Purchasing cannabis for medical purposes is now legal in more than 30 states in the US. If you reside in a state where medical cannabis is allowed, your first visit to a dispensary might be intimidating, particularly if you’re new to cannabis use. However, patient coordinators, fortunately, have a lot of experience with patients of diverse ages, backgrounds, and skill levels, so we asked them for some pointers for newcomers. Here are some things to consider before visiting a cannabis shop for the first time.
You’ll need your identification.
You must be 21 or older to acquire cannabis, whether in a medicinal or recreational market. Cannabis shops follow extremely tight restrictions, and you must produce a valid government-issued ID to even enter one – no exceptions. You must also bring your medical cannabis card while visiting the best Medical Marijuana Doctor Pa.
Don’t forget to bring cash.
Although some cannabis shops take credit cards, they are in the minority since the cannabis industry is mostly a cash-only operation. Some dispensaries may offer ATM machines but carry cash to save stress (and convenience costs). Remember that since you’re purchasing in a legal market, there will be state, municipal, and excise taxes charged to the base price of all cannabis goods. Some cannabis shops post their menus online, so you may get a sense of the price before you go.
The majority of items will be restricted.
When you first go into a cannabis dispensary, you may be startled to realize that most, if not all, of the items, are locked behind glass displays. Cannabis shops, regardless of state, must follow highly rigorous restrictions, and some of those laws require that items for sale be pre-packaged. You will be able to touch the package and read the labels, but you will not be able to smell the goods or open them. Contrary to common opinion, cannabis shops in the United States are not the same as cannabis cafés in Amsterdam; no on-premises use is permitted!
Security should be expected.
The security guards, cameras, and secured sections inside a cannabis store are also common surprises for first-time visitors. This degree of protection is perfectly regular and usual in the business, and it has nothing to do with the safety of the dispensary you’re going to visit. Security measures are in place to protect you, the employees, and other guests, so respect the security officers and know that your safety is their main concern.
There are no refunds available.
The same rationale applies to cannabis as it does to prescribed medications. You will not be able to return, exchange, or get a refund on any cannabis items after you leave the dispensary. As a result, after you’ve discovered a product you like, your PA Medical Marijuana Doctors would advocate beginning small and progressively increasing the quantity of your order. Most dispensaries offer single cookies or pre-rolls, allowing you to try without spending too much money.
