Our Guide to Your First Dispensary Visit

Whether you just turned 21, haven’t bought weed since the ‘80s, or are just curious about what it looks like to buy weed in this day and age, entering a dispensary for the first time is an exciting new venture. You’ll see shelves lined with various products, friendly budtenders available to assist you, and a whole lot of options. It can be a bit intimidating if you’re new to the experience. That’s why we put together this guide for your first dispensary visit so you can make the most out of your first time shopping for cannabis.

September 22, 2023

Establish your intention before you go

Are you having trouble sleeping and a friend recommended you try their favorite sleep gummy? Or maybe you just want to smoke a legal joint for the first time and want something that won’t get you too high. Whatever the case, it can be helpful to know what you’re looking for before entering your first dispensary.

You don’t have to have all the answers before you go in, though. That’s what budtenders are there for – to guide you through your shopping process. But if you know for sure you do or don’t want a certain type of product, it can help you narrow down your selection.

For example, many people come into our Bellingham dispensary or Spokane pot shop looking to stock up on weed products, but they don’t want to get high. These people are seeking therapeutic benefits, typically from CBD-dominant products. It’s helpful for both the customer and the budtender to establish that they’re not looking for a product that will get them high. You don’t have to know what specific products you’re looking for, as the budtender will help guide you with the information you provide.

Don’t know your intention because you’re just curious? That’s okay too. It can be a fun process for budtenders to work with first-time customers, helping them learn what sort of products catch their attention.

Consider the different types of products available

Many people go to dispensaries with one rule in mind: They don’t want to smoke or inhale anything. Maybe they just want a therapeutic benefit from their product, or perhaps they enjoy getting high but don’t want to put any strain on their lungs. Once they tell their budtender that they want a product without the smoke, they can choose from edibles, tinctures, capsules, and other related products.

On the other hand, many first-time dispensary shoppers enjoy the novelty of taking home potent nugs of weed. You can purchase up to an ounce of flower during your dispensary visits, so you have plenty of space to purchase several different types of weed so you can user-test them and see what you like best.

Vape pens are a popular choice among new dispensary shoppers as well since they’re convenient, portable, and often discreet. If you’re curious about vaping cannabis oil, talk to your budtender about which products match your needs. You can even get vape pens with high doses of CBD and low THC, allowing for a mild high.

The edibles category is vast and exciting, too. From mints and chocolates to gummies and fruit belts, the options are seemingly endless. There’s also a large selection of cannabis-infused beverages that are potent and versatile. Let your budtender know what kind of effect you’re looking for and they should help you narrow down the best available edibles.

Try a variety

Don’t be afraid to grab a variety of cannabis products on your first dispensary visit. It’s a great way to figure out exactly what types you enjoy. You can also make a point of trying one product on your first visit, and trying something different the next time you stop by.

If you’re open to all types of experiences, we recommend you at least try flower, edibles, and a vape pen to get a good idea of the variety available. As you experiment more, you’ll get a better idea of what consumption methods you prefer.

Don’t be discouraged entirely if you don’t like the effect of something. It could be due to an error in dosing, a preference in effects, or just your own biology. Whatever the case, it’s a good idea to let your budtender know the things you don’t like so they can guide you toward different products the next time you are in.

Budtenders are your friends and guides

If there’s one thing that ties most of our suggestions so far together, it’s that you should feel free to ask your budtender to guide you toward the best product for your needs. This is because budtenders know exactly what they have in store and are expected to be well-versed in providing valuable suggestions to customers from all walks of life.

Even if you don’t know the first thing about cannabis, a budtender can help you out. They’ll go over the basics with you, starting with the difference between sativa, indica, and hybrid strains. (What’s that? In general, sativa strains are more energizing and uplifting, indica strains are more relaxing and sedative, and hybrids tend to be a nice mix of the two. There are many nuances, though, which your budtender can walk you through.)

Ready to shop at a local dispensary?

We hope you can find comfort in knowing that our friendly and knowledgeable budtenders are here to help. Whether it’s your first time shopping at a dispensary or you’re popping in for your regular purchase, Piece of Mind Cannabis has you covered. Be sure to stop by and say high!

Piece of Mind Cannabis is a medical marijuana and recreational Cannabis dispensary with locations in North Spokane, South Spokane, Bellingham, and Pullman, Washington.