how to buy from a dispensary

How to Buy Marijuana at a Dispensary [Complete Guide]

If you’re going to a dispensary for the first time, you undoubtedly have many questions about what to expect. After all, the legalization of recreational cannabis is still a relatively new phenomenon in the USA, so you’re certainly not alone if you’re wondering how to buy from a dispensary.
With that in mind, we have curated a marijuana buyer’s guide to help answer all of your questions and put your mind at ease when going to a dispensary for the first time. In this guide, we will be answering popular questions such as how much can you buy from a dispensary at a time, can I go to a dispensary without a card, and the best things to get at a dispensary. So, without further ado, let’s get into it.

What’s the Check-in Process Like at the Dispensary?

To begin with, it’s important that you understand the federal government and states have been at odds for years over marijuana legalization, which makes credit card firms cautious of violating federal law by enabling transactions. As a result, virtually every dispensary has an ATM on-site, as these establishments prefer to do business in cash. Keep this in mind, and if possible, carry cash with you.
As for the check-in process, you will almost certainly be asked for your ID. Keep your state-issued identification cards/documents with you at all times, whether you have just turned 21 or 70. If you have a medical marijuana prescription, double-check that it’s still valid (most are good for six months to a year), and be ready to hand them your ID along with it. Making a habit of it is a good idea. In some dispensaries, you will be able to check in via a tablet or computer, upon which you will have to verify your documents and your age.

How Do Dispensaries Work in California?

los angeles dispensaries The good news is that recreational marijuana usage is currently legal in California, and businesses may now sell it. To acquire recreational cannabis products from a Los Angeles marijuana dispensary, you must be 21 years old or older. As a result, whether you’re going to a dispensary for the first time or many times each day, you must provide a legitimate ID (a driver’s license or a passport would suffice).One of the most common questions people ask is how do you get a cannabis card in California? Well, the good news is that you don’t need one! Just bring your government ID and be over 21 years of age, and you are good to go.

Who is Going to Cannabis Dispensaries?

These days, more people are asking how to buy from a dispensary than ever before, so you can be sure that you will come across a diverse range of people while inside the store. After all, the stigma of smoking cannabis is quickly fading, and there is no shame whatsoever in asking how to buy from a dispensary.

What are the Busiest Times at Dispensaries?

In many ways, cannabis sales tend to mirror alcohol sales, which is unsurprising when you think about it. According to FreshToast, cannabis sales are highest on a Friday from 5 pm onwards, with Sunday and Monday being the quietest days of the week. In places where it’s legal, you can be sure that the first question many people ask themselves is, “where can I buy marijuana for the weekend?” This is why we see significantly higher numbers on Friday and Saturday.

What are the Most Popular Marijuana Products?

cannabis edibles If you are checking out our marijuana buyers guide to get some ideas on what to buy at a dispensary, here’s some advice for you. Visit the website of the store you plan to visit and check out the dispensary items list so you can be prepared before you arrive. While it’s fine to browse, most people tend to get overwhelmed when going to a dispensary for the first time due to the wide variety of choices and vast array of different products.
If you’re still unfamiliar with how to buy from a dispensary and smoking weed in general, then the best place to start would be pre-rolled joints, edibles, vape pens, and of course, a bud of your favorite strain.

Why Pick Different Products Over Another?

What product you choose ultimately comes down to personal preference. People smoke cannabis for a wide variety of reasons, including anxiety relief, to help cure insomnia, to ease depression, and even just for parties and having fun with friends. If you still don’t know what to buy at a dispensary, then just head down there and speak to one of the budtenders who will be happy to assist you and guide you towards the best things to get at a dispensary for your needs.

How To Be Every Budtender’s Favorite Customer?

Most budtenders are aware that many people that come into the store will be unfamiliar with how to buy from a dispensary – and that’s okay. Just like anybody else who works in the service industry, a budtender will be happy to help you as long as you are respectful and have an idea of what sort of thing you want. Also, please remember to take your ID and be compliant with the regulations.

Dispensary Items List

Each dispensary will have its own unique list of products that you can buy while inside their store. Depending on which state you are in, you may be able to purchase unique products and items that are unavailable elsewhere. In addition to this, if you are wondering how much you can buy from a dispensary at a time, it’s worth checking in with the budtender to find out what is legally permitted. In California, a person can buy up to 8 grams of concentrates and manufactured goods (including edibles, oils, extracts, and other items) per day and up to 1 ounce (approximately 28.5 grams) of cannabis flower.

Conclusion

So there you have it; hopefully, by now we have answered all of your cannabis-related questions so you can feel comfortable when visiting a dispensary. If you take away one thing from this guide, just remember to take your ID and cash with you. That way, you won’t return empty-handed.

Written By

Ian Baker

Ian Baker does content and customer communications with Happy Leaf Collective through the website and blog. With 5 years of total experience working in cannabis niche, 3 were spent as a budtender in Arizona. 2 years ago, following his passion of writing and educating, Ian made the move into content and communications.