From “Reefer Madness” to Spliffs, Joints and Blunts

From “Reefer Madness” to Spliffs, Joints and Blunts

Cannabis has been through some stuff

Cannabis’ public persona has undergone a number of changes over the years. To start with, it was simply another plant that had industrial, medicinal, and recreational uses. No one particularly cared if you grew it, sold it, or used it. Spliffs, Joints, and Blunts are names that came about partly as a way to talk about marijuana products while they were illegal.

Its use was still common after the great depression and the American Medical Association at the time even endorsed it as a possible medicine. That all changed in the 1930s when a movie, of all things, changed the conversation. 

Even though prohibition had ended just a couple of years prior, there were people who wanted to legislate their version of morality, and drug use was firmly in their sights. Against this backdrop, a church group filmed the movie Reefer Madness. It was a cautionary tale about dealers who preyed on young people. The movie’s message was that marijuana use would lead to moral corruption and even murder. A year later, in 1937, weed was finally banned across the United States.

Since it was no longer a legal product, cannabis’ use was pushed underground and a number of euphemisms were born to talk about it, without saying the name. Thus all the confusing names you hear! Today, as marijuana returns to the mainstream, far more people are interested in trying it. This new, inexperienced customer base is made up of the young and the old, many of them who do not know the lingo. As a start, this blog covers the terms you’ll hear when referring to a “pre-roll” – basically, a single-use product that looks a bit like a cigarette.

Spliffs, Joints, and Blunts

Edibles, pills, capsules, oils and rolled are just some of the ways people can enjoy their cannabis today. There is flower, sold in bulk, that you can take home, store and use at your leisure if you like to roll your own. There are also pre-rolls which are just what they sound like–cannabis products that are ready for you to smoke. Just light it up. 

In the realm of rolled marijuana, there are three basic types of rolled products you may encounter, and each one offers a different experience. So, to help keep things clear for all the new people discovering cannabis, we’d like to help you keep your terminology straight. 

  1. Joint

Let’s start off with the most common term, the one everyone is familiar with.  A joint is the most basic and purest cannabis cigarette. There’s not usually anything else there besides a filter and cigarette paper.  

Cigarette paper, though, comes in a variety of flavors and ingredients, each of which will change the way your marijuana smokes. It lends itself to some experimentation.  At MJ Verdant, we offer a number of our popular strains in pre-roll form.  So, yes, we sell joints!  These come in a bigger size at 1 – 1.5 grams and are perfect for those who want to try something different or don’t want to roll their own. And if you’re looking for a smaller version, you can also find joints in a .5 gram weight.  These are sometimes referred to as “dog walkers” in that you can consume them in about the time it takes to walk your dog. 

  1. Blunt

These came on the scene in the mid-80’s fueled by a wave of people immigrating from the Caribbean. They first began to appear in the large cities on the East Coast and spread from there.  Blunts are, very simply, cigars that have been hollowed out and then refilled with marijuana. 

They became very popular amongst influential rap and hip-hop artists and found their way into the mainstream of illegal pot use. Snoop Dogg, who has achieved a legendary level of cannabis use, smoked his first one in 1993. He claims got that first taste from Tupac Shakur. 

Blunts were all over pop culture and featured a different experience than anything rolled in regular cigarette paper. The leaves of the cigar work with the marijuana to create something unique. 

There you have it.  A blunt is a marijuana cigar. 

  1. Spliff

The origin of the Spliff, or at least the original meaning of the word, has been lost. It originated in the Caribbean and may have simply referred to cannabis rolled in cigarette paper. Somewhere along the lines, it became associated with the practice of combining both tobacco and marijuana and rolling it into a cigarette. 

You don’t tend to find these very often in North America. Here, users prefer using pure flower rolled into .5 to 1-gram sizes.  In Europe, they tend to roll joints about twice that size. They also often use Hashish. The end result is a preference for a product that is about half tobacco and half marijuana. 

The experience there is said to be a fine blend of the tobacco buzz coupled with the effects of the weed. Of course, you also get the added health risk that tobacco brings. So, try it if you like, just know it comes with some potentially negative health risks. 

So what is a Bubble Hash Infused Pre-roll? 

You may have seen a new offering at MJ Verdant, which is a Bubble Hash Infused Pre-Roll. If you aren’t familiar with that, it’s another way of making joints by enhancing them. 

It helps if you know what Hash isn’t. It isn’t weed. It’s made from the resin glands that are found all over the plants. This resin is collected and concentrated. The result is a  substance with high THC levels that can be smoked. This is hashish. 

