Visiting the dispensary is an event to look forward to and enjoy. Purchasing cannabis products from a legal establishment is a relatively new concept. Keep in mind a few do’s and don’ts that will help ensure that your visit is always an excellent experience.
Plan Ahead and Know What You Want
A dispensary is a busy place. Lines sometimes form quickly, and no one enjoys standing in line. A little advance research will save you time. Most dispensaries have a website with a full menu of their offerings. They may have in-store specials to tempt you, but if you have an idea of what you want, the visit will be much quicker.
Bring ID and Cash
‘Legal’ means quality, tested product every time. Like alcohol, cannabis is age restricted. You must be 21 or older, so bring your ID for this quality product because you will be required to show it.
While cannabis is legal at the state level, it is still illegal under federal law causing major banks and credit card companies to withhold services to businesses in the cannabis industry. Because of these issues, most dispensaries operate on a cash-only basis. Save yourself the nuisance of making a return trip or paying extra ATM fees by bringing cash with you.
Look But Don’t Touch
Many dispensaries offer customers samples to examine. It’s tempting to pick up that beautiful bud to smell it and squeeze but don’t. Just as you wouldn’t want a bunch of random people touching your food before you eat it, someone doesn’t want you touching their bud before they smoke it. Have faith that it’s as sticky and fragrant as it looks.
Trust Your Budtender
Your budtender is an expert in all things cannabis. They are immersed in the cannabis culture and are highly trained and knowledgeable. You may have years of experience as a consumer, but a professional budtender has devoted their time to learning about cannabis. They are experts with detailed knowledge of different strains and their effects. Ask questions, listen to their advice and be respectful.
Wait to Smoke
We know it’s exciting to buy legal cannabis. But keep in mind that while it’s legal, like alcohol, there are laws against public consumption. It’s understandable that you want to sample and enjoy your purchase but avoid lighting up as soon as you walk out the door. Highly regulated at the state and local level, dispensaries also want to be a good neighbor that is responsible and a welcome member of the community. It is no more acceptable to smoke in front of the dispensary than it is to drink in front of the liquor store. You got here, stood in line, and have the perfect flower. Take your time and relax. When you get home, sit in your favorite spot, light up and enjoy.
Tipping
Should I tip my budtender? Budtenders are a part of the service industry. When out for drinks or a meal, it is customary to tip the bartender and waitstaff, usually 20%. Your budtender is going to provide the best possible information and service regardless of the tip, but a small gratuity is a great way to acknowledge their effort and show appreciation, The tip should be an amount that you are comfortable with and reflect the effort put forth. If you pop in for a small purchase and know what you want, 5% might be adequate, but if you have a lot of questions and your budtender spends an inordinate amount of time patiently showing you every strain he has, a higher tip may be more appropriate.
For an unrivaled dispensary experience, you will want to visit the Northern Lights Cannabis Company. With locations in Edgewater and Denver, the Northern Lights Cannabis Company has created a medical and recreational marijuana dispensary where everyone feels at home. The Northern Lights Cannabis Company is committed to putting customers and patient first, offering the highest quality cannabis products and answering all your questions to help you learn more about the effects select the right products for you.
