staff There are many ways to enjoy cannabis, from smoking pipes and bongs to vaping using e-cigarettes. There are also edibles, which allow you to ingest THC through your digestive tract rather than inhalation.
Fifteen factors impact how cannabis produces effects, from product type and hydration to the people you’re with and your biology.
Variety of Products
A Dispensary delivery service is offered by an authorized retailer where, depending on state laws, medical or adult-use cannabis can be purchased and delivered directly to your door. Physical dispensaries are also often referred to as shops, cannabis stores, or collectives and can vary in brand name and products offered.
Some are vertically integrated with cultivation, extraction, and product manufacturing operations, while others are more like traditional retail locations hosting various industry brands.
Marijuana flower—the smokable part of the cannabis plant—still makes up the majority of legal marijuana sales in the U.S. and is available in a wide variety of potency levels.
The most common way to consume flowers is by smoking or vaping, and it’s often marketed with the strain name included in the product title, such as Sour Diesel (sativa), Northern Lights (sativa), or Wedding Cake (indica).
A dispensary in South Jersey sells a wide variety of other cannabis products. These include edibles, concentrates, and beverage-based products such as infused teas. Many also offer accessories such as pipes, rolling mats, dab rigs, storage containers, and scales for marijuana measurements.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cannabis user, it’s helpful to have a plan before visiting a dispensary. This doesn’t have to be anything elaborate, but knowing what you’re looking for can help the budtenders—the employees behind the counter—guide your choices.
For example, if you’re interested in trying something new, ask the budtender what effects they think it would produce based on their own experiences and what other customers are experiencing with that strain.
Convenience
Unless you’re growing your marijuana, the best way to get cannabis is through a dispensary. A dispensary is the main point of purchase in weed-legal states and typically offers a wide selection of products, from flowers to vapes and edibles. Depending on state laws and regulations, some stores also provide consumption areas known as lounges where consumers can enjoy their purchases in person.
While every dispensary works a little differently, the basic process is very similar to that of any other retail store. You’ll be asked to present a government-issued ID and then be allowed to browse the products for sale.
Dispensaries typically have budtenders (often called consultants or guides) eager to help with questions and provide recommendations. They’re also an excellent resource for daily discounts and sales.
Having some goals in mind when entering a dispensary is a good idea. Whether you want to try something new or stick with your favorites, having a plan will ensure you get the most out of your time there.
If you need help deciding what to try, peruse the shop’s menu online before visiting. This will give you a sense of what’s available and allow you to make a shopping list. It’ll also give you a better idea of the price ranges, as prices vary by region and may include additional taxes or fees.
Education
There is a lot to learn about cannabis and how it works with the human body. Whether you are trying to manage a condition or simply looking to relax, understanding how cannabis impacts you can help you reach your desired outcomes. At a dispensary, you’ll have access to experts who can educate you on the different types of products, terpene combinations, and potencies available to try.
You can also learn more about your specific endocannabinoid system with tools like Jointly that allow you to reflect on and track the 15 factors that influence your cannabis experience. By monitoring your consumption and how it affects you, you can optimize your cannabis use to achieve your goals.
A first-time visit to a dispensary may be a little nerve-wracking, especially if you need help determining where to begin or what to buy. However, a knowledgeable budtender can always help and suggest products that may benefit you.
Additionally, most dispensaries will encourage — and sometimes require — customers to register an account. This way, they can track purchases and create marketing materials for you.
Depending on the state, some dispensaries only accept certain forms of identification, and some have age restrictions for adults-only shopping. Others may ask you to show a medical card, and some will only let patients buy a certain amount of product daily.
Socializing
Cannabis can increase empathy and connection, promoting a more inclusive outlook that breaks down barriers and fosters a sense of community. It can also improve verbal episodic memory and fluency, making communicating and connecting with others easier.
This is why so many musical artists and writers consume cannabis to help them get into their “flow” state, where they can effortlessly express themselves through words.
In addition, cannabis can be used to treat social anxiety disorders. It has anxiolytic effects, which can alleviate the symptoms of anxiety by reducing stress and worry. It can also make people more comfortable interacting with others, especially those with physical disabilities or conditions like Tourette’s syndrome, who may feel self-conscious about their tics or involuntary movements.
Dispensaries can be a great place to socialize with friends or colleagues, and they often have music or other entertainment playing in the background. Remembering to practice safe consumption and promoting an open environment that respects individual preferences and boundaries is essential.
Whether you seek a creative boost, relief from daily stress, or a better night’s sleep, visiting a dispensary can help you achieve your goals.
