Guide for Your First Time at a Dispensary

If you’re new to the world of Medical Marijuana, this is for you! As I mentioned in my previous post, your first visit to a Medical Marijuana dispensary can be both exciting and overwhelming, because there are now so many different types of products, and it can be a challenge to figure out where to start. I’m writing this based on my experiences as a customer since I’ve had my MMJ card in Arizona, as well as the time I worked as a budtender. A budtender is the person working behind the counter when you visit the dispensary.

The budtender is there to help you make a purchase and is happy to answer your questions. However, it’s important to have some idea of why you’re there and what you might be looking for first, so that they can better assist you. I have some suggestions that I hope will make the transaction an enjoyable experience for all parties.

1. What is your goal(s) in using cannabis? Which benefits are you seeking? Are you looking for pain relief, help sleeping, something to aid your focus and lift your mood, etc.? Take a couple minutes to brainstorm and write some things down. This is the first step to narrowing down what you might be interested in purchasing. Then, I would recommend doing a few minutes of research on the different types of cannabis (Sativa and Indica, links provided below). Please don’t feel any pressure to become an expert overnight! This is only suggested to help you navigate the waters a bit. Once you get to the dispensary, the budtender can answer more questions about specific strain types available in the store that fall under the category of Sativa or Indica, and hybrids. I provide some examples of an introductory article on different types of cannabis below.
   1. https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/sativa-indica-and-hybrid-differences-between-cannabis-types
   2. https://weedmaps.com/learn/the-plant/difference-between-indica-sativa/
   3. https://www.peacenaturals.com/indica-vs-sativa-understanding-the-differences-between-the-two-cannabis-plants/#:~:text=The%20two%20major%20types%20of,provide%20a%20more%20energizing%20experience.
   4. Sativas tend to give you more of a head high, and this is often associated with an uplifted mood, “the giggles,” creative feelings, energy to clean the house or go work out, and for me, just get shit done.
   5. Indicas give you more of a body high and are used to treat muscle spasms, pain, relaxation and in heavier doses can be a sleep aid.
   6. Most strains are usually hybrids that either lean more on the Sativa or Indica side and have the best of both worlds, so to speak.
2. Locate the online menus of dispensaries near you. Don’t feel as though you have to memorize anything, but having a glance at an online menu will give you an idea of the range of products available, show the prices of different items to assist you in building a budget, and it will also help you narrow down questions to ask the person behind the counter.
3. How do you want to consume cannabis? Are you interested in smoking it, or would an edible or tincture (oil), or a topical ointment?
   1. If you’re interested in smoking – you have flower to choose from (some are often pre-rolled into joints already), along with distillate cartridges and a variety of concentrates to vape. https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/cannabis-concentrates-oils-extracts
   2. Many people understandably aren’t interested or are unable to smoke (perhaps for specific health reasons, housing regulations, etc.) – luckily there are increasingly more ways we can enjoy the benefits of cannabis without smoking it! This includes edibles – infused candies, baked goods, beverages, etc. However, edibles may not always be an option for everyone, depending on dietary needs and restrictions. Luckily there are oils and tinctures you can take sublingually, topically, or in a capsule form.
4. After doing a few minutes of research with all of the above questions in mind, jot down some ideas. What are some products you’re interested in or have questions about? Is there anything you know for sure you do or don’t want to try? Do you have any concerns? Upon your first visit, most dispensaries will give you a packet of information to go over when you get home and some kind of discount or special as a first time visitor. I suggest bringing a piece of paper with your ideas, interests and questions written down or stored somewhere on your phone because with the influx of information + natural curiosity and cool things to look at upon entering a dispensary, it can be easy to get distracted or not know where to start. I hope that my suggestions are helpful and give someone an easier starting point!

Know that it will take some experimenting and trial-and-error to figure out what you really like, and which types of products are most beneficial to you. The budtender does their best to give suggestions based on their own education and experience, and it’s fun to have a reason to try new things. Have fun with the process and good luck with everything!