If you live in California or visit California soon, the chances are that you or someone you know will be going to a dispensary. Weed isn’t just green and growing on trees out here; it’s a billion-dollar industry. But, before you step through those doors and explore the wonderful world of medical marijuana, there are a few things that you need to know. 

Here’s a list of 6 helpful pointers.

Is the Store Licensed?

Knowing if a dispensary is licensed and regulated as an adult consumer is essential. California passed the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, which allows adults 21 and older to possess up to an ounce of marijuana for personal use.

It also expunges the criminal records of nearly 800,000 people for cannabis-related offenses. In California, the act also provides more opportunities for businesses to open dispensaries in the state. While the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act regulate recreational and medicinal marijuana, it does not apply to recreational marijuana dispensaries.

What Identification Documents Should You Carry?

Before visiting a dispensary, make sure you have a valid document that proves your age. Most dispensaries check IDs to ensure they are the right age, and you should have one ready. You must also have a valid government-issued photo ID to buy marijuana.

Having valid documents before visiting a dispensary is essential, regardless of whether you are a medical marijuana patient or caregiver. Most California dispensaries will require you to present proof of age and address. You must be at least 21 years old to purchase medical marijuana.

If you are under 21, you can register for the database. However, it would help if you kept in mind that some dispensaries will only accept IDs for those already registered for the state’s medical-marijuana program. You should also have a valid ID to buy recreational marijuana.

What is the Seller’s Level of Experience?

The last thing as a buyer you would want is an inexperienced dispensary attendant. It’s essential to ask about the level of experience the seller has. While many of these employees are new to the industry, they may still have enough knowledge to offer some recommendations.

For example, if you are a novice looking for an excellent way to relax, you can ask about their favorite strains. You can also ask about which products they recommend for beginners.

If you’re looking for a particular effect, you can ask about the specific strains that have been known to achieve that effect. Be sure to also ask about storage and use instructions as well.

Can Tourists Buy Products from the Dispensaries in California?

Yes. While it is now legal to purchase and possess a small amount of pot, you can’t get high while driving. It is also illegal to carry marijuana with you, and many hotels and Airbnbs don’t allow tourists to smoke or consume it.

There are several ways for tourists to buy cannabis in California. There are dispensaries across the state where visitors can purchase and sample various products—as with any other legal product, buying cannabis from a non-licensed vendor carries serious consequences, so tourists are encouraged to check the credentials of the dispensary before purchasing anything from it.

What is the Maximum Amount of Product You Can Buy?

California has several different laws regarding the cultivation, sale, and use of marijuana. In most cases, adults over 21 years of age can possess one ounce of dry cannabis or eight grams of concentrated cannabis.

They can also process six live plants in their private residence. In addition, they can smoke marijuana anywhere tobacco is prohibited. Aside from that, there are no federal laws banning the production of marijuana.

What Forms of Payment are Available in the State?

Many dispensaries accept debit and credit. While this is a convenient option, many of them also accept credit. In this case, the dispensary will list the credit account under another parent company and run the transactions under its name.

These dispensaries operate in a gray area legally but are highly recommended as long as the dispensary knows how to avoid violating anti-money laundering laws.

Conclusion

Remember, before you set foot inside any California dispensary, you need to understand some basics that govern the industry. Every dispensary has specific guidelines and limitations. Some regulations may seem slightly inconvenient but keep everyone safe. The benefits of visiting a legitimate cannabis dispensary far outweigh any minor setbacks you may encounter.