Whether you live in a state where marijuana has been legalized or not, you have most likely heard the term dispensary, or marijuana dispensary, being used a lot lately. The question is, do you really know what a marijuana dispensary is, or why we have them?
Even in states where marijuana has been legalized, federal law still prohibits marijuana and categorizes it as a Schedule I Drug. Due to this outdated federal law, medical cannabis cannot be treated like a prescription medication, where patients can go to any local pharmacy to have it filled.
Instead, local governments who have legalized marijuana authorize dispensaries to carry and sell cannabis products. Depending on the laws in your state, you may find medical dispensaries, recreational dispensaries, or both. Let's take a closer look at both types of marijuana dispensaries, how they started, and where they might be heading.
What is a Medical Marijuana Dispensary?
The history of the Medical Marijuana Dispensary in the United States starts in San Francisco, California, where Dennis Peron opened the very first public marijuana dispensary in 1992, the San Francisco Cannabis Buyers Club. Supporters of medical marijuana have made great strides in legislation nationwide in the last 26 years, and today not only have 30 states legalized medical marijuana, but nine states have also legalized recreational use of marijuana for adults.
A medical marijuana dispensary can only provide services to individuals who have already been to their doctor and received their medical marijuana recommendation. If you do not have the proper documents, you will be turned away by security at the door. Once you have your recommendation, security will review it along with your photo identification, and clear you to proceed to the receptionist to sign in.
You will notice that security is a top priority at any marijuana dispensary. This is primarily because of the high risks involved in their business model. In addition to the large quantities of marijuana and other cannabis products that dispensaries have on hand, there is often a lot of cash on location as well. Due to outdated federal law, banks will not allow any marijuana dispensary to open an account, making it impossible for the dispensary to accept credit card payments and requiring them to keep cash on site.
There are a few benefits to getting your marijuana recommendation and using a medical marijuana dispensary over a recreational one. Medical Marijuana is often exempt from state and local taxes, which means that over the long run, you could save a ton of green. In addition to that, dispensaries also offer frequent discounts and deals to medical patients that recreational users will not have access to.
What makes a Recreational Marijuana Dispensary Different?
With the country starting to come around to the idea that all marijuana use is medical use, states have begun to legalize recreational marijuana for adult use. Because medical marijuana dispensaries have proven successful, many states have adapted laws to regulate recreational marijuana dispensaries as well. The first recreational marijuana dispensary, 3D Cannabis, was opened in 2014, nearly two years after Colorado legalized recreational marijuana.
>> How to Use a Marijuana Grinder
When you walk into a recreational marijuana dispensary, you will still be greeted by security who will review your photo ID to verify that you are of legal age. Even though recreational use has been legalized for adults, most states have implemented a minimum age requirement of 21 years old, quite like the age requirement for alcohol purchases and consumption. Outside of not needing a doctor's recommendation, recreational dispensaries are pretty similar to medical dispensaries.
One key difference that you will likely notice right away is the pricing. Recreational marijuana tends to be slightly more expensive than medical marijuana. This is not because the marijuana is any better than medical marijuana, but rather the fact that states have elected to impose additional taxes on recreational purchases. On the upside, you will not have to pay to renew your medical card or visit your doctor to get a new recommendation every year or two.
If you live in a state where marijuana has not been legalized, a great aspect of recreational dispensaries is that many of them do not have a residency requirement to make a purchase. In states like Colorado and Washington, even tourists can visit and purchase from a recreational marijuana dispensary. Perhaps now you're rethinking that next vacation?
What Can I Purchase at a Marijuana Dispensary?
The products available at each marijuana dispensary will vary. Your average dispensary will display a variety of flowers and buds available to see and smell. Touching or sampling the marijuana is not typically allowed, but your professional budtender will be able to give you the scoop on each strain and what benefits you might get from them. Each product will have testing information verifying THC levels, cannabinoids, and terpenoids, as well as quality control information.
Concentrated cannabis is also available at most dispensaries. Depending on your preferences you may be able to purchase shatter, crumble, hash, or a variety of oils and vape cartridges as well. If you need to purchase tools and other supplies for smoking or otherwise consuming your marijuana, the dispensary will have the latest products available, so you can get everything you need in one stop.
Many of us who use cannabis also enjoy implementing it into our foods and even drinks. Your marijuana dispensary may offer a variety of edibles that are infused with THC, CBD, or both. Consuming marijuana in this way has proven to be a great option for people looking to improve entire body ailments and digestive issues, while it also makes for a great body buzz as well.
If aches and pains are what drive you into your local marijuana dispensary, be sure to ask about any lotions, tonics or salves that may be available. These are perfect for athletes or others who want to improve their quality of life but may not necessarily want to smoke or ingest marijuana.
Regardless of what you end up purchasing, or whether it is from a medical or a recreational marijuana dispensary, you are sure to find helpful budtenders and staff to guide you on your way. With all of the variety, you can always change it up each visit and find what strains and products you enjoy the most.
Featured Image: Twitter