If you take a joint and add the hashish to it, you get an infused joint. If you are using hash made a specific way, it bubbles when it is smoked. You get more THC, so it’s likely a bit stronger than normal and you can see the concentrate bubble as it burns.  These are becoming popular and demand is growing, so you might consider giving one a try. 

Knowledge is Good

That’s just a quick little journey into the land of cannabis terminology. It’s important to us at MJ Verdant that we give our customers the opportunity to learn as much as they wish about the products they choose. That’s why we include lab reports with our harvests, too. 

Now you that you know difference between Spliffs, Joints, and Blunts have found this bit of extra knowledge helpful and maybe will even encourage you to give a blunt a try. Snoop Dogg would likely be proud if you did. 

Are we missing other terms or phrases that you’ve heard?  Let us know!

Stronger Doesn’t Mean Better: Why Terpenes Matter More Than You Realize

Stronger Doesn’t Mean Better: Why Terpenes Matter More Than You Realize

Cannabis consumers often shop based on one number: THC percentage. In many cases, flower that doesn’t test above 20% THC doesn’t make it on the shelf, and shoppers will often pay a premium for flower that tests above 25% THC. 

But here’s a little industry secret… Higher THC doesn’t automatically mean higher quality bud or a better, stronger high. That’s a misconception about cannabis that has been hard to break. The truth is that THC percentage has very little to do with the quality of cannabis and is not the best indicator of potency or effects. That is actually the strain’s terpene profile. 

There’s been a slow shift in the cannabis industry to educate consumers and budtenders alike on the myriad of benefits terpenes and other cannabinoids hold, but the majority of consumers still see THC as the No. 1 indicator of quality and value. 

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to better understand potency, why you should focus on terpenes and other factors that could affect your experience with cannabis, as well as how to determine what products and experiences are best for you. 

“Stronger” Doesn’t Mean “Better”

There are more than 140 chemical compounds unique to cannabis plants. THC is one of the most common. It’s the psychoactive chemical in cannabis that defines how users feel. It’s easy to assume that more THC in cannabis equals more psychoactive effects. But, that’s not necessarily true.

There are quite a few additional factors at play when it comes to effects and their potency. Unfortunately, the cannabis industry often perpetuates this misconception of higher THC being “better.” This myth has a big influence on pricing — strains over 20% are often priced higher than those with lower percentages. And oversimplified marketing doesn’t do enough to communicate what’s in the plant. This issue is based mostly on supply and demand, not science — which could impact a consumer’s experience with cannabis. 

People who are new to cannabis or don’t have much THC tolerance may have negative experiences if they consume highly potent cannabis. Without taking into account all the other factors that can impact the psychoactive and physical effects, consumers are being robbed of a full spectrum experience. 

Let’s Talk Terpenes

So if higher THC doesn’t guarantee a “better” high, what does? Terpenes. 

Terpenes are the organic compounds responsible for the unique aroma and flavor of cannabis, along with a myriad of other plants. There are hundreds of terpenes and when they are combined, they play a huge role in the therapeutic effects of a strain. This is called the “Entourage Effect.” Researchers are still working to understand terpene’s effects when used in conjunction with other compounds, but we know that terpenes and cannabinoids can either exaggerate or suppress one another’s effects, depending on their combination and how someone might respond to it. 

Why Do Terpenes Matter?

Terpenes are crucial in determining the quality of flower and the way the body will respond to it. When choosing a strain, some terpenes are better suited to alleviate pain and others for inflammation. It really just depends on what kind of experience or medicinal benefits you’re looking for. You can get a dozen distinct highs from a dozen different strains with the same level of THC. It’s all about the terpenes!

For instance, a 2020 paper found that myrcene is a terpene that will result in a “couch lock” effect if a strain has over 0.5% myrcene. Strains will less than 0.5% myrcene were found to produce a more “energetic high.” This is why understanding terpenes are essential to understanding cannabis’ effects. But it’s also important to note that terpenes alone won’t garner psychoactive effects. Researchers do believe they can slightly alter sensations you might experience. 

Leafly Terpene Wheel

The problem is that it’s not easy to enhance terpene production in cannabis. They are a much more nuanced and subtle factor in growing cannabis. According to this 2021 study, it often takes high-quality genetics, soil, light exposure, stress training, harvesting at the right time, and careful handling and curing procedures. The entire process can be long and complex. Several factors, that can’t always be controlled, can contribute to successful or unsuccessful terpene production. This can include weather conditions, location, plant age, fertilizer usage, and more. It all boils down to whether a grower has the time and capability to explore these nuances and whether terpene profile production can be recreated. 

