Since the legalization of cannabis in Canada in 2018, marijuana dispensary openings and retail sales continue to soar. In fact, for the last seven years or so, thousands of people worldwide have walked in and out of cannabis stores for the first time. And perhaps you’re now among the thousands anticipating your first dispensary visit.

What happens as you walk through that door? Is it the same as visiting a liquor store? What documentation do you need? Are there specific cannabis store etiquettes? How do your talk to your budtender? Wait, what’s a budtender? If these questions sound familiar to you, don’t worry; we’ve got your back!

Today, we’ll take you through everything you need to know before stepping into a pot shop. Read on to find out what to expect at a cannabis dispensary!

For starters, budtenders are those who work at a cannabis shop.

Prepare Well Before You Arrive

If you plan to purchase cannabis from a dispensary, preparation should start at home. Yes, there are certain things you should look into before you deal with a professional budtender. For one, you need to be clear about what you’re looking for.

• Are you looking for medical marijuana or recreational cannabis?
• Did you research what’s trending in the current cannabis market?
• Have you considered prices? Do you have the budget for it? (pssst! dank tends to be pretty expensive)
• Are you simply looking for dried cannabis buds, flowers, or particular cannabis products?
• Why do you want marijuana? Just for a silly night out with friends? Relief from a specific health issue? Help with concentration, focus, and creativity?
• What about the smell, flavor, and strain preferences?
• What’s your THC tolerance? Are you a newbie or an experienced cannabis user?

Having such parameters in mind will help make your cannabis buying experience smoother. Moreover, you can help your budtender find the right cannabis for you without scouring through dozens of shelves!

Remember, research is essential. Do your homework right! Apart from looking into your own requirements, you also need to be aware of your country’s marijuana regulations.

For example, you need to be at least 19 years of age to legally buy or consume cannabis in most of Canada. There is also a limit on the quantity purchased at a time, i.e., about 30 grams of dried recreational marijuana.

Before leaving home, be sure that you have your necessary province-issued identification cards/docs and cash in hand. More on that below!

Things To Expect At A Cannabis Dispensary

Expect To Get In Line

In a typical dispensary scene, you’ll find that each customer gets a designated budtender to guide them through the buying process. This is more prevalent in the marijuana medical market.

Of course, some days are less busy than others and you may get to interact with an expert as soon as you reach the shop. However, this happens rarely.

Besides, given the soaring popularity of marijuana, you know for sure that you’re not going to be the only one heading out to purchase weed. So, expect to get in line as soon as you reach the dispensary!

Be patient, take a seat, and wait your turn.

Keep your ID and Other Docs Handy

Both medical patients and recreational users should have their legit province-issued id cards handy. Documents such as a valid photo id or driver’s license are accepted in most dispensaries.

All dispensaries will request to see a valid id card, irrespective of how old you look. After all, you’re legally buying something that’s actually considered illegal at the federal level!

Be Prepared to Ask A Lot Of Questions – Don’t Hesitate

Since the world of weed is ever-evolving, even the most seasoned marijuana user has something new to learn. So, take your time at the dispensary as an opportunity to not only buy but also learn something. Feel free to ask as many questions as you’d like and clear your cannabis-related doubts. Your budtender will be more than happy to help guide you and answer your questions!

Discuss your expectations and needs with the staff members and get their recommendations of different strains. They’re most likely to guide you through the whole process based on their personal experiences and preferences.

Check Out The Accepted Mode of Transaction

Technology has graced the industry of cannabis too! Many stores now offer cashless transactions, such as credit or debit card or even cryptocurrencies. However, not all dispensaries do. Hence, to avoid any last-minute payment-related hassle, be sure to have enough cash on you.

Buy Only What You’re Sure Of

In most cases, your budtender may try to persuade you to make a purchase (that’s part of their job). But don’t feel pressured and politely say no if you’re not interested in the product.

Remember, just because you entered a dispensary doesn’t mean you’re obliged to buy something. Don’t be ashamed to walk away empty-handed if you don’t find anything of your liking.

Once You Leave A Marijuana Dispensary

You got your hands on the best weed and stepped out of the dispensary. Now what? In any case, resist the urge to blaze up your doobies near the shop. Most provinces like Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick, consider the consumption of marijuana in public illegal even though they’ve legalized cannabis.

You might want to wait out, get home, and smoke in peace!

Check out Acreage Pharms for all your cannabis needs. Contact our customer representatives today!