Here we will go over five benefits of shopping at a local marijuana dispensary.
Although the use of marijuana has gone through various periods of prohibition, the plant’s consumption has always remained a popular recreational and medicinal drug. Throughout recent history, cannabis has been purchased on the black market, but for most Americans, this is no longer needed.
As of February 2023, recreational marijuana has been legalized in 21 states, and medical use is legal in 44 states. However, black market purchases are still a common practice.
For many reasons, the benefits of buying marijuana from your local dispensary greatly outweigh purchasing from alternative sources.
Let’s jump right in.
1) Purchasing Legally
No matter which state you live in, buying marijuana from an unlicensed seller is strictly prohibited.
Therefore, a dispensary is the only place you can legally obtain cannabis and cannabis products.
Many states have decriminalized the possession of marijuana in small amounts, but that does not mean you are off scott-free if caught with the drug.
Decriminalization means that having marijuana is no longer a felony charge in that state. Individuals caught illegally possessing the drug will have their products confiscated and may face civil charges, fines, or even jail time. Additionally, having large quantities of marijuana still carries felony charges with massive fines and prison time.
2) Product Options
When you buy marijuana from your local dispensary, you have access to a wide range of products.
Dispensaries not only carry multiple strain options but also offer cannabis flower alternatives, paraphernalia, and accessories such as:
Moonrock
Vape cartridges
Tinctures
Edibles
Topicals
Drinks
Capsules
CBD
Pipes
Grinders
Bongs
Additionally, the products in a dispensary are generally of better quality and have higher THC content.
3) Know What You’re Consuming
When marijuana dispensaries started popping up, many people quickly decided that the shop’s products shouldn’t be trusted. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. The cultivation of marijuana is highly regulated and frequently reviewed to ensure standards are consistently being met.
Licensed marijuana cultivators are required to follow strict guidelines that prohibit the use of harmful pesticides, limit air pollution, and safeguard the environment.
Additionally, legally grown marijuana is far less likely to contain mold, contaminants,and spider mites.
Marijuana purchased from a local dispensary is generally the safest option since it’s fresh, has a low risk of contamination, and there’s no risk of it being tampered with. Plus, when you buy marijuana from a dispensary, you always have someone accountable for it, unlike when you buy it from the black market.
4) Lower Prices
Local dispensary marijuana is much cheaper than black market options.
At a dispensary you can expect to pay an average price of $75-100 per ounce, while street prices range from $150-$200 for the same amount of bud. Dispensaries also offer daily or weekly deals, and discounts to medical marijuana card holders, veterans, and the elderly.
Reward programs are also commonly found at dispensaries. These programs are similar to a “buy ten coffees, get one free” punch card or a mobile food apps point system that lets you redeem free products or coupons. On top of these programs, your local dispensary may offer discounts to residents.
Additionally, purchasing locally is cheaper than ordering from out-of-state dispensaries because you avoid shipping costs and non-resident fees.
Here, you can find a marijuana dispensary near you and start comparing prices.
5) A Better Shopping Experience
Purchasing marijuana at a local dispensary is all around a better shopping experience.
Expert staff- If you have questions or concerns about a product, a budtender will have the answers. The staff is well-versed and educated in anything weed related and can tell you which strains are best for your medical condition, how to use each product, and more.
Shop with your senses- Being able to shop with your eyes, hands, and nose is an experience on its own. Our nervous system is a complex tool of interpretation that often
knows what we need better than our minds. If a strain smells, feels, or looks pleasing, it is likely because our senses know it can offer something our body lacks. That is why some strains smell good to one person but horrible to another.
Stress-free- Buying marijuana illegally is stressful and is one of the many reasons a person feels paranoia when smoking-they are afraid of getting caught. Purchasing from a dispensary eliminates that anxiety.
Fun atmosphere- The average dispensary is filled with great smells, music, like-minded individuals, and artful products. Many people shop for their weed locally simply because the atmosphere is so fun and inviting.
Delivery- Because of health conditions, time restraints, or transportation issues, not everyone can shop in person. Luckily, your shopping experience can still be enjoyable and convenient because many dispensaries offer delivery.