The Takeaway

Focusing solely on a strain’s THC percentage not only doesn’t guarantee you’ll experience a better high, but you might miss out on a full, well-rounded experience. It’s more important to find strains that best suit your lifestyle and needs. 

Check out various terpenes to see which have the benefits and therapeutic effects that you’re looking for, then look for combinations that you enjoy. Here are three common terpenes you are likely to see often:

  • Myrcene is the most common terpene in cannabis products. It is believed to have a calming effect and tends to have a spicy or peppery flavor and smell. You can find it in other plants, too, like Hops!
  • Caryophyllene is the second most common. is more along the lines of basil and oregano, and tends to smell and feel like cinnamon when you pick up the scent. This one will be spicy and musky.
  • Limonene comes in third, and shows up in a lot of strains. It has a fruity and citrusy aroma, and is believed to provide relief from stress and anxiety.

At MJ Verdant we do grow a lot of strains with a variety of profiles. Pink Cookies (also known as Garlic Cookies) has a strong terpene profile. It creates a euphoric and relaxed experience. You could also try Cherry Garcia, which is a popular strain, too. You might find yourself smiling and giggling after you try this one. These two strains, though, show how you can take different terpenes, mix them up differently, and come out with a completely different experience. For more information you will find a COA and detailed descriptions of all our products so you can pick strains which create the experience you want.

Above all, trust your senses. If you can smell before you buy, sniff out pungent and complex aromas that match your preferred flavor profile. Plus, be sure to check out any reviews or descriptions of strains you’re interested in for more insight into flavor, intensity, and effects. 

How the Marijuana Experience has Changed

How the Marijuana Experience has Changed

Picture a group of friends sitting around a picnic table sharing stories and laughs. One of the guys in the group pulls out a jar and passes it around.  “Well, since it’s legal now,” he says, “I thought I’d try the marijuana. Haven’t had any since my college days.” 

For those who came of age in the 80s and 90s the legalization of cannabis in many states feels like it was a long time coming. Lots of people were using it, but it always came with a little bit of stigma and an excessive amount of risk.  Getting pulled over for speeding with the stuff in your car could result in jail time and the loss of your job.  Being at a party on Saturday night would have implications for a surprise random drug test on Tuesday. 

Thankfully, those days are in the past. Marijuana is no longer looked at as a gateway drug. Its recreational and medicinal qualities are gaining mainstream recognition. This is a great time to get reacquainted with cannabis.  However, you should know that it’s not exactly the same as  “back in the day.”

The THC Percentage has Gone Way Up

This is probably one of the most surprising things people find as they get back into consuming cannabis. Nearly every product on the market has seen an increase in THC, which is the chemical that causes the high. 

One of the few and most often cited studies on THC content was released in 2015. For this research, samples of marijuana products were analyzed from various sources from 1995-2014. With two decades worth of data, it became clear that the average THC content in cannabis-based products has risen from 4% to 12%.  

A lot of pot from back in the day was grown and sold by guys down the street. In some cases that guy was a friend or relative but the illegal nature of the plant meant that it had to grow and be processed in secret.

This resulted in a lot of hobbyist-level production. The bag of Marijuana you got was likely flower mixed with a percentage of seeds, leaves and who knows what else.  Any part of the plant that is not flower has a lower THC level effectively diluting the amount of THC in each ounce of product. It was also likely not grown with the ideal amount of nutrients, light and time, which can also lower THC Levels.  

Smuggled Marijuana was even more of a crap shoot. We know light, heat, and time all contribute to the degradation of the cannabinoids in a product.  Who knows what the conditions were like as it was bootlegged into the country? 

THC percentage numbers are a lot higher today.  At MJ Verdant, where we grow many strains, you can find a product with anywhere from 15%-34%. Over time, strains have been bred to increase their THC content. You should be aware that between genetics and quality control, the marijuana you purchase today will probably pack more of a punch than the stuff you used to get from that “guy down the street.”

Cannabis is a Lot Cleaner Today

Modern Growers are held to high standards in Michigan. What you get from your dispensary is tested and regulated by state-certified labs. Anything that you buy has been checked for mold, pests, chemicals and much more.  

When marijuana was illegal, there was no quality control. How damp was the garage or basement the stuff grew in? What kind of pests or molds got onto the plants while they were being grown in a field somewhere?  And what about the smuggled stuff imported from overseas? Who knows what the cannabis was subjected to during that ordeal? 

