What is a dispensary? Tips for visiting and what to expect

A cannabis dispensary is a state-licensed retail store where you can buy cannabis for medical or recreational use. These shops typically carry a wide range of cannabis products, including flower, vaporizers, and edibles.

Dispensaries must follow local cannabis laws, which set rules around age requirements, purchase limits, and more.

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What is a dispensary?

A state-licensed dispensary is a store where you can buy cannabis products legally. Some states use a different name for dispensaries. For example, in Florida, they’re called medical marijuana treatment centers.

Most dispensaries carry a wide range of cannabis products, including:

• Flower
• Pre-rolls
• Vaporizers
• Tinctures
• Edibles
• Topicals
• Concentrates

Because dispensaries must follow state and local laws, not every product is available in everywhere. For example, inhalable products, such as flower and vaporizers, are illegal in Nebraska.

When visiting a dispensary, you’ll need to show a state-issued photo ID. This is to prove that you’re old enough to legally enter. In most states, you must be:

• At least 18 years old to enter a medical dispensary
• At least 21 years old to enter a recreational dispensary

In most dispensaries, products on display are for browsing only. Once you pick out a product, you’ll go to the register to place an order. A staff member will fill your order from a staff-only area and bring it to you. Then, you can complete your purchase.

Medical vs. recreational dispensaries

There are three types of cannabis dispensaries:

• Recreational dispensaries: Recreational dispensaries only exist in states where recreational cannabis is legal. These dispensaries serve adults who purchase cannabis for personal, non-medical use. They do not make accommodations for people who have medical cannabis cards.

• Medical dispensaries: serve only people with a valid state-licensed medical cannabis card. In states that have not legalized recreational cannabis, medical dispensaries are the only places where you can legally purchase cannabis products.

• Recreational and medical dispensaries: In states where recreational cannabis is legal, you can find dispensaries that fill both medical and recreational orders. In most states, using a medical cannabis card comes with certain benefits, such as tax discounts or higher purchase limits.

What is a micro dispensary?

A micro dispensary is a small cannabis shop that operates under legal restrictions on factors such as the:

• Size of the store
• Number of employees
• Amount of cannabis it can sell

In many states, entrepreneurs can apply for a micro dispensary license. This usually costs less than a traditional dispensary license. This is to help promote social equity by supporting smaller business owners and local entrepreneurs.

Micro dispensaries are usually known to:

• Carry a more curated selection of cannabis products, often sourced from local growers and manufacturers
• Provide a more personalized customer experience
• Grow, process, and sell cannabis under one license (in most states)

What is a virtual dispensary?

A virtual dispensary is an online retail platform where customers can shop for cannabis products. Virtual dispensaries allow you to browse cannabis products, add them to your cart, and place an order online.

Some physical dispensaries have an online shop in addition to a brick-and-mortar store. There are also standalone virtual dispensaries that must go through a similar state licensing process to physical dispensaries.

How you receive your order from a virtual dispensary depends on state laws.

In states where cannabis delivery is legal, many virtual dispensaries can deliver orders directly to your home. You must show your ID at the time of delivery. If you’re ordering from a medical dispensary, you must also show your state-issued medical cannabis card.

In states where cannabis delivery is prohibited, you can place an order from a virtual dispensary for pick-up at the dispensary’s physical location.

What is a hemp dispensary?

A hemp dispensary is a retail store that exclusively sells products made from hemp.

Hemp is a type of cannabis plant that naturally contains very low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main intoxicating compound in cannabis.

Unlike cannabis dispensaries, hemp dispensaries focus on products that contain:

• Cannabidiol (CBD)
• Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8 THC)
• Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA)

Hemp dispensaries operate under different regulations compared to cannabis dispensaries. Products sold in hemp dispensaries do not have to follow state cannabis regulations. As a result, quality and safety standards can vary between hemp dispensaries.

Dispensaries vs. CBD and vape shops

CBD and vape shops are different from hemp dispensaries. While they may carry similar products, CBD and vape shops offer a wider range of items beyond hemp products.

For example, vape shops may carry some CBD products as well as nicotine-based vaping products. And some CBD shops may also carry other plant-based products, such as herbal supplements.

Products sold in CBD and vape shops are not held to the same strict regulatory standards as cannabis products sold in state-licensed cannabis dispensaries. So again, quality and safety standards can vary between locations.

What is a budtender?

A budtender is a staff member at a dispensary who helps customers navigate their options and make purchases. A budtender may:

• Recommend products based on your needs or preferences
• Inform you of any deals, discounts, or promotions
• Check your photo ID and medical cannabis card (if applicable)
• Take your order and retrieve your products
• Ring you up at the register

A good budtender is friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable about cannabis and the products the dispensary offers.

How much can you buy from a dispensary at a time?

The amount of cannabis you can purchase from a dispensary at a time depends on:

• Whether you’re buying cannabis for medical or recreational use
• Your state’s purchase limit laws

Each state sets specific laws for how much cannabis you can buy at once. In most states, having a medical cannabis card allows you to purchase more per transaction than recreational users.

For example, in Illinois, a recreational user can purchase up to 30 grams of cannabis flower at a time. Meanwhile, a medical cannabis cardholder can purchase up to 2.5 ounces.

Check your state laws to learn your legal purchase limits before visiting a dispensary.

Can you use a credit card at a dispensary?

You cannot use a credit card to make a purchase at a licensed cannabis dispensary. This is because cannabis is illegal under federal law. Credit card companies prohibit transactions for federally illegal substances.

Cash payment is needed to make a dispensary purchase in most cases.

Can you use a debit card at a dispensary?

Like with credit cards, debit cards are not accepted at licensed cannabis dispensaries. Cannabis is federally illegal, and major debit card providers do not allow transactions for federally illegal substances.

However, some dispensaries work around this by processing your debit card as an ATM transaction through their payment system. This way, the transaction isn’t flagged as a cannabis purchase.

In these cases, your purchase amount is rounded up, often to the nearest $20 increment, and you’re given the difference as cash back.

Many dispensaries also have ATM machines on site so that you can withdraw cash for your purchase.

Always check with the dispensary beforehand to understand the payment options available.

Tips for a successful dispensary visit

Visiting a dispensary for the first time can feel overwhelming. Consider these tips for a smooth experience:

• Bring your photo ID: You must show your state-issued photo ID to enter a dispensary. If you’re purchasing cannabis for medical use, bring your medical card as well.

• Have cash on hand: While many dispensaries have ATMs and other workarounds for cashless payments, using cash is often faster and simpler.

• Research products beforehand: Check the dispensary’s online inventory before your visit. This will give you a better idea of what you want, which can save time while shopping.

• Talk with a budtender: Budtenders are there to answer any questions you may have about strains, products, or dosages to help you make an informed purchase.