Cannabis 101

A Beginner’s Guide on How to Buy in Cannabis Dispensaries

Published

4 years ago

July 8, 2019

The legalization of medical marijuana in various U.S. states has launched a multi-billion dollar industry. With many patients wanting to experience the host of benefits of cannabis to their health and wellness, the market has grown exponentially. Even in the nations capital, people are able to easily find weed in DC. Among those who benefit from the birth and growth of this new market are dispensaries that sell marijuana and other related products like pure CBD oil.

This article will serve as a guide and a walk-through when you visit a dispensary near your area.

What is a Cannabis Dispensary?

The medical cannabis dispensaries act as retail shops where you can purchase cannabis and cannabis-related products. There are laws governing the dispensaries. As such, most of these dispensaries can be found where medical and recreational marijuana are legal. Unlike in the Netherlands, where the concept of dispensaries comes from, consuming the plant either by smoking or vaping on the site is not allowed.

A dispensary manager runs a typical store. He or she oversees the site’s day-to-day operations. It is also staffed by budtenders, who acts as a pharmacist, store attendant, and cannabis consultant in the store. Just like any retail outlet, it has cashiers, delivery crew, and other personnel.

Dispensaries are different from head shops, which strictly sells paraphernalia such as sell hashish pipes, rolling papers, and vaporizers for consuming marijuana products. Operating head shops is authorized by some states, especially where recreational marijuana is legal.

Buying from dispensaries can give you an edge over buying them online. Aside from having a chance to check the quality of your purchases, you can also seek help from budtenders or other people specializing in this plant.

Medical vs. Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensaries

Dispensaries fall under two categories: medical and adult-use (recreational). Medical cannabis stores only offer cannabis strains and products to patients who have permission or recommendation by doctors and other qualified health professionals. Meanwhile, adult-use cannabis dispensaries sell the products from the plant for relaxation and recreational activities. Customers in both store types are required by law to submit requirements when purchasing.

Medical Dispensaries

Here are some documents requested by most medical cannabis shops:

Doctor’s recommendation and prescription, medical cannabis ID and certification, and other documents required by your state.
You must 18 years old and above to qualify for medical authorization. But you can apply for exceptions in some instances, especially if the minor has particularly debilitating conditions.

In most states, medical dispensaries require you to register and submit copies of your medical marijuana documents to keep them on file. They will keep this record for whatever legal and regulatory purposes imposed within the state.

The atmosphere of a medical dispensary typically resembles a clinic or other healthcare facility. After registering and presenting your documents to an attendant, you will be asked to proceed to a waiting room before a budtender will call you for a one-on-one consultation. The budtender will candidly discuss your medical issues and provide recommendations for your health condition based on your doctor’s findings.

In most cases, medical dispensaries track the products you’ve purchased. This procedure can help budtenders and patients monitor the potency of the medicine. The dispensary will also use the results as a live record of producers and their products for future reference.

In some states, medical dispensaries allow you to examine the quality of buds and other products before purchasing.

Adult-Use Dispensaries

Adult-use stores can only sell recreational cannabis to people aged 21 years old and above. You need to prove your age by showing a valid and unexpired state ID. You can use eligible and unexpired passport as an identig

Many outlets have menus and product lists that you can check while you stand in line. Their menus are organized in various ways, such as by product type such as flower, edible, concentrate, topical, and many others. Many also specify the THC content of the products, to give you an idea on the level of intoxication you can experience when consuming the product.

Unlike in medical stores, budtenders in the adult-use dispensaries usually don’t give you a full 20 minutes of their time in giving you advice. Adult-use dispensaries are often designed as a regular store where you can purchase marijuana products with more accessibility and convenience. They only need to check whether you are qualified to buy based on your age.

But this doesn’t mean you can no longer consult with budtenders. These professionals can still educate you or give you honest recommendations on which strain or product to use based on your needs.

Tips for Buying in Dispensaries

Visiting a cannabis dispensary should be an enjoyable and educational experience. These are some things to do when you visit in one of these specialized stores.

Do your research

Some websites such as Leafly has a list of dispensaries where you can buy marijuana products (whether medical or recreational) and CBD oil near you. You can check the type (medical or adult-use), address, and the menu of the stores. You can also contact the dispensary on the phone, via email or your social media account to double-check the availability of any product and for consultation.

