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:
- What are you looking to get out of cannabis?
- How do you want to consume cannabis?
- When do you plan on consuming your cannabis?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.