Intro to Cannabis: Dispensary Etiquette

If you are new to the magical world of legalized cannabis, you are probably overwhelmed by the prospect of learning how everything works, what you are supposed to do, and how exactly you should go about acquiring your recreational cannabis. 

In today’s Intro to Cannabis blog, we will be looking into dispensary etiquette — what you should bring (and not bring) to the dispensary, how to go about getting cannabis from a dispensary, and just some general do’s and don’ts for the next time you’re looking to consume some of Genesis Grow Corp.’s luxury cannabis products. 

The Basics: What to Bring, What to Have Ready

The most overwhelming aspect of going to a dispensary for the first time is figuring out what you need and what you want. Luckily for you, our cannabis experts at Genesis Grow Corp. have the answers you’re looking for. 

What To Bring (And not Bring)

The most important materials you will need to effectively execute your trip to the dispensary are your photo ID and cash. Your photo ID is what you need to actually enter the premises and purchase your cannabis (the retailers need to be sure you’re of legal age).

As far as payment goes, it is a great idea to have cash on you when you arrive at the dispensary. The main reason for this is cannabis prohibition. Because cannabis isn’t nationally legal (yet, at least), credit cards and banks are unable to process transactions from cannabis retailers. That being said, there are some dispensaries that will allow you to use a debit card, but don’t bank on this unless you’re already aware that the dispensary you’re visiting offers this option.

And if you forgot to bring cash with you? Don’t worry, chances are that any dispensary you wander into will have an ATM on site or close by specifically to pull out the cash you’ll need to complete your purchase. 

In terms of what you don’t want to bring, the list is pretty short. First and foremost, you don’t want to have your phone out while shopping at a dispensary. This is because any dispensary you visit will have a strict policy against taking photos. While you don’t necessarily need to leave your phone at home, you definitely want to make sure you’ve put it away when it’s your turn to shop. 

The other item(s) on the Do Not Bring list is any outside cannabis products or paraphernalia. You are going to the dispensary to acquire cannabis products and devices, after all. There are very strict guidelines in place to monitor, package, and distribute cannabis products through dispensaries, so bringing outside cannabis products or paraphernalia to a dispensary could put the dispensary in violation of the laws that are in place.

Additionally, you’re not allowed to consume cannabis in the dispensary’s premises (unless you’re in Alaska), so there’s literally no reason to bring any of that stuff with you anyway.

What to Have Ready

Before you go to the dispensary or even when you’re waiting for your turn to shop, take some time to think about what you want, if you have specific questions about cannabis products, and to look at the options the dispensary has to offer. 

Cannabis dispensaries are often very busy and work hard to move clients through efficiently. You can do your part to help them keep the lines moving by, at the very least, having just the slightest idea of what you’re looking for. 

While it’s totally okay to go into the dispensary looking for guidance from your budtender as to what offerings might be the best for you, a lot of the basic questions you might have before your first visit can be answered with a quick google search, by visiting the dispensary’s website, or by visiting our other Intro to Cannabis blogs to get yourself up to speed!

At the same time, don’t be deterred from asking questions about the specifics of the products you’re considering. Budtenders intimately know the products that they’re selling, and will be more than happy to provide suggestions and information about the products and their effects. 

Other Tips

Beyond properly preparing for your dispensary trip, there are some other simple things you can do to follow dispensary etiquette and be the perfect customer.

Tip Your Budtender

Although you’re unable to smoke in dispensaries, you budtender is providing you a service, much like a bartender. Thus, it’s important to tip your budtender at the end of your visit. They work hard, they have answers to your questions, and they’re spending time making sure that your cannabis acquisition experience is as delightful as it can be.

The guidelines for tipping your budtenders are simple! Give them a tip based on the amount and quality of the service they provide. If you knew exactly what you wanted before going to the dispensary and only required the budtender to grab your cannabis products and sell them to you, a 5% tip would be perfect. 

If you spent a lot of time talking with the budtender, had them explain the nuances of certain products, and asked a lot of questions, give them a higher tip for the time and effort they gave you during your visit. Additionally, if you simply enjoyed the service that your budtender provided, give them a tip that reflects that. 

Have Fun! 

Legal recreational cannabis is a new, exciting thing for a lot of people. In turn, visiting the dispensary is also a new and exciting experience that should be enjoyed and embraced. Although it can be overwhelming to go to a dispensary for the first time, remember that the budtenders are there to help you and that there isn’t anything to fear! 

At Genesis Grow Corp., we have dedicated ourselves to cultivating the highest-quality cannabis that you can get in California. Our different luxury cannabis products are sure to impress and are available throughout a variety of dispensaries in the state. From our Pacific Crest Pre-Rolls, to our Mad Cow Genetics cannabis, to our Oh My Ganj cannabis, we have created cannabis that is sure to impress and has been designed to push the industry forward. 

If you’re interested in learning more about our luxury cannabis projects, visit our website. And if you’re interested in trying our luxury cannabis for yourself, visit one of our retailers to get your hands on some today!