It’s no longer something you have to worry about.  As long as you purchase from a reputable dispensary you will be getting cleaner cannabis than anything you had in the past. At MJ Verdant, a huge part of our investment in bringing you exceptional cannabis was in the creation of growing rooms and processes that grow an all-natural product that passes inspection without any harmful chemicals or radiation treatment. 

There is a Lot More Marketing

Cannabis marketing in the past was a lot more…personal.  That has all changed now with both growers and dispensaries competing for a slice of the market. It’s created easier access and more choice than ever before, but can make it harder for the consumer to understand what is fluff and what is good information. 

Going back to the THC issue for the moment is a good case in point. A lot of products tout their high THC levels, offering a bigger high. Here, studies suggest that the brain can absorb only so much THC and then the effects plateau.  The user ends up paying more for something that their body won’t be able to actually process or experience. 

THC, CBD, and the overall Terpene Profile all contribute to the experience you have with any strain. As strains are grown with the goal of higher THC numbers, there is a corresponding drop in CBD and Terpene levels. 

It may buck the current trends, but don’t focus on that one number. Try a bunch of different products and then stick with the ones that give you the taste and feeling you like the best. That may or may not be the one with the highest percentage of THC. 

Enjoy. Responsibly. 

Sort of a no-brainer, really. Don’t drive or operate machinery under the influence.  Don’t give it to those who are underage. Do not try to cross an international or state border or enter a federal facility with it on you. It is legal in the states, but not nationally, and it’s not allowed to be brought into other countries, even if they have legalized Marijuana. 

It’s a whole new world out there for cannabis users, past and present.  There are tastes and effects that cover a wide range of experiences.  At MJ Verdant, we are committed to providing exceptional cannabis and giving you plenty of strains to choose from. Ask for us by name at your local dispensary, try out some of our products, and enjoy getting back to relaxing with friends without worrying about the stuff in your baggie or having the police knocking on your door. 

Tips for Keeping Your Cannabis Fresh 

Tips for Keeping Your Cannabis Fresh 

Cannabis producers in Michigan are held to some of the strictest testing standards in the country and are producing some of the highest quality cannabis in the nation. But once you have purchased it, how do you store your product at home so that it keeps its potency and flavor? How you store it will have a significant effect on how much you enjoy it weeks and months later. 

Your Three Biggest Challenges:  Time, Light, and Moisture

It’s all about chemistry. The strain you choose gets its unique characteristics because of how all the different molecules (guided by genetics) bond together to form the flower. Terpenes, cannabinoids, and THC are just a few of the natural chemicals found in the plant, but they are the important ones that determine the smell, flavor, and effects. 

These compounds are all affected by time. The molecules are not completely stable and slowly interact with other elements in the environment. Whether it is light, moisture, mold, pests, or even other bits of organic molecules in the air, your flower will encounter things that will slowly change it. The longer you wait to consume it, the more likely the characteristics will have noticeably changed.

So, cannabis has a sort of “shelf life.” Fortunately, you can control the time factor pretty easily. Just consume the stuff! Most products will come with a harvest date, so you will always know how old it is. Depending on how the product was stored, you could have at least one year to use it up. Past that, things get a bit sketchier. Cannabis has been successfully stored without significant changes for up to two years, but to pull that off takes effort. 

Besides, you didn’t really buy it to keep it in a jar, did you? 

Light is your second biggest challenge. Sunlight in particular is bad for your stash. As sunlight hits the cannabis, small chemical reactions happen on the surface of the dried flower that will change its flavors and effects. The rate of change here depends on time and the quantity of light it receives. Wherever you keep your cannabis, try to keep it out of bright light, especially direct sunlight, as much as possible. 

Moisture is the next challenge, and it’s the hardest one to control. When your cannabis was grown, harvested, dried, and packaged, it should have been done under tight environmental controls. Growers are constantly fighting to keep mold and other impurities at bay, so packaging facilities often resemble clean rooms from NASA. 

Once it is out of the grower’s hands, moisture becomes an issue again. Air is naturally full of water vapor and mold spores. Every time a container of cannabis is opened outside of a controlled environment the air in the container mixes with outside air. When that happens, anything in the outside air is able to reach your flower, which means mold spores and water get a chance to interact with it.

No one wants to smoke moldy cannabis. It doesn’t taste like the product you bought, and in some cases, it may even be harmful. Fortunately, the adverse growth of molds can be slowed. The two greatest factors are how often the container is opened and how long the product has been sitting. 

