Luckily for you, some of us have charted this territory and we’re here to help you map it out.
By Marlo Paredes
STEER CLEAR OF ILLEGAL DISPENSARIES
Before you hop on the internet and type in “dispensary near me,” know that not all dispensaries are created equal—and unfortunately, some of them are illegal. Going to an illegal dispensary puts your freedom and safety at risk.
You don’t want to be caught purchasing illicit market products if the place gets raided and you certainly don’t want to show your ID (a requirement for dispensaries) to anyone who is not operating a legal establishment. Legal cannabis retailers have very strict quality codes they must adhere to, however, when you buy from an illegal front, there is absolutely no guarantee that you are getting safe products for consumption because there is an entire market dedicated to imitating cannabis brands.
RESEARCH & SOUL SEARCH
Go to your state’s local government website for cannabis control or you can visit PotGuide.com to search for a legal retailer. If you are wondering about any other apps or platforms, unfortunately, we cannot vouch for their ability to provide you with a list of legal operations.
It is also important to ponder your Why? What is your goal for your purchase? Maybe you want to get something new and delicious because you are tired of the weak weed your neighbor Martha is bringing to tea. Or maybe you want to relieve some aches and pains without getting high. How about stepping up your sexual intimacy? Have questions prepared and some concerns that you feel safe sharing on hand. We promise the person helping you at the counter has heard cannabis used for everything—so no need to be shy.
COME PREPARED
You may want to call the dispensary prior to your visit to see if they have an in-store ATM in case they only accept cash. Currently, credit cards cannot be accepted for payment but you may be able to use your debit card at an in-store ATM or cashier interface for a surcharge. Cash is still Queen at dispensaries.
Velvet, Contra Costa County
Always bring your ID and any cannabis medical patient recommendations. It is important to note that, when you provide your ID, dispensaries are tracking your purchases so that they abide by the law in regards to daily customer purchase restrictions. They have to be able to show regulatory authorities each item that came into their inventory and when and where it went out. They are not sharing this information with your employer, but if for some reason the federal government wants to see records, they can. And of course, they collect your information for marketing purposes. And, lastly, make sure to leave the kiddos at home (YASS!).
STAY CHILL & SEEK SATISFACTION
This is it. You’re walking up to the door to your first dispensary visit. You’ve got on your big sunglasses as you walk through the parking lot, checking over your shoulder. It feels illegal so your heart is racing and this is only heightened when a burly security guard stares you down as you walk towards the shop. And then he grins and pleasantly opens the door for you.
Each dispensary is a little different, but usually, you will walk into a waiting room or check-in area and show the greeter your ID. In any case, tell them you are a first-timer and get started on that list of questions—they may even give you a questionnaire to fill out to better help.
It is important to note that most employees are not trained in cannabis science and are not required to have any sort of experience or certification. If your gut tells you this person isn’t going to help you correctly, ask for someone else. This is your hard-earned money, not anyone else's and you deserve to feel like you got the best service possible. Protect you, boo.
Velvet, Contra Costa County
BUSINESS DURING COVID
“When you arrive at Velvet, you will be greeted by a friendly masked face at the podium outside. Upon entering our bright and open dispensary, a budtender will guide you to one of our socially distanced lines. Before reaching the counter, one of our associates will have sanitized the counter, credit card keypad, and conveniently located ATM at the front entrance after each transaction. Hand Sanitizer is also readily available at each point of sale. In addition to our strict in-store COVID-19 safety procedures, our staff has embraced their “new” uniform which includes a Velvet t-shirt, mask, and gloves. We also take their temperature daily before their scheduled shift.
We look forward to serving you! We are open daily from 9am - 9pm and offer order-ahead at www.go-velvet.com, as well as limited guest in-store shopping. Just don’t forget your mask!”
START LOW & GO SLOW
If this will be one of the first times you have ever used cannabis, do not be pressured into getting something with a high THC level—no matter what! We recommend starting with a microdose of 2-5mg of THC.
How do you know how much THC is in it the product you are looking at? Great question! Legal cannabis products are required to put the cannabinoid profile on the product so you will know the ratio of CBD: THC, this is the ratio of these two cannabinoids that are in the product. THC and CBD affect us all very differently. There is no specific ratio of cannabinoids that helps with a specific situation. You have an endocannabinoid system and how it responds to THC and CBD is dependent on your life stressors and your response can change from day today. So start low and go slow.
SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE
You made it! You have a product or two (or three you little devil, you) and you are led to the checkout line. We are so proud of you. Make sure you tell the cashier you're an official first-timer and they'll usually give you a lighter or grinder for free. If you have a patient recommendation you may even save on some taxes. YAY! Your product(s) will be packaged nicely, usually in a white bag of sorts. Now you're a pro and you can teach all of your friends. Feels good, right? So take a deep breath and go enjoy yourself
Serra, Portland
LADY-FRIENDLY DISPENSARIES WE LOVE
The Apothecarium, San Francisco
Coming soon:
Delivery Companies:
Marie’s Deliverables, N. California
ABOUT THE WRITER
Marlo Paredes is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Marketing Manager for ILLA Canna, a vertically integrated cannabis company, and a badass single Momma. She has been in the cannabis space since 2017 and an advocate for many years prior—you may know her as The Elevated Dietitian. She started in the cannabis industry as a web developer, social media manager, and content creator. Marlo credits the sisterhood in cannabis for her passion and success in this field.
Marlo is an advocate for patient-focused and science-based cannabis education, social equity, and sustainability in the cannabis space. Her dedication to the mother herb stems from a chronic pain condition. She is an intersectional Chicana, hermana, y tu amiga.
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