New to the legal weed scene? Welcome. We’re glad you’re here.
The ever-increasing appeal of legal cannabis is everywhere. Marijuana has officially gone mainstream. These days, almost 55 million Americans smoke it. These days those who consume cannabis are definitely defying the norms.
Many are parents. Others are grandparents and seniors seeking its medical benefits. Countless cannabis consumers are people climbing the corporate ladder looking for a way to relax after a long day’s work. Some are just turning 21 and eager to (legally) buy weed for the first time. Basically, everybody’s consuming cannabis and more people are purchasing pot than ever before.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer at your local dispensary or visiting a weed-friendly state for the first time, buying legal weed for the first time is an experience you won’t forget.
How to Buy Weed When You’ve Never Bought Weed Before
If you've never bought weed before, it can be a little overwhelming stepping foot into a dispensary for the first time. Your first time purchasing cannabis should be an enjoyable experience. When you go in prepared and knowing what to expect, buying pot will be much more pleasurable indeed.
Decide Where You Want to Shop
Not all dispensaries are created equally. We invite you to look through our database of cannabis dispensaries near you and read reviews of various dispensaries in your area. Whether you’re shopping in Seattle, Denver, San Diego, or somewhere else, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best dispensaries in weed-friendly states across the country. You’ll find reviews from real-life cannabis consumers that can help steer you in the right direction.
Explore Different Strains Before Your Visit
What is your reason for buying weed? Yes, we know you want to smoke it. But these days there are countless different strains to choose from that all do different things. Check out our extensive list of Cannabis Strains to see what type of marijuana is best for your personal needs. Here you can search strains by popularity, time of use, common uses, and different effects you’d like to feel.
Have Your ID Ready
Whether you’re 21, 81, or somewhere in-between, have your ID ready when you walk in the door. Pretty much everyone gets carded buying weed at a dispensary, whether they look old enough or not. Forget your ID and you’re going home empty-handed.
Expect to Wait
Buying weed is a bit different than going to a liquor store and waiting your turn in line to buy a six-pack or a bottle of wine. Regulations in most states require that cannabis dispensaries only serve one customer at a time. Depending on the time of day you go in, you could be there a while. And like most retail establishments, weekends are usually busier than weekdays.
Ask Your Budtender Questions
Your budtender is there to help you have the best weed buying experience you can. There are no stupid questions, and in most dispensaries, your budtender is going to be happy to help you out. Ask them what strain is best for your needs. Want something to help you sleep? Tell them that. Looking for a strain that’s good for spring cleaning? Let them know. Inquire about their favorite strains and why they like them. Let your budtender be your guide when you buy weed. It’s what they’re there for.
Don’t Feel Obligated to Make a Purchase
Unfortunately, not every visit to a dispensary is a positive experience. It’s normal to be nervous but feeling intimidated or unsatisfied with your budtender is another story. If you’re not feeling it, you’re not feeling it. And by no means are you obligated to make a purchase just because you walked in the dispensary door. If you don’t want to buy from this particular place, there are plenty of other shops that sell weed. Politely thank the budtender for their help and be on your merry way.
Have Cash on Hand
In an age where we buy pretty much everything on a debit or credit card, cannabis purchases are done strictly in cash. Most dispensaries recognize this and will have an ATM machine on site. Not all of them do though and even if they do, you’re bound to be charged a service fee for using an ATM that isn’t your bank. Be prepared and take cash out of the bank before you arrive. Not only will you be prepared, but you’ll avoid paying those ridiculous service fees.
An 1/8th can run anywhere from $20 to over $50, so be prepared with enough cash on hand. Most recreational states have a one-ounce limit on what you can purchase in a day. If you’re looking to take home an ounce, it can get pretty pricey depending on what strains you’re selecting. With the average price of an ounce running between $150-200, you’ll want to pull enough cash to cover your cost.
Help Out Others Who Want to Know How to Buy Weed
Be proud of yourself for making your first marijuana purchase! We’re aware it can be really intimidating, but also how easy it is once you know what you’re doing. It’s like anything new. Do it a few times and it becomes second nature.
One thing you can do after you learn how to buy weed is helping out others looking to do the same. Think about your first visit. The overall atmosphere of the dispensary, the quality of service you received, the quality of the product you purchased. Is this somewhere you’re likely to return or are you apt to find somewhere else for your future pot purchases?
Let others know about your experience by leaving a review on Wikileaf. It’s easy to do and can seriously help out fellow cannabis consumers looking to buy weed, whether for the first time or when visiting another city. Not only can leaving a review help other cannabis consumers make the best decision they can when visiting a dispensary but can help dispensary employees know what they could do to make a better customer experience.