Find out your specific goals for buying marijuana products

The first thing budtenders will do is to ask your reason for purchasing marijuana. Some of the questions they may throw to you revolves around:

The way you would like to consume your cannabis
Whether you will use marijuana as medicine
The level of psychoactive experience you want to experience
For how long you will experience the effects
How discreet you want your cannabis consumption to be

And you can’t blame budtenders for doing so. Cannabis come in a wide variety of strains (more than 100) with different effects in your body. You can also buy a host of cannabis-related products like CBD oil, THC oil, terpenes, and other substances. They need to know your definite intent for using marijuana to give you the best recommendation for your unique needs.

While visiting the website, you can also check what kind of IDs and other documents you need to show to the dispensary.

Prepare to ask the budtender

To be sure that you are buying only the best strain and product, you need to inquire budtenders many questions. Despite its popularity in popular culture, Americans, in general, are still newbies in terms of marijuana use. Many will consume the plant for the first time. If you’re one of them, you need to check which one suits best for you. As mentioned above, marijuana comes in many variations, with each has a distinct flavor and effect on your body. You can even request the budtender to smell, feel, and taste the flowers and determine the quality of the plant first-hand.

But don’t expect to get authoritative answers from budtenders. The federal government has yet to issue license showing the expertise of these professionals in giving expert advice on the plant. What’s more, there are only a few educational institutions that offer courses about marijuana. So while you can seek their opinion based on their experience, you still need to consult cannabis doctors and other experts in the plant for guidance.

Be aware of any health issues that could surface while taking cannabis.

Marijuana consumption can lead to different consequences. Some people are prone to side effects that can impact their health in the long term. A few of the effects only take place after the continuous consumption of marijuana products. Because of this fact, you need to coordinate with the dispensary to help you track the changes in your body while you’re taking marijuana.

Remember, this plant can affect different people in different ways. What can be a medicine to one person can be a cause of mental disease or other health issues to another. It’s better to keep in touch with the store where you purchased the product to make the necessary steps when a health problem arises.

Find out what payment modes your chosen dispensary take

Up to this date, the marijuana has not been legalized up to the federal level. Hence, finding a dispensary that accepts credit or debit card can be challenging for you. Many banks or digital payment providers avoid recognizing transactions that involve cannabis or even CBD-infused products. Some people even use cryptocurrencies like Potcoin as their mode of payment for marijuana products. While this currency type is not yet commonly used, you may need to bring cash to secure your purchase.

Only buy what you suits you the best or what you feel comfortable with

Virtually all dispensaries impose no return and refund policy in their merchandise. So, make sure you only bring home what feels right for you. It is then important to double-check whether the item you are buying suits you the best to avoid wasting your money. Take your time to research online and ask doctors, budtenders, and other experts on which strain or product to choose.

Buying marijuana products for first-timers can be tricky. While purchasing products online is more convenient, you may need to ensure that you only buy items that will benefit your health. When visiting a dispensary near you, you can seek help from people with experience and expertise in cannabis.

Cannabis 101

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Expands Access to Medical Marijuana through Telehealth

Published

5 days ago

September 22, 2023

Stacey Wellington

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has taken a step in improving access to medical marijuana for the state’s over 840,000 registered patients.DeSantis signed into law House Bill 387, titled “Medical Use of Marijuana,” allowing patients to use telehealth services for medical marijuana evaluations.

The new law enables patients who are renewing their medical marijuana recommendations to consult with their healthcare providers online, reducing the need for in-person visits. However, it’s important to note that this new telehealth law applies only to renewals, not initial evaluations for new patients.

To be allowed to shop at any Florida dispensary patients must have an active state-issued medical marijuana identification card and have a valid prescription from a licensed medical marijuana doctor. This legislation aims to enhance convenience and accessibility for long-term patients who use medical marijuana to manage various medical conditions.

One of the key benefits of this new law is the potential to reduce the financial burden on patients. Currently, Florida patients face expenses associated with maintaining a valid medical marijuana ID. They include renewing their state ID cards every year, which costs $75 through the state’s official website. Moreover, the doctor’s prescription for medical marijuana, valid for up to 210 days or seven months, varies in price depending on the locality and the availability of doctors in the area.

The cost of renewing a prescription can range from as low as $99 to as high as $200, depending on the doctor’s fees and location. This variance in pricing can make medical marijuana costly for many patients, particularly those residing in areas with limited access to affordable doctors.