Some people try to control moisture by keeping their cannabis in one of the driest places in the house–their freezer. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. 

When you take something out of your freezer and set it on the counter for a while, what happens? It doesn’t take too long before water from the air condenses on it. The same thing will happen to your cannabis. 

 Once you remove it from the freezer, water will condense from the outside air. Where you once had a bit of water vapor in the air, you now have water droplets! Unless you wait for your container and its contents to come up to room temperature before you open it, you run the risk of increasing the moisture content inside your container each time you open and close it while cold. 

The cold temperatures in your freezer may keep mold from growing, but forget to put it back or leave it out for a while and you have given the molds a much better environment to grow. Using your freezer has its pros and cons, but to get the most benefit from storing your cannabis there, you will need to pay attention to how you handle the product.

➡️ Read More from The Clean Cannabis Blog: What to Know Before Visiting a Dispensary for the First Time

Storage Containers

In general, the container you store your cannabis in will also play a role in preserving the awesome effects of your chosen strains. Here, again, the largest issue is time. If you don’t plan on keeping your stuff around very long, you have a lot less to consider. 

Glass jars offer some of the most consistent protection. Some jars are tinted which helps to filter out harmful light (think beer bottles that are brown). The glass is chemically inert, so it won’t interact with the organics inside of it. If you have to keep your stuff for a long period of time, you probably want glass containers as your number one choice. 

Plastic containers are often the most convenient and least expensive options. These range from plastic jars and Tupperware all the way to plastic bags. There are two main considerations when using plastic. 

The first is that plastic can have a static charge. The wonderful little trichomes in the strain you bought can get knocked around and fall off. No big deal unless the static in the plastic causes them to stick to the container and keeps them from being consumed. Certain plastics and containers may have more of a problem with this than others. 

The second consideration is that plastic is not chemically inert. Plastic is always shedding little molecules that can interact with your cannabis and change the chemical composition, and the effects you get when consuming them. The longer you store your product in plastic, the more likely it will be to change the cannabis’ characteristics. 

Some plastics even allow chemical interaction with the outside elements. Ever notice that you can smell your food through the plastic baggies that wrap up your sandwiches or vegetables you take to work for lunch? That smell is made up of tiny molecules. If they can escape from your lunch foods, the same thing is certainly happening with cannabis kept in baggies. 

Just Use it to Keep it Simple

The great thing is that as long as you use reasonably airtight containers and keep them in a dark and cool environment, your cannabis isn’t going to change that much if you consume it within a couple of months. Glass will almost always be a better choice, particularly for longer storage times, but plastic can be ok, too. 

The most important thing for both short and long-term storage is to keep things airtight, don’t subject them to bright light, particularly sunlight, and try to use them up. Growers are going to continually be harvesting new crops. Dispensaries will have fresh products. Just go use it and enjoy yourself. The more you do that, the less you have to think about how to keep it!

What to Know Before Visiting a Dispensary for the First Time

What to Know Before Visiting a Dispensary for the First Time

Visiting a cannabis dispensary for the first time can seem really intimidating. Especially when you feel like you don’t know what you’re talking about or what exactly you’re looking for. But a trip to the dispensary doesn’t have to be scary or complicated. With a little preparation and a few key tips to know beforehand, your first experience can be a positive one. In this post, we’ll break down every nuance of the adult-use retail dispensary experience so you can feel informed and confident about your purchase. 

Before the Dispensary

Before you head out the door and to the dispensary, here are a few things you need to make sure you have and why. 

Photo ID

To legally purchase cannabis in Michigan, you need to be 21 years of age or older. You also need to show valid proof of identity. Have your driver’s license, state-issued ID, or any other valid proof of identification (i.e. passport) handy because you’ll need it to even enter the dispensary. And expect to get carded a few times, when you walk in and then again when you’re ready to purchase. 

Bring Cash

You will also need cash with you to make purchases. Several dispensaries take credit cards and other non-cash forms of payment, but it’s not guaranteed (due to federal limitations, banks may flag the purchases). To be on the safe side, we recommend having cash on hand. Also note that cannabis products can have a vast range in pricing, depending on what you buy. Some dispensaries display their menu online so you can get a feel for pricing ahead of your visit.

If you forgot cash or come up short, many dispensaries have ATMs located inside (but you’ll likely need to pay convenience fees). Finally, don’t be alarmed at the final bill. It may add up to more than you estimated due to local and state taxes. In Michigan, adult-use cannabis purchases from retail locations are subject to a 10% cannabis excise tax, and the statewide 6% sales tax. Medical cannabis purchases are subject only to the statewide 6% sales tax).

