When you visit your Colorado dispensary, it’s important that you observe some basic etiquette for purchasing legal weed. This can be especially valuable if it’s your first time purchasing cannabis from the dispensary. Here are seven tips to help make your trip to the dispensary go smoothly and ensure that you will enjoy your interaction.
1. Have Your Picture ID and Cash Ready
Make sure you have your picture ID ready, whether it’s your driver’s license or a state-issued identification card. Colorado dispensaries take checking IDs very seriously, and there’s almost no chance that you will be allowed in to make a purchase simply based on whether you look “old enough” or not. You generally can’t bargain or talk your way into a dispensary without an ID, so it’s best to simply come prepared.
Most dispensaries take cash only. They likely have an ATM on-premises, however, the surcharges for withdrawals can be quite high. If you visit the dispensary often, these charges can add up. Coming with cash in hand helps make your transaction go faster and more smoothly.
2. Keep Your Cell Phone Put Away
While you may be tempted to scroll social media while you wait for a budtender or post a picture of you in the store, this is generally not allowed in the majority of Colorado dispensaries. If you are distracted when a budtender calls you forward to serve you, this wastes the facility’s valuable time. It’s a good idea to be engaged and alert while in the dispensary and not on your cell phone.
Many dispensaries will also not allow photographs or recordings to be taken inside. If you have your cell phone out while in the dispensary waiting to make your purchase, you may be asked to step out or put your cell phone away.
3. Let a Budtender Know If You Need Assistance
If you’re unsure of what you want, or you’re not sure what’s available on the menu, don’t be afraid to ask a budtender for assistance. Usually, a budtender will be happy to help you look at different strains and can make recommendations for various products based on your individual needs and desired experience.
Be mindful of the budtender’s time, but if the dispensary isn’t busy, they are usually thrilled to discuss products and their effects with customers.
4. Be Open to Suggestions
Be open to the suggestions that your budtender may make. For example, you may come in asking for a strain to help with your anxiety but have selected a Sativa-dominant product.
Since Sativa has the potential to exacerbate or even induce anxiety, it may not be the best choice for you. It may be suggested that you choose a product that is Indica dominant, or one that contains a higher amount of CBD.
Consider recommendations your budtender makes, especially if you are new to cannabis consumption or new to choosing between strains, terpenes, effects, etc.
5. Tip Your Budtender
If you see a tip jar, put a few dollar bills in it to thank your budtender for a job well done. This should especially be the case when a budtender spends a significant amount of time with you comparing and contrasting products to choose the best one for you.
While tipping isn’t necessary, it’s highly appreciated by hard-working dispensary staff. Usually, tips will be pooled and split evenly between all staff members on shift.
6. Wait to Use Your Products
Your marijuana products will be bagged by the dispensary and usually sealed or stapled closed with your receipt. You should leave your bag closed until you get home and wait to use your products there.
Driving while under the influence of marijuana is considered a form of “drunk driving.” If you are pulled over for speeding or another routine traffic stop while consuming cannabis, you may be ticketed or even arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI).
It’s good etiquette — and in your best interests — to simply plan to head home for a great smoke sesh after picking up from the dispensary.
7. Enjoy Your Colorado Dispensary Shopping Experience
Not too long ago, cannabis was illegal in the state of Colorado. Then, it was only available to medical patients. Although recreational marijuana has been legalized in many states following Colorado’s suit, there are still more where responsible adult cannabis use is prohibited.
When purchasing cannabis products at your local Colorado dispensary, it’s most important that you enjoy your shopping experience and transaction. Most cannabis users remember a time when purchasing marijuana did not involve getting to choose between strains or knowing that your cannabis was grown safely, locally, and without harmful pesticides.
Now, you can shop for marijuana flowers, concentrates, and edibles in clean, comfortable retail establishments. Take time to explore different products, ask questions, and fully enjoy your shopping experience.
