So, weed has just been legalized in your state. You’ve never really smoked, indeed never really been around it. You don’t even know anyone who has (to your knowledge). But you’re curious. It seems like something you might like to try. What do you do?
I recommend you check out some of the articles on this site to acquaint yourself with the different ways of smoking and what to expect from the experience, as well as suggestions for things to try while stoned. But even the simple act of going to a dispensary can be intimidating for the first-timer. Here’s what to expect.
Favorite Fun Things To Do While High
Each of us has a context where we first got started smoking weed, and we probably have kept up with that. Whether it’s at a party with friends, relaxing on the sofa after a long day, or getting stoned before…
What Does It Feel Like To Be High?
Different people have different experiences, but that’s not to say some things are not generally true. In order to make this readable I will avoid using phrases like “for me” or “in my experience”. You should feel free to mentally…
What to Expect
The first thing to note is that the experience is largely defined by the strange legal situation around selling cannabis. It is legal in many states, but each state has a distinct regulatory regime that determines who can sell, when and where they can sell, and who can buy. And it is federally illegal throughout the whole country.
This means that state and local entities, like the cops, treat the businesses as legal, while federal entities, like banks (regulated by the federal government) treat them as illegal. There are many consequences of this mismatch, but the most obvious one when it comes to dispensaries is that credit card companies will not process transactions for illegal businesses.
Cash Only
This means that selling marijuana is largely a cash business. Some dispensaries are set up in such a way that you can pay via Venmo or CashApp or even use a debit card, but if you’re buying weed you should expect to be paying with cash. They almost all have an ATM on the premises for this reason.
High Security
The problem is that high-volume cash-only businesses are tempting targets for thieves. This means that pretty much any dispensary has to be a high-security operation. Dispensaries are loyalty-driven retail businesses that would love nothing more than to provide a peaceful, nurturing environment that reflects the nature of the product they are selling, but until weed becomes legal at the federal level they are forced to have men with guns at the door.
So, going in won’t feel as friendly or welcoming as you or they would like. The last thing they want is to intimidate new customers, so they try to mitigate this, but you will be required to present ID, be ushered through a locked security door, possibly spend some time in a waiting area, and there will be armed guards.
This varies with location – if local zoning laws don’t permit dispensaries in major shopping districts they can be in quite out of the way locations and very vulnerable, but dispensaries in cities generally have a lighter touch with security as they are less vulnerable to a smash and grab raid (more cops close by and much harder to escape).
Budtenders
But that’s about it for the negatives. The actual shopping experience is very pleasant! For security reasons, most dispensaries don’t allow for much in the way of browsing. It’s more like a bank – you wait in line until it’s your turn and a teller is available except in this case the teller is a budtender, which is way more fun.
Budtenders are, obviously, bartenders for bud. Think of them as knowledgeable bartenders who know everything about all the beers and are happy to make you a recommendation based on what they think you will like best. Their entire job is to help people make the best choices from their generally pretty complicated menu.
Discover the Best Way to Smoke Weed For You
Smoke weed, smoke pot, smoke cannabis, smoke marijuana – whatever you call it you want to know the best smoking method for you. Whether you’re an experienced smoker, or this is your first time smoking legalized recreational cannabis or medical…
Dispensaries typically offer a wide variety of weed strains, each ideal for different scenarios. There are weed types with invigorating effects perfect for sparking creative ideas, weed types that can help you relax and get in the right mindset after a long day, or weed types specifically designed to help you sleep soundly at night. Keep in mind though that not all weed is created equal and it’s important to ask your dispensary’s budtender about their selection before purchasing anything.
They will happily talk about terpenes and THC content all day long, but all they really need to know is how you want to feel and what imbibing methods you are comfortable with or willing to try. They can also supply you with papers, a grinder, or any other accessories you’re going to need. Take your time, and don’t feel rushed or pressured.
What Are Cannabis Terpenes?
Cannabis terpenes are aromatic oils secreted by the resin glands of the plant. They give cannabis strains their distinct flavor and smell. Terpenes play a role in the weed’s pungent, sweet scent and spicy taste when smoked or vaporized. The…
Etiquette
Your purchases will be provided to you in a sealed, smell-proof container. Be aware that (unless you went with edibles) as soon as you open this, the space you are in will smell of weed. You may or may not like this, but unless it’s your own space be aware that you may be annoying other people. Certainly don’t open it until you get outside the store.
Cannabis Edibles Dosage: How To Know How Much Is Enough
Edibles are not my preferred way to consume marijuana – I prefer smoking cannabis to eating it. But there are many reasons why cannabis users might choose edibles over smoking as their method of consuming cannabis. Here are a few:…
Finally, remember that weed dispensaries are businesses just like any other retail store and they rely on customers to stay afloat. So don’t be afraid to ask questions, buy something every now and then even if it’s only a small amount, and leave them with a good impression – they’ll appreciate it. Now go forth and enjoy the smoke!
