Not all medical marijuana dispensaries are created equal. Do you know how to choose the best dispensary for your needs?
If you’ve visited more than one dispensary, you’ll notice they can widely vary.
Some places might charge twice the price of others. Some will offer a better selection than others. And some will be more focused on delivering a good customer experience while others are more concerned with profits.
Medical marijuana is a new concept for many, but that doesn’t mean you have to tackle it on your own.
The following tips will help you choose the best dispensary to ensure you get the best results from your cannabis experience:
Tip #1 – The Best Dispensary Makes Safety a Priority
Despite the relaxed marijuana laws in many states, buying cannabis can still be risky business at times.
For starters, consider the location of the dispensaries you’re considering. The one closest to you won’t always be the best choice. Dispensaries located in less desirable parts of town are worth avoiding.
If you aren’t sure if a dispensary is in an unsafe area, check for their security measures. Extra security, such as guards, bars on the window, or myriad cameras, you might want to consider going elsewhere.
Tip #2 – A Dispensary Should Offer a Variety of Products
Marijuana is an extremely versatile treatment option. Not only can it help ease symptoms associated with a variety of ailments, it can also come in a variety of forms.
When most people think of medical marijuana, smoking often springs to mind.
But you should know that medical marijuana can also take the shape of pills, edibles, concentrates, bath bombs, patches, rubs, inhalers, CBD oil, and more.
You can read more about the different marijuana products and learn more about what CBD oil is used for, but just knowing that you’ve got options might make medical marijuana a more desirable treatment option.
Smoking doesn’t suit everyone, and the best dispensary knows this.
Tip #3 – Choose a Dispensary that Follows Legal Procedures
Depending on where you live, dispensaries exist for two purposes: medical marijuana and recreational marijuana.
You should know the laws of your state to know what’s expected of your area’s dispensaries.
For starters, a medical marijuana dispensary is required to ask for your photo ID and medical ID card that allows you to purchase marijuana.
Also, dispensaries should prohibit smoking inside their facility. Most dispensaries will display signs reminding patients not to smoke on site.
The last thing you want is to do business with a dispensary that might get shut down because of their lack of legal protocol. If this happens, you’ll be left without your much-needed medicine.
Tip #4 – Dispensaries Should Ensure Patient Privacy
The best dispensary delivers the same expectations you’d have for a pharmacy. This means that they’re not allowed to discuss or share your medical information with others.
Reputable dispensaries will provide you with some form of patient privacy notice, just as a traditional pharmacy would. In addition, they will discuss your privacy rights with you up front.
This privacy agreement should be as thorough as you’d expect from any other pharmacy or medical facility. Make sure you take note of this practice before committing to a dispensary.
Tip #5 – A Dispensary Should Act and Operate Professionally
Keep in mind that a medical marijuana dispensary isn’t like a head shop. There should be nothing illegal or secretive happening behind its doors.
Rather, it should boast a professional atmosphere at all times, just like you’d expect from a doctor’s office or pharmacy.
The dispensary should offer a clean, friendly environment. Marijuana should be handled and stored correctly. You should be treated as a patient in need, not an off-the-street customer.
Every medical marijuana dispensary should have a doctor on site. Dispensaries can hand out medical marijuana cards and offer additional information.
You want to make sure this information is coming from a reputable source.
In addition, dispensary staff members should also be knowledgeable and familiar with medical marijuana to ensure you get the best experience possible. They should be able to communicate with patients of all knowledge levels about marijuana, especially when working with patients who are new to this form of treatment.
Tip #6 – Find a Dispensary that’s Involved in the Community
As the taboo of medical marijuana dwindles, it’s becoming more common to see dispensaries getting their feet wet in community circles.
They want to raise awareness of how medical marijuana can benefit those suffering from certain ailments. They want people to recognize medical marijuana as a safe, natural, effective alternative to traditional medicine.
Dispensaries who are actively involved in community outreach truly care about helping patients feel their best.
Don’t be afraid to ask dispensary staff how the facility is involved in the community. Find out about educational outreach programs.
Also, it’s a good idea to ask how the on-site doctor will advocate for you if your need for medical marijuana were ever questioned.
The best dispensary puts your needs as a patient as a top priority, so the doctor should be willing to do everything in his or her power to help you receive the treatment you deserve.
Tip #6 – Opt for a Dispensary that’s Warm and Welcoming
If you’re using or considering medical marijuana, there’s a good reason for it: you need medical treatment.
The last thing a patient in pain needs is walking into a store seeking help and being given poor customer service or being made to feel inferior for not knowing marijuana terminology.
You don’t want to feel awkward or ashamed because you’re buying something that used to be illegal just years ago.
Most dispensaries are warm and welcoming to every patient to ensure you get an optimal experience along with the treatment you need. But beware there are some dispensaries who are more concerned with making money than making patients feel better.
Wrap Up
The idea of a medical marijuana dispensary may be new to you, but this growing industry is poised to become part of daily life for many in the coming years.
Even so, taking care to find the best dispensary for your needs can make a huge difference in the benefits you receive. Make it count.
For more great health and wellness tips, visit our blog resources.
