What to Expect on Your First Visit to a Medical Marijuana Dispensary

Visiting a cannabis store is no doubt an enjoyable experience because you get to interact with your budtenders and the various products first hand. However, it can be rather intimidating for first-timers who may not be familiar with the wide range of products, rules and regulations, and what questions you need to ask to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for.

While feeling anxious is understandable and quite normal, preparing in advance can help quell the nerves and ensure you have a good time at the dispensary. So, what do you need and what should you expect as you prepare for your first trip to your local medical marijuana dispensary?

Here is a guide from Kush Gardens to help you prepare for your first visit to a medical marijuana dispensary in Oklahoma:

What you need to bring to the medical marijuana dispensary

To get access to a medical marijuana store, there are a few things you need to bring with you, including:

Identification Documents

Every marijuana store (both recreational and medical) requires you to have a government-issued ID. You can expect to show your ID multiple times during a single visit; for instance, you will be asked to produce your ID before entering the salesroom and when making a purchase. Also, in dispensaries where cannabis products are visible in the waiting room, you must show your ID upon entering the room.

Worth noting is that states have different age limit requirements for purchasing cannabis; for example, you have to be over 18 years to purchase marijuana in Oklahoma.

MMJ card

For states with a working medical marijuana program, your budtender will need to see your medical marijuana card (MMJ card). Many states have made it easy to access these cards through their specific programs, with some providing them online. Remember, possession of this card can make you eligible for purchasing a greater quantity of cannabis and of higher potency. It's advisable to do your research to know your state's requirements for issuing MMJ cards.

Cash

Most medical marijuana dispensaries deal with cash only, and only a handful accept payment via credit or debit cards. Be sure to pass by the ATM to get some cash for your purchase. If your dispensary is cash only, bear in mind that an ounce of marijuana will cost you between 200 and 400 dollars. Thankfully, you don't need to carry large amounts of cash from home since most dispensaries have ATMs within their premises.  

Preparing for a visit to a medical marijuana dispensary

To ensure you have an enjoyable experience at the store, take the following into consideration:

Consider your needs

As a first-timer, you have to decide on your preferred form of consumption before visiting the marijuana store. Here are some common options to choose from:

•    Cannabis flower – This is a classic form of marijuana that is usually added to a joint, blunt, or bong. You can also consume it through smoking or vaping.

•    Concentrates – They are one of the most potent forms of cannabis and therefore not recommended for novices.

•    Tinctures – These are cannabis oil that you add to food or drinks but can also be consumed by themselves. They tend to take effect faster than edibles but a bit slower than smoked and vaped products.

•    Edibles – These are marijuana-infused foods and beverages. They take longer (sometimes more than two hours) to take effect. Beginners should start with a small amount before graduating to higher and more potent amounts.

Equally important here is to understand the primary types of cannabis, namely cannabis Sativa and cannabis Indica: The former tends to give you energy and focus, while the latter makes you feel relaxed and sedated. Your seller will advise on the best type depending on your needs.

Do your research

Be sure to do a little research before settling on one medical marijuana dispensary. With prior knowledge, you know the type of products they sell, affordability, treatment by staff, why many people prefer that particular store, etc. You can acquire this information from friends or browse the internet to read customer reviews about the dispensary. With prior knowledge, you can be guaranteed to get exactly what you need and with much less hassle.

Be patient

Unlike liquor stores where you enter, get your bottle of whisky and walk out, cannabis stores require that you are served by a specific budtender. For this reason, you might have to wait for your provider to get done with a customer before attending to you, which often results in long lines, especially during peak hours.

And while it doesn't mean you always have to find long lines, it is a good idea to go prepared to wait a bit longer. You can use this time to go through the menu to learn about the products on offer, so you won't have to waste more time once your time to be served comes.  

Only buy what you are comfortable with

For most medical marijuana stores, the rules are that once you make a purchase, you cannot return the product unless it is for reasons that aren't your responsibility. This means that when buying a product, confirm that it is what you need to avoid unnecessary inconveniences. Expert advice for first-time buyers is to purchase a product in small quantities so, if you decide it is not the right one for you, you won't be stuck with a lot of it and end up incurring losses.

Don't feel pressured

As a first-time buyer, you may have a change of mind about making a purchase or even buying from that particular store. If you feel uncertain about it, don't be afraid to leave to recollect and make a more informed decision. In any case, it is your first time, which means you are still in the experimental stages and therefore allowed to be unsure about everything.

Relax and enjoy the experience  

It is your first time in a medical marijuana dispensary, and this experience can come with a bit of tension and anxiety. It is worth remembering that the workers in the store are there to help you with everything you need. Try to relax and have a good time while at it, and be sure to ask questions in case you need more information.

Questions to ask in a medical marijuana dispensary  

For people without prior experience with a marijuana dispensary, having the right questions to ask might not be as straightforward. To make the process smooth for you, here are some questions you should consider asking:

How do I know what to buy?

Your budtender is there to explain the nuances of medical marijuana, from the different strains to potency and effects. Be honest with your provider about your needs (e.g., do you want to reduce pain, sleep better, or reduce anxiety?) and the effect you are looking for so that they can curate the best products and experience for you.

Where can I use legally purchased cannabis?

Be sure to ask about your state's laws regarding cannabis consumption. There is a common misconception that you can use marijuana within the dispensary premises, which is not always the case. Your seller can educate you on how and where to use a product.

Can I travel with my purchases?  

Marijuana is not legal in some states, so take time to understand if it is legally possible to travel with cannabis across specific states. Again, your service provider will be sure to clarify this matter to ensure you are on the safe side of the law.

Summary

Indeed, visiting a medical marijuana store for the first time does not have to be complicated. As long as you have the right documents and your age allows you to purchase cannabis, you are ready to have an experience you are sure to relish.

Whether you are a first-time or a seasoned cannabis user, Kush Gardens is here to offer you the services you have been looking for. Contact us to learn about our range of products, services, and why we are the go-to medical marijuana provider for people in Oklahoma!