Visiting Your First AZ Cannabis Dispensary? 10 Things to Know
Here are our top ten suggestions to help first-time cannabis dispensary visitors have the best experience possible.
Now that recreational cannabis is legal in Arizona, dispensaries across the Grand Canyon State are reporting lines out the door. For many new consumers, it’s an exciting time to discover the world of cannabis, but the rules and regulations regarding its purchase and consumption can be confusing!
We’re here to help you navigate the process of buying weed for the first time, with a handy list of suggestions. Make sure to find a licensed dispensary that’s well equipped to deal with first-time consumers, and stick to these easy tips to ensure you have the best possible cannabis experience.
- Find a licensed Arizona dispensary.
So what’s a dispensary? Here’s the short answer: a dispensary is any place where adults can purchase cannabis products for recreational or medical consumption.
Ensuring you’re visiting a licensed business is the most crucial step to enjoy your first Arizona cannabis dispensary experience. The Health Department regulates all licensed dispensaries in Arizona, and you can find them – including ours – on their official list.
- Know what questions to ask at a dispensary.
If you’re a first-time consumer trying to navigate the world of legalized marijuana, classes can prepare you for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Sol Flower offers classes for cannabis consumers of all experience levels (this is one of the reasons that, in our opinion, we’re the best dispensary for first-time patients). From Cannabis 101 sessions to meditation, music, and exercise classes, our education series will prepare you for a lengthy cannabis relationship.
In addition, our knowledgeable employees are here to answer your questions, so you always leave with the best cannabis products for you.
- Decide if you want a medical or recreational cannabis experience.
In Arizona, cannabis consumption is legal for all adults over the age of 21. But if you’re curious about treating a specific medical condition with cannabis, it’s worth consulting with a doctor to obtain a medical card. Medical patients have higher daily purchasing limits, and Arizona medical cannabis patients can access a more comprehensive array of products than their recreational counterparts.
If that sounds good to you, the process of getting a medical marijuana card in Arizona is simple. All you need to do is ask your licensed medical doctor, osteopath, naturopath, or homeopath for a letter stating your need for cannabis and submit it online through the Arizona Department of Health Services.
- Bring the correct documentation.
Once you’ve decided your preference for a recreational or medical cannabis experience, it’s time to hit the dispensary! But, first, make sure you have all the documentation you need.
Recreational patients only need to show a valid driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued ID. If you’re from out of state, don’t worry–any form of state-issued ID works here.
If you’re a medical patient, make sure to bring that medical card from the Department of Health Services, along with your state ID, to make sure you can enjoy your legal higher dosage.
Why do dispensaries take your ID?
The answer is simple. Like a store that sells alcohol, dispensaries need to make sure customers can legally consume their products. Just like the clerk at your local liquor store, your budtender will keep your personal information strictly confidential.
- Know your limits.
Different daily purchasing limits apply for recreational and medical cannabis products.
Medical cannabis consumers can purchase:
- 2.5oz of cannabis
- Any style of cannabis product, including cannabis oil syringes and tinctures
- There are no limits on the THC content of packaged edibles
- Pay 6.6% additional taxes
Recreational cannabis consumers can purchase:
- 1oz (or 28g) of cannabis
- Edibles, Cartridges, Topicals, and Concentrates can only make up 5g of your purchase
- Packaged edibles can’t contain more than 100mg of THC
- Pay 16% additional taxes
- Know where to consume cannabis.
Once you’ve got your cannabis in hand, you’ll probably want to indulge right away! But hold your horses–consuming and driving is always against the law. So, wait until you’re on private property to enjoy your purchase.
- Know the best things to get at a dispensary.
When it comes to figuring out what type of products to purchase at a dispensary, it’s essential to understand cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are a significant part of what gives marijuana its effects. With a bit of cannabinoid knowledge in your back pocket, you’ll be able to select the best products to create the experience you’d prefer. Here are two significant cannabinoids to look out for when you’re deciding what to buy at a dispensary:
THC is the compound that creates a traditional “high.” Products that contain THC are psychoactive, meaning that they affect the mind.
CBD is a cannabinoid that works on the body rather than the mind. Fans say it can create feelings of well-being and relaxation while leaving your head clear.
Keep in mind that there is an entire world of cannabinoids outside of THC and CBD (and terpenes, more on that in a future blog) that can impact your consumption experience. Do you remember what we said about our classes above? Knowledge is power – we can get you up to speed.
- Approach edibles with purpose.
Edibles are convenient, and they can provide an outstanding first cannabis experience. But if you decide to go the edibles route, remember to follow the golden rule: start low and go slow. Choose a low THC product, read the label carefully, and make sure to give your body enough time to digest before double dosing, waiting at least an hour (preferably two) after your first bites.
- Stay hydrated.
While cannabis isn’t dehydrating, you may have a dry mouth or find you’re thirstier than usual as you enjoy your first cannabis experience. And that mild dehydration can be compounded if you’re munchies-prone (some strains will have you clearing your pantry). So before you consume cannabis for the first time, make sure you’re stocked up on water so you won’t have to worry about drying out in the Arizona sun!
- Consult your budtender.
Last but not least, if it’s your first time trying cannabis, or you haven’t indulged in a while, you can always prepare by consulting with an expert Patient Services Provider.
While you’re welcome to ask questions at our dispensary counter, booking a wellness consultation with Sol Flower’s Director of Patient Services, Jane Fix, is the best way to get expert input on your first Arizona cannabis dispensary experience.
