First Timers Guide to Dispensaries

For someone who has never been to a recreational cannabis dispensary out of state before, the first time feelings can be pretty overwhelming for some.

Excited? Nervous? Maybe even feeling a little confident? Afraid to get rushed in and out without asking any questions you wanted to ask but froze up? Or, maybe you’re a patient who’s had their medical card long before the first dispensary opened and you’re just tired of waiting.

I am a Fresh Karma budtender, and I’ve met you before!

Today I’m going to give you the ins and outs of the medical dispensary experience. The first feeling you’ll receive is when you pull into the parking lot. Everyone, experienced or not, gets that excited feeling when they pull into a dispensary for the first time. Maybe you want to park close so you can snap a picture in front of the store, or, maybe you’re still a little freaked out about the possibility of someone you know seeing you so you choose a spot in the back corner.

You’re here. You put your mask on, you walk up to the doors, your experience begins now! Be prepared to immediately show your State ID and medical card to the security man at the window before you enter the waiting room. The waiting room is a suspenseful and fun place for a first time patient. Pick your seat, look around at the art on the walls, maybe find some reading material. Retain any and all information about the dispensary in the waiting room until your number is finally called.

Now it’s time to enter the holy grail: the Dispensary!

You will be assigned a budtender upon walking in. At this point your eyes will still be wondering and you’ll be welcomed with smiling faces and important questions. Be prepared to show your ID and medical card to your budtender before the conversation starts.

It can be hard to balance communication with a budtender during your temporary sensory overload with cannabis products surrounding you, the budtender asking what you questions, and the questions you may have for the budtender.

It is important to ask your budtenders the right questions. If you can’t smoke, make sure and tell your budtender. If you have any food allergies make sure you make that known as well.

It’s time to make your purchase and head home to medicate. Remember, it is legal for you to have your cannabis in your car as long as you keep it in the packaging and don’t break any seals. DO NOT open your medication when you get to the parking lot. The time to medicate is at home. The best way to enjoy medical cannabis is to stay compliant.

You have now completed your first medical cannabis dispensary experience. I’m no forecaster, but I predict it’ll be one of you’r new favorite destinations to go to after your first time.

If you have any questions you’d like to ask me about the first time dispensary experience please feel to shoot an email my way!

- Andy Baggadonuts (andy@freshkarmakc.com)