You waited ‘til you can’t wait anymore. Now you’re ready to take the plunge and waltz into an actual legal establishment selling cannabis to the public. It seems weird, though, doesn’t it? Maybe you’re walking into a trap! The thought crossed your mind, didn’t it? A buzzcut federal agent, waiting in the wings, ready to lurch out from behind a bush to taser you?
But this is not 1984 and the deed you’re about to do isn’t a crime. Well, not at the state level, anyhow. So really the only question is, what are you waiting for? Oh, and how should you choose the right cannabis dispensary? Here’s our Top 6 things to look for!
Other People’s Google Reviews
Cannabis dispensaries are legal places of business. They have Google Business accounts set up (or should), and customers can write reviews just like they would for any other place. So it may seem odd, but search for local dispensaries in your town and see what others have said about them on Google. It’s all online and all permitted! This is a great first step in deciding which joint is suitable for, er, buying joints, so don’t overlook this one.
Browse the Websites for Quality of Content
To go along with those Google reviews, obviously many dispensaries now have very professional websites showing their products for sale. No, we don’t have to delve into the Dark Web for this stuff; it is all on surface level, public websites. And no, the feds aren’t tracking your phone’s IP address when you search (or are they?). Some sites will ask you to verify your age. That’s a good sign. Clicking this doesn’t mean you are downloading spyware or sending a message to the DEA to be on alert. But it does mean the store is professional, and that’s a quality you want to look for.
And speaking of quality, obviously quality of the merchandise itself is very important to you as the consumer. If the site looks shady, keep looking until you find one that isn’t.
Check Out Local Ads in Papers to Get a Feel for the Vibe
Google does know everything, but there’s something to be said for sticking to local newsprint or your town’s ‘alternative’ papers…you know, the ones with all the concert and event listings. So snag one (they’re usually free!) and thumb through until you find a giant ad blatantly showing photos of weed for sale! You won’t have to skip to those backpages, either. That’s where all the shady stuff is posted; what you are looking for is upfront and legal, so get that through your head. You aren’t doing anything wrong.
Those newspaper ads may not offer every detail about the store, but you can get a vibe from how they choose to advertise themselves to the public. So if you are a white collar business-type and you see an ad obviously geared toward the college party crowd, then you may feel out of place in that shop. Then again, maybe it just means it’s time to let your hair down. After all, we’re talking about marijuana, so let’s lighten up and light up!
Do a Cruise By to Check Out the Storefront
If you’re feeling paranoid, then do a little cruise by. Nothing wrong with that, just check out the customers who go in and out unaccosted by police or Men in Black. See if it seems like the sort of place you’d feel comfortable buying from. Of course you’ll never know until you cross that entry boundary and meet the staff. But in the meantime, what is the impression the storefront gives off? It is clean and well-maintained, or a bit seedy and trashy? First impressions matter; a smart business knows that and will ensure their exterior is welcoming, tidy, and presentable.
The fact is that you can and should expect a cannabis dispensary to look at least as legitimate as your local liquor store…because in the end, both are peddling legal substances. The only difference is that booze is generally mass produced and bottled by large companies, whereas cannabis is grown and distributed very differently, and as a result there are variables related to quality control. A professional store will typically offer a better assortment with a higher grade of product, and can often offer better deals. You don’t always get what you pay for, but an honest shop only charges high prices for high quality, whereas a cheaper shop might be passing off cut-rate garbage to newbies who don’t know any better.
Ask Friends about Quality of Product and Sales
If you are 420 friendly, chances are some of your mates are, as well. So ask them what’s up with that little local dispensary. They’ll tell you if they’ve popped in for a little bud, and can share their experiences and make recommendations. So ask them what it’s like inside, how knowledgeable are the staff, were there any concerns? You might also want to inquire in advance about discounts. Often these shops run specials, so find out when some product is on sale.
Call and Chat with the Staff
Don’t be shy! If you see an ad for a place, but are still hesitant to visit, just call them. I promise, the budtenders of these places are usually very understanding of questions and they are there to help. They realize more than anyone how unusual it may seem at first, to be buying a product that is still considered illegal at the federal level, yet is legal to purchase in some states.
From what I’ve seen, employees in dispensaries are literally some of the most laid back folks you’ll run into. Maybe that is because they are sampling a little product during break period.
Just kidding! But then again, who knows?
Security
Dispensaries deal in drugs and cash. So it goes without saying, security in such establishments is, or at least should be, tight. If it appears otherwise, you might want to keep looking around. The last thing you want is to shop in a store which isn’t protecting their own assets, because, by default, that means they aren’t protecting you, either! So security is a good thing. Don’t let it make you nervous!
We hope this list helps you find the perfect cannabis dispensary for your needs. It’s out there, waiting for you. Take your time and good luck!