When it comes to finding a good dispensary, there are a few key factors to consider. Here are some things to look for when determining if the dispensary near you is of high quality:

1. Selection

 A good dispensary should have a wide variety of products to choose from, including different strains of cannabis, edibles, balms, tinctures, concentrates, CBD, and more. This indicates that they are well-stocked and able to meet the needs of a diverse group of adult use or recreational customers and medical patients.  A good dispensary offers top-shelf or high-end cannabis products, something moderately priced and an economical option as well.  At each price tier, quality and lab-tested products are always an important requirement.  

2. Quality of products

 The products sold at a dispensary should be of high quality, free of contaminants, and with the appropriate labeling and packaging. Look for dispensaries that have their products lab-tested and have the results available for customers to see.  States where adults use marijuana and medical cannabis are available require retail locations and provisioning centers to purchase only from licensed cannabis growers and processors and each and every product must meet high-quality standards and be lab tested by a state-certified testing facility.    

3. Staff knowledge 

The staff at a dispensary should be knowledgeable about the products they are selling and be able to answer any questions you may have. They should also be able to make recommendations based on your needs and preferences.  Oftentimes product vendors provide education for dispensary staff.  Other times, dispensary staff have personal knowledge and experience with adult use and medical marijuana products.  Other dispensary staff have experience in the medical caregiver market or working with other cannabis businesses.  In many states where medical marijuana was initially legal, individual caregivers registered with their state to grow medical cannabis for up to 5 clients. These individuals may have in-depth knowledge about the quality and nuances of the cannabis plant just by looking at the nug or bud and smelling it.  

4. Customer service 

The staff at a dispensary are typically called budtenders.  Each budtender should be friendly and helpful, making you feel comfortable and welcome. They should also be willing to work with you to find the right products for your needs.  A customer should feel comfortable asking questions about different products and different product effects.  Another sign of good customer service at a dispensary is if the budtenders or staff have good product recommendations.  Purchasing cannabis should be a fun experience.  Enjoy yourself and learn something along the way.  Ask your friends where they shop for cannabis products too.  A good recommendation goes a long way when finding a dispensary that needs your needs.  

5. Pricing

A good dispensary should have fair and competitive pricing, without overcharging for their products. It’s also important to note that cheaper doesn’t always mean better.  A good dispensary should consider customers may have different budgets or price points at which they can purchase recreational or medical marijuana.  A good dispensary should carry various products at different price points while maintaining good quality products.  Oftentimes a good dispensary will offer deals, first-time customer promotions, and discounts which result in the customer saving big on products a customer was already going to purchase.  Check a dispensaries website for specials and deals.  Sign up for text blast notifications.  Sign up to be on an email list that will share specials.  A good dispensary also offers a rewards or loyalty program to its adult-use customers and medical patients.  

6. Safety and cleanliness 

The dispensary should be clean and well-maintained, with a focus on safety and security. This is important for both the staff and customers.  In addition, customers should feel comfortable parking, entering, and purchasing at a location.  

7. Compliance with laws and regulations 

A good dispensary should be operating in compliance with all state and local laws and regulations. In Michigan, a good dispensary is compliant with the Cannabis Regulatory Agency as well as the city in which the dispensary operates.  This includes being licensed and registered with the appropriate authorities.  The longer a dispensary has operated the more likely they are compliant with local and state cannabis regulations.  

By considering these key factors, you can get a good sense of whether the dispensary near you is reputable and trustworthy. Keep in mind that dispensaries can vary greatly in terms of quality, and it may take some trial and error to find the right one for you. Additionally, it’s worth doing some research online, reading reviews and testimonials of customers that have visited the dispensary, this can give you a better idea of what to expect when you visit.

What’s the history of the dispensary?  Ask yourself how long has the marijuana dispensary been in business.  A good dispensary may be owned by an individual who participated in the marijuana movement to legalize marijuana as well as decriminalize marijuana.  Some of the dispensary owners and or staff members may have participated in legal state-recognized caregiver or grower programs before cannabis became available at retail locations.  How long a dispensary has been open is also a good indicator of a good dispensary.  If a dispensary has survived the test of time, the dispensary and its staff must be doing many things right, for example, they know their customer base, they have good relationships with cannabis vendors and they have been in business long enough to which products are the best quality at the best price.  These factors can also influence where you as a customer would like to spend your cannabis dollars.  Do you prefer to support a corporate or big-box cannabis store that answers to board members and shareholders?  Do you want to support an independent dispensary that stocks its shelves with quality cannabis products based on its own customer base?  

When it comes to selecting products, it’s also important to keep in mind that different strains of cannabis can have different effects, and what works for one person may not work for another. The cannabis plant is female.  Cannabis strains are either a Sativa, Indica, or hybrid strains.  It’s important to start with a small amount and see how it affects you before consuming more. A product can affect an individual differently depending on that person’s tolerance to cannabis.  Additionally, the effects of edibles can take longer to kick in and last longer than inhaled cannabis, so it’s important to be cautious and start with a low dose.  There are water-soluble THC edibles, particularly THC gummy edibles, which take effect within 10-15 minutes.  Typically an edible can take 30-45 minutes to have an effect, but it also can take longer.  It is a good idea to start with a small dose.  Today’s THC edibles are checked for quality and consistency.  Homemade marijuana edibles are not always consistent.  Baking is a science, not an art.    

Conclusion

In conclusion, finding a good dispensary involves paying attention to a number of different factors, including selection, quality, staff knowledge, customer service, pricing, safety, and compliance with laws and regulations. By considering these factors and doing some research, you can ensure that you find a dispensary that meets your needs and provides you with a positive experience.