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How Do You Choose The Right Dispensary For You?
If you live in a state where dispensaries are legal, then you may have noticed a ton of them popping up all over your town. You may have also noticed that not all dispensaries offer the same shopping experience. Some dispensaries might be a bit intimidating to enter the first time, while others seem oddly like a supermarket filled with dry herb, edibles, topicals, and tinctures. Finding the right dispensary for you and your shopping preferences might take a bit of exploration, but we are here to help you narrow down your options. Read on to learn more about what matters when it comes to picking out your regular dispensary.
How To Find A Licensed Dispensary
The first step in choosing the right dispensary for you begins with finding a list of licensed dispensaries in the first place. This can be accomplished with a simple Google search, or you can use a dispensary directory to locate licensed dispensaries. However, not all dispensaries are designed to serve all kinds of people. All dispensaries will limit their customer base to those of are of legal purchasing age, of course, but they will also distinguish between serving either recreational or medical customers. Some dispensaries are licensed to only serve customers who are also legal medical patients. The specifics of what this looks like will depend on the state you live in and the regulations the industry is subject to in that location. However, if recreational dispensaries are legal where you live, then you just need to be age twenty-one or older usually, to be of legal purchasing age at a recreational dispensary.
Finding Recreational Dispensaries
To find a recreational dispensary, a search on Google Maps might suffice. “Dispensaries near me” entered into Google search should show you all dispensary businesses in your surrounding area. However, it will not show you the dispensary’s current menu and online ordering options, like a dispensary directory will. These websites, such as Leafly and Weedmaps, offer a more in-depth online user experience. They can show you what deals the dispensary is currently running, what products are on their shelves, and allow you to place an online order for pick-up or delivery. They also offer even more benefits if you are a licensed medical patient in your state.
Locating Medical Dispensaries
If you have a medical card for purchasing at dispensaries, then a dispensary directory will probably be the best tool for finding a store that fits you well. These directories work to verify dispensary’s licenses so that you know you are shopping at a legal and reputable establishment. As a medical patient, you are probably seeking the most healthy, pure, and responsibly manufactured products. These products are often found at either licensed medical dispensaries that only serve medical customers or hybrid recreational and medical dispensaries that are designed to cater to both crowds. A dispensary directory will get you pointed in the right direction, and provide a bit more peace of mind when beginning your search as a medical patient.
Five Factors To Consider When Choosing A Dispensary
Now that you have located a list or map of the medical and recreational dispensaries near you, it’s time to start narrowing down your results. There are five different factors you can consider when looking for just the right dispensary for you. However, in the end, it will come down to what dispensary you feel most comfortable in and offers the products you are looking for.
1. Selection
The best place to start is by looking at a dispensary’s selection of products. A recreational dispensary will often offer a wide range of products in order to fit a variety of customers. There is almost always dry herb on the shelves, but alongside that there can be anything from tinctures to wax, to edibles, and so much more. If you are someone who likes to dabble across a variety of products, then you might want to check out a dispensary that has an extensive menu. However, if you are a dedicated dry herb smoker, then there might be a smaller dispensary that focuses on offering the best selection of dry herb instead. A dispensary directory or a good dispensary website will allow you to browse a store’s menu online before heading into the store so that you can have a better idea of what options you will encounter. However, the best way to truly check out a new product is in person, speaking with a knowledgeable Budtender.
2. Pricing
The next biggest factor to consider is the different price points that a dispensary offers on products. Larger dispensaries are normally able to fit a wider range of budgets, and offer different forms of payment. Depending on which products you prefer to buy, you can also check out any deals or specials a dispensary might be running on a weekly or regular basis. Specials or buying in larger amounts might help you save in the long run if you consume often. However, if you are more of a micro-doser then a high-end product with a high price point might be perfect since it will last a long time anyway.
3. Customer Service
In an industry with so much to learn still as a customer, customer service really matters. The knowledge and recommendations that a Budtender provides can be the difference between a great high or a harsh session. If it’s your first time in a dispensary then you should let them know so that you can be paired with a Budtender who will take their time to explain the basics. There is no shame in asking questions, especially if it helps you find the perfect product for you or what's required shopping there.
4. Atmosphere
Sometimes the atmosphere of a dispensary can go underrated when the product that you are purchasing arguably matters more. However, a pleasant shopping experience can make a real difference if you go back to a dispensary on the regular. It is ideal to find a dispensary that fits your vibe and music taste, but even a dispensary with a nice open showroom and a clear menu are great places to start.
5. Location
Since you are looking for a dispensary near you, the location really does matter. Sometimes it might be worth driving across town for a good deal, but most smokers prefer the factor of convenience over anything else, especially if there are a lot of licensed dispensaries where you live. Be sure to check out and support your local dispensaries, and if the one down the street doesn’t work the one around the corner just might.
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