Luckily, many Florida dispensaries have stepped in to provide financial help to patients through dispensary discounts and dispensary deals daily to help patients save money and purchase the products they need to manage their medical conditions. One common dispensary discount is the Florida card renewal discount, which provides patients with $75 off a $150 purchase each time they renew their medical ID card with the state. This helps offset the cost of renewing the state ID card, making medical marijuana more accessible to patients.

Despite the convenience offered by telehealth renewals, it’s important to note that new patients seeking initial evaluations and approval by the state are still required to visit a doctor in person first then the following 7 months can renew through telehealth if the doctor supports it.

The state of Florida has a large network of over 20 licensed medical marijuana dispensaries, including Ayr Cannabis Dispensaries, Cannabist, Cookies, Curaleaf, Fluent Cannabis, Gold Leaf Cannabis, Green Dragon, GrowHealthy, HT Medical Cannabis, Insa, Jungle Boys, MÜV, Rise Dispensaries, Sanctuary, Sunnyside, Surterra, The Flowery, Trulieve, and VidaCann. All offer some dispensary discounts and dispensary deals to help patients safe on their medication. Dispensaries play a crucial role in providing patients with safe and reliable access to medical marijuana products.

Governor Ron DeSantis’ signing of HB-387 represents a positive step forward in improving access to medical marijuana for patients across the state of Florida. By allowing telehealth renewals, this legislation offers a more convenient and cost-effective option for patients to maintain their medical marijuana recommendations, ultimately improving their quality of life and well-being.

Cannabis 101

Cannabis and Community: Ann Arbor’s Progressive Approach

Published

2 weeks ago

September 13, 2023

Jordan Webber

In the heart of Michigan, nestled within the vibrant cultural tapestry of the Midwest, lies the city of Ann Arbor. Known for its rich history, prestigious university, and progressive values, Ann Arbor has become a beacon of cannabis advocacy and community engagement. This blog post explores how Ann Arbor’s progressive approach to cannabis has not only shaped local policies but also fostered a sense of unity and acceptance within the community.

A Brief History of Cannabis in Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor’s relationship with cannabis dates back to the 1960s when the counterculture movement was in full swing. The city gained notoriety for hosting the annual “Hash Bash,” a cannabis-centric gathering that began as a protest against marijuana prohibition. Over the decades, this event has evolved into a celebration of cannabis culture, drawing enthusiasts and activists from all over.

In 1972, Ann Arbor made history by decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana. This move set the stage for the city’s progressive stance on cannabis, one that would continue to evolve over time.

The Medical Marijuana Movement

The early 2000s saw the emergence of the medical marijuana movement across the United States. Ann Arbor was quick to embrace this change, allowing the establishment of Ann Arbor dispensary and provisioning centers to provide medical cannabis to patients in need. This compassionate approach not only improved access to medical marijuana but also generated economic opportunities within the city.

Recreational Cannabis Legalization

Ann Arbor’s progressive cannabis journey reached a significant milestone in 2018 when Michigan voted to legalize recreational cannabis for adult use. The city enthusiastically embraced this change, and local officials worked diligently to create a framework for a responsible and inclusive recreational cannabis market.

One of the key aspects of Ann Arbor’s approach to recreational cannabis is the expungement of past cannabis-related convictions. The city has been proactive in helping individuals with prior convictions for cannabis offenses to clear their records, providing a fresh start and a pathway to a brighter future.

Social Equity Initiatives

Ann Arbor is not only focused on the economic benefits of the cannabis Ann Arbor industry but also on social equity. The city has implemented policies to ensure that marginalized communities have a fair opportunity to participate in the cannabis business. This includes providing resources and support to individuals from communities disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs.

The Cannabis Community

Ann Arbor’s progressive approach to cannabis has fostered a strong sense of community among residents and visitors alike. The annual Hash Bash, which continues to draw thousands of attendees, has become a symbol of unity and a platform for cannabis advocacy. It’s a place where people from all walks of life come together to celebrate their shared passion for cannabis.

Local businesses have also embraced the cannabis culture, with some establishments incorporating cannabis-themed art and decor. There’s a sense of pride in being part of a city that values individual freedoms and progressive ideals.

Looking Forward

As Ann Arbor’s cannabis journey continues, the city remains committed to responsible and equitable cannabis policies. The local government is actively engaged in ongoing discussions about the evolving cannabis landscape, ensuring that Ann Arbor’s approach remains at the forefront of progressive cannabis reform.

