First Time at a Dispensary

By Barbara Verde

Exploring recreational cannabis does not need to be an intimidating experience - especially for the new kid on the block!

Before stepping into a dispensary, I worried about being judged as a fish out of water because of my “middle-aged, slightly dorky mom” status. My head filled with visions of young budtenders helping me, then secretly snickering behind my back.

Still, I was curious and love a good challenge, so I persevered, but made every mistake in the book, including having my husband and fussy young kids wait outside in the car for me on my maiden voyage. Doh!

That said, a few years later with many successful dispensary visits under my belt, I have some tips to ease your mind and elevate your cannabis shopping experience! Turn the page ...

No. 1: Do a bit of personal reflection about what you might like.

Do you want discretion in the form of a tincture or mint? How high do you want to go? • Are you after a “go to the moon” experience or more of a “happy hour” high? • Maybe you simply want to ease aches and pains, help sleeping, or anxiety relief? While budtenders can help a lot, they aren’t mind readers, and it’s really helpful to come with some ideas about how and why you’d like to consume.

No. 2: Plan to go when the shop isn’t very busy.

It’s always more enjoyable to take your time browsing products while getting more personalized attention from budtenders. • Expect to spend about 30 minutes on your first visit. • Also anticipate checking in upon arrival and seeing guards stationed at the entrance, but don’t be concerned, that’s just standard procedure and required by California law.

No. 3: Call the dispensary before you go. Nothing can shake out the vibe of a dispensary like a phone call.

Ask questions such as: • Do they carry products that are a good fit for how you want to consume cannabis (for instance, tinctures, edibles, vape pens, CBD, etc.)? • Are there budtenders who’d be a good fit for helping you? • Where do you park? • Is there is an ATM on site? • Do you need a medical card? Listen to the tone of the person on the other end. • Are they friendly, helpful? • Do they have good answers for you? • Or do they sound annoyed at your questions? A phone call can tell you a lot about whether a dispensary is the right fit for you before you step inside.

No. 4: And there’s always delivery

Lots of shops deliver, and it’s one of the easiest, most discreet ways to purchase cannabis. That said, it will be harder to explore products and talk to knowledgeable staff, so if you are still trying to hone in on what you like and how you like it, go straight to the source your first few times.

Lastly, don’t let uneasiness about going into a dispensary hold you back from accessing the joys and benefits of this amazing plant. Take the YOLO approach, use these tips to maximize your experience, and dive in! CS

Barbara Verde is co-creator of SBVerde.com—a guide to cannabis on the Central Coast.