Hydrolife Magazine February/March 2017 (USA Edition)

heal
Dispensary
Etiquette
by Kent Gruetzmacher
For many cannabis users and patients, the notion of walking
into a storefront and legally purchasing marijuana products is
still quite intimidating. If that’s how you feel, Hydrolife’s Kent
Gruetzmacher has a few tips on how to make your first trip to the
dispensary smooth as cannabutter.
While many US states have legalized
cannabis in one form or other, the
negative stigma surrounding its use
remains deeply embedded in the
American consciousness. As a result,
the thought of going to a dispensary
for the first time can make even a
veteran cannabis enthusiast a bit
uncomfortable. To help quell these
uneasy feelings, here is a little
advice on what one can expect—
and how one should behave—
during that initial visit.
Know the Local Laws
Perhaps the most effective way to ensure
a smooth visit to a dispensary is
to research local laws before making
a visit. As cannabis legislation is in a
constant flux, taking a few minutes of
investigative reading will get one up
to speed on state and county laws concerning
medical and recreational use.
Once educated on local policy, cannabis
consumers can feel prepared and
confident on how to safely fulfill their
cannabis needs at a local dispensary.
Security Guards
Novice shoppers are often
intimidated by the presence of
armed guards in the parking
lots and entrances of dispensaries.
After all, it is easy to mistake
these guards for police officers.
Don’t fear, though; armed
guards at cannabis dispensaries
work for private security
firms that are subcontracted by the
businesses. These guards are simply
on site to keep the premises secure and
customers safe. They’ll often want to
look through a patron’s backpack or a
purse to ensure there are no weapons
inside. So, to ensure a smooth entrance
to the dispensary, cannabis patrons
should not have anything threatening or
embarrassing in their baggage.
Check-In and Sharing
Personal Information
Every time cannabis users visit a dispensary,
they must wait in a check-in area
located outside of the shopping space.
This area exists so dispensary employees
can ensure the clients have the
proper paperwork before entering and
accessing any product. Furthermore, the
waiting area ensures that the purchasing
space doesn’t become overcrowded,
allowing budtenders to give customers
their full attention.
Doing the proper research on state
and county laws mentioned above will
pay off when it comes time to check-in.
If living in a medical state, patients will
at least need to provide a state-issued ID
and a doctor’s recommendation to enter
the premises. The dispensary receptionist
will need to verify your doctor’s recommendation
with your provider via the
Internet or telephone. On a similar note,
don’t be intimidated by the prospect of
sharing your personal information with a
dispensary. This data is protected by law.
Other Patients and Consumers
At this point in time, remember that
just because people can legally access
cannabis at dispensaries does not mean
that its use is condoned in their professional
and personal lives. Therefore,
small talk between patrons in dispensaries
is acceptable, but anonymity should
be respected. That way there’s less of
a chance that a person’s life could be
negatively impacted by gossip or hearsay
concerning his or her responsible
cannabis consumption.
Know Your Product
When shopping for cannabis products,
utilize the staff’s knowledge. A wellinformed
budtender should be able to
inform customers about the specific
effects of each strain, as well as recommend
products based on clients’ needs
and tolerance levels. This care and
attention is particularly important when
it comes to edibles and concentrates as
a little bit often goes a long way with
these potent THC products. Still, the final
decision is placed on the consumer.
48
grow. heal. live. enjoy.
myhydrolife.com