Many businesses and investors are looking to cash in on legal cannabis. The marijuana market, after all, has a huge economic potential. So in states and areas where medical pot is legal, it is not surprising to find so many cannabis dispensaries opening their doors to customers.
You should know, however, that not all dispensaries are the same and are created equal. They may all be legit and carry licenses to operate, but you should still be discerning, especially if you are a first-time user or if you don’t have a lot of experience choosing the right cannabis products for your specific needs.
Some dispensaries are staffed by individuals who are not as educated about medical cannabis as they ought to be. Many inexperienced patients take the opinion of these individuals as expert advice, and that is just not right.
Then there are also those dispensaries opened by stoners who see it as a way to make huge bucks off fellow stoners. You can just imagine how ill-equipped these places are when it comes to dealing with people who have legitimate medical needs.
So how do you pick the right dispensary?
1. Find a dispensary that is accessible.
You have to be very practical and narrow down your choices to dispensaries located in accessible areas. You wouldn’t want to drive two hours just to get your much-needed medication. You can also use online apps like WeedMaps, THC List, and Potlocator, to help you find dispensaries in your area.
2. Find one with knowledgeable staff or personnel.
The only way to make sure that a dispensary knows what it is doing is by visiting each one and testing the staff or the attendants. Do they know the difference between THC and CBD? Do they know the difference between the many varieties and strains of cannabis buds in terms of effects? Do they know about the benefits of each particular cannabis product in their inventory?
3. Make sure that the cannabis dispensary follows legal protocol.
Dispensaries have to follow stringent regulations when they sell cannabis products to buyers. In states where only medical cannabis is legal, one of the common rules that dispensaries need to follow is that they should require customers to present a medical cannabis license or a cannabis prescription. Another is that they should ask customers to show their ID to make sure they are of legal age.
So, it should follow that a dispensary that sells you a cannabis product without asking for your ID, your medical cannabis license, or your prescription is not a law-abiding business. This dispensary is shady and does not deserve your business. Who knows, they might be selling products that are not legit, too, or that have not undergone the required tests. So you better not compromise your health and avoid dispensaries like this.
4. Choose a dispensary that respects privacy.
Find a cannabis dispensary that values its clients’ privacy. Check the store’s regulations regarding privacy and patient rights. You have to make sure that your data are protected and secure by checking if they have a document that states that any information that you shared with them will not be shared to others without your permission.
5. Choose a dispensary that meets your medical cannabis needs.
Pick a dispensary that never leaves you wanting. Make sure they have a sufficient supply of medical cannabis so you never have to leave empty-handed after every visit.