Cannabis Dispensary Etiquette: How to Navigate the Environment Like a Pro

For many people, visiting a cannabis dispensary is an unfamiliar experience and a very unique one at that. It’s unlike shopping at your average grocery or department store where merchandise is laid out in aisles for you to gather up and purchase at the register.

No, at a dispensary things are done much differently. The layouts are different, customers are typically escorted by Patient Consultants and monitored much more closely, and there are many more rules attached to the entire purchasing process. Something that isn’t surprising given the fact that we’re talking about a product which is technically still illegal at the federal level.

But, as more and more states continue to legalize the use of both medical and recreational marijuana–with Ohio being one of the most recent to legalize recreationally–more and more people will inevitably be stepping foot into these one-of-a-kind spaces. So, it’s important to understand just what to expect and the proper etiquette to follow during your visit. Read on as we walk you through the entire experience from start to finish and give you tips on how to navigate the dispensary like a pro.

What to Bring and Entering the Dispensary

Before you make your way to the dispensary, you’ll want to make sure you have the documentation you need. Step one, is to bring a valid photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport. This applies even if you live in a state where marijuana is recreationally legal because you still must prove you are 21 or older in order to purchase cannabis products. So, just like at a bar, you must show your ID upon entering.

Step two, if you are a medical marijuana patient, you must also bring your medical marijuana card–either a physical or electronic copy. Remember, the name on your medical card must match your photo ID. And, step three, it’s always helpful to have cash on hand since that is the only form of payment some dispensaries accept. Terrasana does also accept pin debit, however, in addition to cash.

At dispensaries like Terrasana’s, you do not need an appointment to enter. Patients are helped on a first-come, first-serve basis. Simply check in at the front desk and you will likely be asked to wait in the waiting room until the next available Patient Consultant is ready for you. You will also be required to fill out an intake form if it’s your first time at the dispensary.

Navigating the Cannabis Products

Once they are ready for you, a dedicated Patient Consultant will grab you from the waiting room and take you to the main dispensary area. During this step, you may be required to show your ID once more.

In most dispensaries, cannabis products are arranged in more of a showroom type fashion rather than a grab-and-go type format. Inventory is displayed in glass cases or behind a counter that only employees have access to, and guests are typically accompanied by a Patient Consultant during the entirety of the visit. It’s standard for cannabis products to be organized by category such as flower, edibles, vaporizers, etc. And, within each category, also grouped by specific brand.

During your trip you can work with your patient consultant to learn more about the products and find exactly what you’re looking for. At the end of the visit, they will grab your products for you and tender the transaction.

Keep in mind this process could be slightly altered as the current landscape of adult-use marijuana evolves in Ohio.

Basic Dispensary Tips:

Cellphones

Outside of the dispensary waiting area, all guests should keep their cellphone in their pocket or bag. Many dispensaries–especially those with a focus on medical marijuana–have strict rules against being on your phone and also taking pictures or videos while in the dispensary. This is largely for the sake of privacy.

Tipping

When visiting the dispensary, you may wonder if tipping is customary, or you may be tempted to do so after receiving great service from a qualified Patient Consultant. While some dispensaries allow this, unfortunately in Ohio, dispensaries are not able to accept tips. Instead, here at Terrasana, we always encourage our customers to show their appreciation with a Google review.

Background Cannabis Knowledge

It’s important to do your homework before heading into the dispensary. Read up on basic information such as recommended cannabis doses, purchase limits in your state, and gain at least a base level understanding of cannabis strains in order to make the most of your visit. Learn more about basic cannabis facts, HERE.

Researching the specific dispensary you plan to visit and taking a look at its online menu is also a good idea so you know what products are available, which payment methods are accepted, and more. Terrasana’s Ohio dispensaries accept cash and pin debit cards. There are also ATMs available on site.

Questions

While you should have a decent base of knowledge coming in, it is also completely acceptable and expected to ask your Patient Consultant questions during your visit. That’s what they are there for after all. Feel free to ask about specifics such as where various strains come from, testing regulations and processes, expected effects, and to request product recommendations based on the experience you are looking to have.

Touching and Using the Cannabis

Unless it is offered up to you by a Patient Consultant, refrain from touching the cannabis products, especially marijuana flower. This can undoubtedly spread germs but also actually destroy the flower.

Additionally, once your cannabis products are purchased, you still need to wait until you are home or in a private space to consume. Do not start to use your products in proximity to the store. Even if marijuana is medically and recreationally legal in your state, there are still strict regulations in place in regards to where you can and cannot consume the substance.