7 Essential Tips for First-Time Dispensary Shoppers

Cannabis is steadily inching toward mainstream legalization as more jurisdictions continue to decriminalize the powerful medicinal herb. As of 2024, marijuana is legal for therapeutic use in 38 US states and for recreational use in 24 states. 

Weed’s raging popularity is largely attributed to emerging scientific findings pointing to the plant’s potential health benefits. And with the national industry poised to reach new benchmarks in 2024, it’s understandable why marijuana dispensaries are mushrooming on every street. 

But if you’re new to cannabis, it’s prudent to exercise extreme caution while scouting for weed extracts. Here are the seven tips to implement if shopping for marijuana in dispensaries for the first time.

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1. Define Your Needs

Cannabis undoubtedly possesses numerous therapeutic properties. But before ordering marijuana extracts from a weed dispensary Raleigh, it’s best to start by defining your personal needs. 

Ideally, determine whether you’re a medical or recreational user. 

Medical cannabis products are typically higher in non-psychoactive cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabichromene (CBC). Conversely, most recreational weeds contain significant concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other psychoactive compounds. 

However, full-spectrum cannabis supplements are an exception to this rule. Such products may be used both medicinally and recreationally, depending on their dominant ingredients. They deliver a full spectrum of therapeutic and psychotropic effects through a mechanism known as the entourage effect.

2. Acquaint Yourself With the Law

Marijuana is federally illegal in the United States. But as we’ve already hinted, up to 38 states have legalized the plant for therapeutic and/or recreational use. 

Note that state laws usually have preeminence over federal laws regarding cannabis regulation. So, establish if weed is legal in your state before checking into a cannabis dispensary. If you’re shopping online, ensure a marijuana store can legally ship to your address before ordering from them. 

Moreover, some states dictate when you can purchase cannabis extracts and in what quantities. Not to mention the minimum legal age for using or possessing weed. 

Lastly, note that hemp-derived cannabidiol products are federally legal, provided that they contain no more than 0.3% of the psychoactive THC.

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3. Know the Strains

Many people consider marijuana to be a distinct plant species. However, what we know as Cannabis is a plant genus comprising numerous species and strains. 

The plant exists in four primary species – Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, Cannabis ruderalis, and hybrids. These species have further spawned dozens of strains or cultivars. 

Sativa-dominant strains are typically invigorating, while their indica-dominant counterparts are mellowing. Hybrids provide the best of both worlds. 

Besides, each cannabis species and strain produces distinctive effects based on its terpene profile. 

4. Obtain a Medical Marijuana Card

It doesn’t matter whether you intend to administer weed medically or recreationally; many reputable cannabis dispensaries will ask for a medical marijuana card before processing your orders. The card proves that you’ve been professionally approved for marijuana use.

To obtain a medical marijuana card, you’ll need to consult a licensed healthcare provider for a thorough diagnosis. 

State laws differ on the types of medical conditions that may qualify you for medical marijuana. Chronic pain, anxiety disorders, severe nausea, multiple sclerosis (MS), and nausea are common qualifying conditions. 

Once preapproved by a medical practitioner, apply for a marijuana card directly to your state by following the laid-down procedures. Remember to renew your medical marijuana card before expiration to maintain its validity.

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5. Research The Dispensary’s Reputation

While cannabis vendors are easy to come by, not every dispensary is worth their salt. 

Start by verifying that a weed dispensary is licensed, insisting on state-issued licenses. 

Next, check for proof of accreditation. You can verify a dispensary’s accreditation status by checking its presence on public listings and affiliations with reputable bodies like the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA). 

Don’t forget to read online reviews. Feedback from previous clients can speak volumes about the quality of products and services a weed dispensary offers.

6. Prioritize Online Dispensaries

Despite multiple research findings pointing to weed’s therapeutic properties, the plant still attracts a degree of skepticism. 

The last thing you want is to bump into avowed cannabis critics while walking out of a physical cannabis store. Therefore, it’s best to ensure a marijuana dispensary has an official website that includes an e-commerce store before ordering from them. 

A website’s presence also adds professionalism to the company, lending credence to its reputation. Needless to mention, verify that the contact information on the website (physical addresses, email, and phone number) is all legitimate.

7. Insist On Lab-Tested Products

As cannabis gradually inches towards mainstream legalization, it behooves regulators to ensure weed-based supplements pass the minimum thresholds for quality and safety. 

One way they do that is by requiring all products to undergo rigorous lab testing. 

Insist on cannabis extracts that have been subjected to extensive screening by third-party laboratories. Such products will typically come with an analytical report detailing the active ingredients in the batch alongside their potencies, and any chemical additives. 

Avoid dispensaries that are hesitant about sharing their marijuana lab testing reports. 

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The Bottom Line

Buying marijuana for the first time presents inherent challenges. Fortunately, you can overcome those pitfalls by following these expert pointers. 

As a bonus point, remember that excessive cannabis consumption can be injurious to your health. Be sure to moderate your serving portions by observing the manufacturer’s dosage recommendations. Better yet, consult a licensed medical marijuana doctor before integrating weed into your wellness regimen.