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So, it’s your first time heading ye old dispensary, eh?
All I’ve got to tell you is, yay!
I’m absolutely excited for you and depending on where you are from, could even be the first time you’re buying it legally. If that applies to you, here’s to not meeting your favorite shotty dealer in that famous sketchy alley.
As someone who has experience as a budtender, I know many people have questions (rightfully so) when it comes to consuming cannabis.
So you, first-timer, I imagine you’ve got a bundle of them.
But I challenge you to come prepared. This is your first time in a dispensary, but don’t be the person the budtenders laugh about afterward.
Let me be the Virgil to your Dante as I show you how to survive your first dispensary visit. Maybe you’ll even dance with glee as you leave satisfied and more knowledgeable in the world of cannabis.
Welcome to… the dispensary!
*cue Jurassic Park music*
What You Should Expect Your First Time at a Dispensary
You Will Be Carded
Like alcohol, marijuana is a 21+ kind of deal.
IDs will be checked. A state-issued, non-expired license will get you right through those doors. VIP style. However, keep your ID out, as the budtender will need to check it after the security does.
If you’re from another country, just bring your valid passport.
And I know, you’re probably old enough to be my mom. I’ve heard it. But I always ID'ed my mom. I know how old she is. Bring your ID.
Bring Cash
I know, I told you this wouldn’t be sketchy so why do you have to bring cash? Why not pay with a card? You can thank big brother, marijuana is not federally legal and therefore doesn’t play nice in the card department, yet. It’s good to look up prices online and get an estimate of cost.
Don’t be the person expecting the budtender to cover you with their tips, Get Cash.
There May Be a Wait
Dispensaries get backed up by random people rushes. It happens, but budtenders do their best to give their attention to the customer, while at the same time keep the line moving.
Try to be patient, you’re about to buy legal weed. Take a look at their menu. Smile!
Be Prepared (To an extent)
It’s good to have an idea of what you’d want. At Least know if you want to smoke, eat, drink, vaporize your marijuana. At bare minimum. Your budtender will love and respect you for it.
Look But Don't Touch
A dispensary is a beautiful place full of beautiful smells.
I once watched a budtender show a woman some weed and she then took a nug out of the jar then proceeded to eat it in front of him.
That’s uncomfortable and also illegal. No marijuana consumption is allowed on a dispensary site.
And just don’t touch the bud. No one wants to buy weed everyone touched, ya dig?
(EDIT: This isn't even an issue during COVID-19 times)
No Souvenir Photos, Please
This first time is an experience you want to remember. Pics or it didn’t happen right? Well, this goes against privacy for medical patients and is not allowed.
Be in the present. Take pictures when you leave. Leave the 'Gram-worthy dispensary pics to us.
Ask Questions A-Plenty
Though there are a lot of rules to legal marijuana, most budtenders will absolutely love to set you on your marijuana journey correctly.
If you have questions, have them prepared or perhaps written down. They’ll answer every single one you have!
What Kinds of Questions to Ask Your Budtender
What’s the Difference Between Indica and Sativa?
There are so many different kinds of cannabis strains created and grown here in Colorado. These are typically identified as Sativa, Hybrid, or Indica.
When buying, you should ask yourself what effect are you seeking? Is it creativity? Maybe it’s focus and energy? Or maybe it's insomnia relief, pain reduction, and relaxation you seek.
Different strains produce different results and can vary from person to person. What might be energy for you, might be paranoia for another. Explore strains with your budtender. Try things out. That’s the best part.
How Strong Are Edibles and How Will They Affect Me?
Edibles offer a strong, unusually unique marijuana experience. If you’re prepared for it.
It does not take much of an edible to get a desired high. The edible is digested with THC forming into a different byproduct in the liver making a chemical 2.5x stronger than regular THC.
Edibles are the longest-lasting marijuana product though they have an onset time between 30-90 minutes (depending on your metabolism), these tasty treats can last anywhere from 6-8 hours. Compared to smoking/dabbing lasting between 1-3 hours. Infused drinks are known to hit much faster between 20-30 minutes.
With this comes some caution. Start with low doses and be patient. Overeating edibles can cause a bad time, especially in those new to cannabis. If the edible doesn’t kick in within 30-90 minutes, then take more. Not before.
This is a great item of discussion with your budtender.
What are Terpenes and Do They Matter That Much?
Terpenes are biological aromatic compounds found in many different plant species. In cannabis, they are responsible for the various flavors and aromas each strain obtains. The terpenes produce citrus, pepper, pine, and floral tastes/smells gathered within the buds. They promote relaxation/stress relief for Indica strains.
As for the sativas, they produce focus, uplifting, and energy. But more important than whether it’s a Sativa, Indica, or Hybrid, marijuana terpenes offer therapeutic effects on top of your high.
Example: pinene induces energy, enhanced alertness, and it’s also an excellent bronchodilator. Find out more!
Dispensary Deals for First-Timers
The Stone has two locations nearby: Denver and Lakewood.
Current deals for first-timers include:
Rocky Mountain High is located in downtown Denver
The current deal for those first-timers are:
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12 Half-Gram (.5g) Joints for $49
La Bodega is located off Cedar Ave in Denver, Hours vary
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