Explore Today's Highlights

How to Prepare for Your First Recreational Dispensary Visit

So, this is it. You’ve got your eye on that one recreational dispensary in town and you’ve decided you’re finally going to go inside and see what all the fuss is about cannabis.

Only catch is: you have no idea what to expect. Don’t worry; we get it! Before you even step foot into the dispensary, it is important to recognize that these are highly regulated establishments. It’s best to arrive prepared to get the most out of your dispensary visit.

We’re breaking down everything you need to know about visiting a rec dispensary in Massachusetts to make sure you are totally prepared:

Bring a valid government-issued ID. 

Cannabis is still federally classified as a Schedule 1 drug. Although legal to purchase in Massachusetts for medical and recreational use, it remains a highly-regulated industry at the state level. This means dispensaries must carefully follow many regulations and restrictions around its cannabis sales to stay compliant, such as minimum age, limits on purchase, and possession quantities, to name a few.

For this reason, similar to waiting in line at a club or bar, you will be expected to present valid and unexpired government-issued identification to verify that you are at least 21 years old. In Massachusetts, your driver’s license or passport are both appropriate forms of identification.

Check out the dispensary’s online menu ahead of time. 

Some people compare recreational dispensaries to a liquor store, but that’s not the most accurate way to describe your experience. All dispensaries have a lobby area where your ID is checked, and then you are escorted to the dispensary selling room. 

In the dispensary room, you can expect a more high-end environment, much like a jewelry store; you will find products stored behind glass or in a display case, including:

  • Flower
  • Pre-rolls
  • Vaporizers
  • Concentrates
  • Edibles
  • Tinctures
  • Topicals

All products must be packaged in opaque packaging. You may not be able to visibly see the product, but strict labeling requirements provide all product details and third party testing results on each package. The product you are purchasing has been cultivated, processed, and tested to meet state requirements. 

Viewing a dispensary’s online menu is a great way to help you get an idea of what your options really are, even if you don’t know what it is you’re looking for. These menus are regularly updated with new and popular items. You can even pre-order products online and pick them up when the order is ready!

As an example, check out Mayflower’s Worcester online menu.

If you feel like you’d like more guidance, be assured that your dispensary budtenders will be able to answer any questions you have about the product menu. 

Bring cash or debit. 

Although there are some exciting changes moving through federal legislation about cannabis banking reform, dispensaries in Massachusetts do not accept credit cards at this time.

You will be required to either bring cash or pay with a debit card. While ATMs are typically available within every dispensary, it is better to be prepared and avoid transaction fees by making sure you have cash on hand.

Ready to visit a Worcester recreational dispensary?

Now that you’re prepared for your first dispensary visit, stop by Mayflower in Worcester to explore our wide range of cannabis products. You can also get in touch if you have questions.

Disclaimer

MARIJUANA PRODUCTS ARE FOR USE ONLY BY ADULTS 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER. KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.  THERE MAY BE HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH CONSUMPTION OF THIS PRODUCT. Neither the contents of this document nor the product referenced therein have been analyzed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There is limited information on the side effects of using this product, and there may be associated health risks. Marijuana use during pregnancy and breast-feeding may pose potential harms. It is against the law to drive or operate machinery when under the influence of this product. KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. The impairment effects of Edibles may be delayed by two hours or more. In case of accidental ingestion, contact poison control hotline 1-800-222-1222 or 9-1-1. This product may be illegal outside of MA.

PLEASE CONSUME RESPONSIBLY.

Share this post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

SEARCH:

You must be 21 years old or registered MA patient to visit this site

Please verify your age

Shopping Cart