The use of medical and recreational marijuana is gaining popularity more than ever before.
It’s becoming increasingly acceptable in society, and legal rights are gaining momentum as well. As such, there has been a spike in people seeking out medical marijuana dispensaries.
This demand means there are new dispensaries popping up left and right.
But, how do you know which one is right for you?
There are a few things to consider before you walk into a dispensary.
Here’s everything you need to know to prepare and how to find one in your area.
Understand the Different Strains
The first thing to be aware of when seeking out medical marijuana dispensaries is the kind of strand you’re looking for.
There are three main families of strains in the weed world.
Each has a different effect on the mind and body.
The strains are: sativas, indicas, and hybrids.
Sativa
Sativas are known as uppers.
They tend to have more of an effect on the mind than the body. These elevate your senses to feel alert and energized.
This is the kind of strain you’d want to buy for an invigorating, exciting time. It tends to make you feel happy, creative, and more social.
Due to these symptoms, sativas are recommended to fight depression, ADD, fatigue, and mood swings.
Indica
Indicas, on the other hand, are relaxers.
These strains focus on the body. They soothe your senses to create a chill, mellow sensation.
If you want a way to unwind from a stressful day or just kick back on a lazy day, get an indica. This will create the ultimate feeling of relaxation and tranquility.
Such effects combat anxiety, insomnia, and muscle pains well. Use an indica before high-stress social situations or to soothe aching joints or muscles.
Hybrid
What if you want to feel a little more creative (sativa symptom), but need to chill out (indica symptom) first?
Get a hybrid strain.
Hybrids are made to combine the best of both worlds.
They have a bit of a body and mental high, and can often work to combat many things at once.
Say you have social anxiety but you want to have a euphoric, uplifting time at the next gathering you go to. You need a hybrid to relax but still be fun.
Or, consider someone who struggles with bodily aches and doesn’t want this to run their life. A hybrid will have the soothing effects of an indica with the happy energy of a sativa.
Not every hybrid has the perfect blend of what you need, though.
Each is a unique combination meant to target different things. Keep this in mind for all strain families when seeking out medical marijuana dispensaries.
Ask the Right Questions
Don’t be shy to ask questions when you go to your first dispensary. This is how you’ll be sure to get the kind of strain you need.
Even if you are already familiar with the kind of weed you like, a few questions may help you find one that hits the spot even better!
Some good inquiries to begin with are:
- Can you show me your favorite or most popular strain?
- What kind of high will this give me?
- Do you have something for (insert your desired physical/mental effect)?
- Is there anything similar to (your strain of choice) here?
These may seem like silly questions, but they make a world of a difference.
Take the time to have this conversation with your budtender. It helps them cater the perfect experience for your needs.
Be Prepared to Give a Few Answers
As much value as your questions will bring value to your bud experience, you’ll need to answer the inquiries of the person helping you, too.
Budtenders have heard it all and are not going to judge what you ask.
But, they want to help you as best they can.
They may ask something like:
- How long have you been using marijuana?
- Do you use it often? For personal or medical purposes?
- What is your consumption method of choice?
- Have you ever done an edible before, or just smoked?
Be open and honest with your answers.
The more details you give, the better your high will be.
Relax and Do Your Research
Do the differences in strains and all the questions seem a bit overwhelming?
Relax. It is all part of the process.
You will get used to seeking out medical marijuana dispensaries over time. Your knowledge of preferred strains and smoking (or eating) style will make each visit much smoother.
It all starts with understanding how to get a medical card.
This earns you the right to enter a dispensary in the first place.
The card process varies by state, though. Be sure to know what is required of you where you live. Then, you can use it at a dispensary anywhere you go!
Before you roll into the shop down the street or the one you’ve been dying to visit elsewhere, be sure you have the following.
Other Things to Remember
Most dispensaries operate on a cash-only system. Your total price can add up depending on if you want a freshly rolled joint, an eighth, or a gram.
Make sure you have enough money on-hand for what you plan to purchase.
Remember, you won’t be able to make this transaction without your medical card. Always keep it on you and bring another form of ID as verification.
Try to get in the habit of showing both right away. It makes it easier on the budtender receiving you at the door to do their job.
This makes more of a difference than you might think because most dispensaries only take one person at a time. The way the line works depends on how many people are on staff and the size of the dispensary.
The rule of thumb is to have a 1:1 ratio of budtender and customer.
Be prepared to wait a bit for your turn.
Seeking Out Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Near You
No matter if you’re looking for new ways to treat your mental and physical conditions or you just want to smoke your weed legally, you need access to a dispensary.
Don’t be afraid to try out a few and see which one has the best strains and overall service.
To get started on this high-vibe adventure, you have to first find some dispensaries in your area.
Click here for more advice on seeking any other services you might need.