In conclusion, Ann Arbor’s progressive approach to cannabis is a testament to the city’s commitment to individual freedom, social justice, and community engagement. The city’s rich history of cannabis advocacy, combined with its forward-thinking policies, has not only shaped the local cannabis industry but has also created a welcoming and inclusive community that celebrates the diverse world of cannabis enthusiasts. As the cannabis movement continues to evolve, Ann Arbor stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when a community embraces progressive values and works together for positive change.

Cannabis 101

From Dispensaries to Doorsteps: Exploring the Houston Cannabis Delivery Ecosystem

Published

3 weeks ago

September 8, 2023

Daniel King

In recent years, the landscape of the cannabis industry has undergone significant transformation across the United States. With the legalization of medical and recreational cannabis in various states, the way people access and purchase cannabis products has evolved. One of the most notable changes in this evolution is the emergence of cannabis delivery services, offering a convenient and discreet way for consumers to obtain their favorite products. In Houston, Texas, a city known for its bustling energy industry and diverse culture, the cannabis delivery ecosystem has been rapidly growing, providing residents with a new level of accessibility to their cannabis needs.

The Legal Landscape of Cannabis in Texas

Before delving into the cannabis delivery Houston, it’s essential to understand the legal context in Texas. Unlike some states that have fully legalized recreational cannabis, Texas has taken a more conservative approach. As of my knowledge cutoff date in September 2021, Texas law allows for the use of medical cannabis in limited circumstances, primarily for patients suffering from epilepsy. The recreational use of cannabis remains illegal, and possession of even small amounts can result in criminal charges.

Despite these legal limitations, there has been growing momentum in Texas to expand access to medical cannabis and to potentially decriminalize or legalize recreational use in the future. This evolving legal landscape is a key factor in shaping the cannabis delivery ecosystem in Houston.

The Emergence of Cannabis Delivery Services

In Houston, as in many other cities, the emergence of cannabis delivery services has been driven by consumer demand for convenience and discretion. In a bustling metropolis like Houston, where traffic congestion is a daily reality, the prospect of having cannabis products delivered directly to your doorstep is undeniably appealing.

Cannabis delivery services in Houston operate within the boundaries of existing state laws. They cater exclusively to registered medical cannabis patients, providing them with a legal and convenient means of obtaining their prescribed medications. To use these services, patients must first obtain a medical cannabis recommendation from a qualified physician and then register with the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP).

The Houston Cannabis Delivery Experience

So, what does the cannabis delivery experience in Houston look like? It typically begins with patients browsing the online menus of licensed dispensaries that offer delivery services. These menus feature a wide range of cannabis products, including various strains of flower, edibles, tinctures, and more.

Once a patient has made their selection, they can place an order online or over the phone with the chosen dispensary. Orders are typically fulfilled by dedicated delivery drivers who are well-trained in compliance with Texas cannabis laws. These drivers, often referred to as “budtenders on wheels,” ensure that the entire process adheres to the strict regulations governing medical cannabis in Texas.

Delivery times can vary, but many services aim to provide same-day or next-day delivery to ensure patients receive their medication promptly. This quick turnaround time is especially important for patients who rely on cannabis to manage medical conditions.

The Benefits of Cannabis Delivery in Houston

The cannabis delivery in Houston offers several significant benefits to patients and the community at large:

Convenience: Cannabis delivery eliminates the need for patients to travel to a physical dispensary, saving them time and reducing the hassle of navigating Houston’s busy streets.
Discretion: For those who value privacy, cannabis delivery offers a discreet and confidential way to obtain their medication without drawing attention.
Accessibility: Delivery services can reach patients who may have limited mobility or live in areas without nearby dispensaries, ensuring that medical cannabis remains accessible to those who need it.
Safety: By providing a legal and regulated means of obtaining medical cannabis, delivery services contribute to a safer and more controlled environment for patients.

Looking Ahead

As the legal landscape surrounding cannabis continues to evolve in Texas, it’s likely that the cannabis delivery ecosystem in Houston will also undergo changes. The potential for expanded medical cannabis access and discussions about recreational legalization could lead to further growth in the industry.

It’s essential for patients and consumers to stay informed about the latest developments in cannabis legislation in Texas, as these changes will directly impact the availability and accessibility of cannabis delivery services in Houston. For now, though, many patients in the city are finding solace in the convenience and reliability of having their cannabis products delivered from dispensaries to their doorsteps.