Looking to make your first visit to a recreational cannabis dispensary? We know it can be a little intimidating, but purchasing cannabis from a reputable adult-use dispensary is much easier, faster, and more enjoyable than you’re probably worried about.
We want every customer at our dispensary to feel welcomed, comfortable, and excited to find the best products for them. Here’s what you need to know to put your mind at ease and make your first dispensary visit a success.
Preparing For Your First Dispensary Visit
The most important thing to bring with you to our dispensary is an ID that shows you’re 21 or older. You can use a valid driver’s license, passport, military ID, or state-issued ID to buy cannabis. Unfortunately, we can’t accept expired or temporary IDs.
Blackstone Valley Cannabis accepts cash or debit. We have an ATM available on-site for your convenience.
Wondering how much cash to bring? You’ll probably want to budget $30-$150 for your first visit to our cannabis dispensary. Plan for the low end if you want one small thing to try, and the higher end if you want to sample several different products.
Be sure to factor in taxes as well. Expect to pay 20% in taxes per Massachusetts state law. You should also plan to tip your retail dispensary agent a few dollars, especially since you’ll need extra help your first time.
You can take some time to research cannabis a bit before you go, but it’s not necessary. If you’re looking for resources, check out our blog and FAQ page.
The Atmosphere
Although recreational cannabis is legal in 21 states, it still carries stigma for some people. If you’re worried that your local cannabis dispensary will be shady or worn down, think again!
Recreational dispensaries are high-end establishments. You’ll feel more like you’re walking into a jewelry store or fancy café than a liquor store or head shop. Expect premium lighting, quality products, and personable employees.
The Dispensary Agents
After your ID is scanned at the door, you’ll get a chance to enter the sales floor. An employee called a retail dispensary agent (RDA) will help pick out the best products for you!
RDAs are extremely knowledgeable about the products in the store and cannabis in general. They’ve probably sampled the item you’re interested in and can give you all of the information you need. You’ll get expert advice tailored for you every time you come to our Massachusetts dispensary.
While you’re on the sales floor, look around and ask tons of questions. Even if there are people waiting, don’t feel like you have to rush your time with the RDA. It’s important to our whole team that you find the best product to match your needs!
The Menu
Cannabis dispensaries have a wide variety of products, and it can be hard for newbies to know what to get. Before you head to our dispensary, you can check out our menu online to get an idea of what we sell.
Some of the cannabis products Blackstone Valley Cannabis offers include:
Per state law, you can purchase up to one ounce of cannabis flower, five grams of concentrates, or 500 mg of edibles per day. You can always come back to buy the same amount the next day.
If you have products in mind from the online menu when you arrive, you can ask a retail dispensary agent about them. If you’re not sure, they’ll work with you to select the best cannabis for you.
Ask Yourself These Questions Before You Go
Want more direction before your first Blackstone Valley Cannabis visit? Your RDA is likely to ask you at least one of the following questions listed below, so if you plan ahead, you’ll make it even more likely that you’ll end up with a product that meets or exceeds your expectations.
What do you want to get out of cannabis?
This might seem like a silly question, but people come to our dispensary for a wide variety of reasons. What effect are you looking to get out of your cannabis?
Maybe you want to smoke and laugh with your friends. You might want to feel more creative and alert throughout the day. Maybe you want to relax after a long day of work. Or you might want to manage your chronic pain.
All of those are amazing and valid reasons to use weed! If you know what you want your cannabis product to do, it will be easier to pick out a strain or type at our dispensary.
Are you using cannabis to manage any medical condition?
Medical marijuana can be incredibly helpful for a wide variety of conditions, including chronic pain, epilepsy, anorexia, depression, anxiety, cancer, and more. While Blackstone Valley Cannabis is actively working to become a licensed medical marijuana dispensary, we find that many of our customers are still coming in to manage their health issues.
Let our RDA know the symptoms you’re trying to manage with cannabis. Each strain has its own unique properties, so they’ll work with you to select a product that will be most likely to address the symptoms described during the discussion.
(Please note that the information we provide is for educational purposes only and is in no way a substitution for medical advice. Always consult your doctor prior to using cannabis products for medicinal purposes.)
What time of day would you like to use cannabis?
In general, sativa strains are more energizing, while indica strains can make you feel more relaxed. Let your RDA know whether you want your bud to keep you going throughout the day or help you unwind after a hard day.
Which delivery methods are you interested in?
If you don’t know much about cannabis, you might think that the only way to use it is to smoke or take an edible, but there are actually so many ways to enjoy it!
Some of the most popular ways to use weed include:
- Smoking a joint
- Smoking a bong
- Vaping
- Eating a gummy or chocolate bar
- Sucking on a mint or hard candy
- Dabbing
- Putting a tincture under your tongue
- Using a topical or transdermal lotion
Think about what sounds best to you. If you’re not sure, your retail dispensary agent will be able to teach you how to use each product.
You should also consider whether there are any methods of consumption that are out of the question for you. Some people don’t like the feeling of smoking, while others worry about getting anxious when they take edibles.
If your RDA recommends something that doesn’t sound good to you, let them know! They want you to get products that you’ll feel comfortable using.
Final thoughts on visiting a dispensary for the first time
Ready for your first dispensary visit? There’s no better place than Blackstone Valley Cannabis.
Our retail dispensary agents are the best in the business, and they’ll have you hooked up with the perfect products for you in no time. Check out our menu to learn more about our stock, then stop in for a curated cannabis experience that will show you how powerful weed can be!