How to Buy Cannabis: A Dispensary’s Guide for Beginners

Are you curious about how to buy cannabis from a dispensary? Going to a dispensary for the first time can be a little intimidating, but it shouldn’t be. The vast majority of dispensaries are professional businesses run by friendly folks just like you! 

People of all ages from all walks of life buy cannabis products every day, so don’t stress about it. The days of judgment and scorn are long behind us! Follow these easy tips for a pleasant experience, and you’ll be living the high life in no time. 

1. Bring the Necessary Documents

No matter how old you are, you’re going to be carded. Because legalization is still such a new concept, dispensaries are very strict about enforcing ID requirements. That’s the number one rule to remember when researching how to buy cannabis. It makes sense, as one blunder could cause big problems, not just for individual businesses, but for the industry as a whole.

If you’re shopping at a recreational dispensary—whether it’s a California weed shop or a dispensary in Hudson, MA—you’ll need to provide a valid, undamaged ID that proves you’re 21 or older. Valid forms of identification include:

  • State-issued driver’s license
  • Passport
  • Active military ID

If you’re going to a medical dispensary, you’ll also need your certified state medical marijuana card to prove that you’re a licensed patient or caregiver. If you don’t have one, you’ll have to fill out an application based on the state you live in to get one. There are many ways to do this online—just look at this Arizona medical marijuana card application, for example. 

2. Show Up with Cash

A woman who knows how to buy cannabis holding a dollar.

When learning how to buy cannabis, many newbies don’t realize that most dispensaries don’t accept credit cards or debit payments. Because the legality of the cannabis industry is still evolving, many banking institutions won’t work with dispensaries at this point in time. This is because they are considered one of several high-risk industries in the credit card processing world. Some dispensaries do have an ATM on-site, but it’s not guaranteed. If you don’t have cash available, give the dispensary a courtesy call to see if they accept other forms of payment.

3. Don’t Fear the Budtender

A budtender weighing flower on a scale

Going to a dispensary for the first time can be a little nerve-racking, especially for those who aren’t long-time cannabis users. After all, cannabis still has a stigma, even though it’s (finally) fading fast. 

As you learn about how to buy cannabis, it’s important to remember that the cannabis industry is overflowing with honest, kind, hard-working people, just like any other industry. In fact, budtenders, growers, and other cannabis professionals tend to be some of the friendliest folks you’ll ever meet!

First and foremost, you don’t need to feel sketchy — at all! What you’re doing is legal, and there’s nothing shady about it. A dispensary is just like any coffee shop or retail store. As long as you’re respectful, you have nothing to worry about. Don’t hesitate to ask the employees for assistance if you have any questions about how to buy cannabis. They’re there to help!

4. Plan Your Purchase in Advance

The cannabis industry is booming, so local dispensaries are often busy. Before heading out, think about what types of products you want to buy. There are lots of options, and you don’t want to hold up the line. Are you looking for a flower? Inhalers? Edibles? Concentrates? Tinctures? Show up with an idea in mind so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.

Now that you know what to expect from your first dispensary visit, it’s time to get out there and start enjoying the magic of legal cannabis. Remember: You don’t need to feel nervous or intimidated. Every day, people just like you learn how to buy cannabis, and they’re always pleasantly surprised by how easy and enjoyable the experience turns out to be. Go support your local dispensary, and embrace the future of cannabis!