What to Expect at the Dispensary

Here are a few tips and things to expect during your first visit to a cannabis dispensary. 

Think About What YOU Want

If you’re a newbie to cannabis it’s likely you don’t know what cannabis products you want to buy, and that’s totally okay. Instead of focusing on products you want, think about the effects you’d like to feel (or not feel), as well as the flavors and smells you like (and dislike). Here are four questions to ask yourself to help frame your goal:

  1. What are you looking to get out of cannabis? 
  2. How do you want to consume cannabis? 
  3. When do you plan on consuming your cannabis? 
  4. What kind of experience do you want?

Expect a Short Wait

Depending on the size of the dispensary, you may need to wait a bit. Many dispensaries operate on a one-to-one budtender-to-customer basis. This means you may be asked to wait until a budtender is available to help you. The good news is that dispensary lines tend to move pretty quickly. If you want to cut back on the wait time try to visit during non-rush hours or order online and enjoy curbside pick-up. 

Expect to See Security

One thing that often catches first-time dispensary visitors off guard is the security guards, cameras, and protected areas. The security measures are there to keep you, staff, and other visitors safe — and they are required by state law. You will likely get carded before you enter the facility. And some dispensaries have security guards stationed outside in the parking lot. This level of security is completely normal and pretty standard across the industry. 

Take Your Time

Once you’re in the store, take your time. Give yourself plenty of time to explore and look around — there are tons of options to check out and you don’t want to overlook any of them! Our best advice is to avoid trying to shop when you’re crunched for time. It typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes to visit a dispensary, especially if it’s your first time. 

Find a Budtender

The people you work with in the cannabis dispensary are called budtenders. You’ll likely have one bring you onto the sales floor or find one behind the counter ready to help you. You might be surprised to see that most, if not all, of the products are locked up behind glass cases and often pre-packaged. You’ll be able to handle the packaging and review the labels. In some shops, you’ll be able to smell the cannabis from a “sniff jar” but not all dispensaries offer that option. Your budtender is there to help you find exactly what you’re looking for, so don’t be afraid to chat with them and ask questions about the cannabis you’re buying. They will work with you to find the best products based on your budget, needs, and wants. And they can also help you purchase the right tools to enjoy your cannabis. 

If you’re looking for MJ Verdant flower or pre-rolls, now is the perfect time to ask! 

Ask ALL Your Questions

And speaking of questions, ask ALL your questions. When it comes to cannabis, there is no stupid, silly, or wrong question. Especially when you’re new to the experience and want to learn more. Ask for clarification when you need it and don’t be afraid to talk with anyone inside the dispensary. These are the experts and they are there to guide you. Many dispensaries offer discounts for first-time customers, so make sure to ask if that’s available. 

Tip Your Budtender

If you see a tip jar, you’re welcome to drop a few dollars in it if you received great service. If there are no jars, that likely means tips are against company policy. When determining how much to tip, consider the level of customer service in relation to your purchase total. If you spend $25 on cannabis products and your budtender was awesome, consider tipping at least $5. 

Michigan Cannabis Law

There are just a few things to keep in mind after your first visit to a dispensary. 

  1. You can have up to 2.5 oz of cannabis or 15 grams of concentrate on your person at any time. For newbies—don’t worry 2.5 ounces is a significant amount of cannabis. You can have up to 10 oz of marijuana in a sealed container in your private residence. If you have more than that, you could face fines and/or punishment by the law depending on the amount. Learn more about possession for personal use here.
  1. You cannot consume cannabis at the dispensary or anywhere on the property unless there is a cannabis cafe or lounge there. Once you have consumed cannabis, don’t drive under the influence. That’s against the law in Michigan. Learn more about cannabis and driving laws here.
  1. If you live in another state where recreational cannabis is legal or not, it is against the law to take it across state lines. 

The Takeaway

Visiting a cannabis dispensary can be intimidating the first time around. But knowing what to bring, how the browsing and buying process works, and who can help guide you through it all is how you make your first experience a positive one. The more prepared you are, the better you’ll feel about the whole experience. 

Your first dispensary visit will likely not be your last! For most people, it takes a couple of trips to different dispensaries to find their favorite. Every dispensary is unique and they all have different atmospheres. Check out other locations and soon you’ll find one that you like best. Over time,  you’ll bond with the staff and even feel confident enough to help other first-time shoppers. Dispensaries are a great place to connect with other cannabis enthusiasts.