Tips to Help You Choose the Right Cannabis Dispensary

Making a purchase can be a big deal, no matter what you are buying. Before you press “buy” on your online cart or swipe your card at a local clothing retailer, you want to trust that you are getting a quality product.

Purchasing weed in Washington, D.C., is no exception. In fact, it can be even more nerve-wracking, as good cannabis is not cheap. With so many different dispensaries in the area, knowing which one to make your purchase from can be difficult. Plus, is it even legal?

Discover seven factors you should look at when choosing the right dispensary for you, information on its legality, and tips to help you prepare for your first cannabis purchase and delivery.

Is It Legal to Purchase Cannabis in Washington, D.C.?

Cannabis use for medical and recreational use is legal in Washington, D.C. But the laws around buying and selling it are complicated. 

Here’s the complicated part: It is illegal to sell marijuana for recreational purposes in D.C. So, though you can enjoy cannabis products, getting ahold of them requires a little out-of-the-box thinking.

For those with medical marijuana cards, there are seven registered and licensed cannabis dispensaries in Washington, D.C., that you can purchase weed from.

So, outside of growing your own weed (within the allowed limits), how are cannabis users supposed to get cannabis to use? There is a unique loophole in the area’s cannabis laws. Though selling and buying recreational cannabis is illegal, you can give up to one ounce away as a gift.

It’s this little loophole that has allowed dispensaries in Washington, D.C., to pop up and start operating. Many will offer their products as gifts with other products and only accept “donations” for them. Delivery services have also popped up, again offering to deliver cannabis products as a gift with a purchase.

Finding the Right Dispensary in Washington, D.C.

Now that you know how purchasing cannabis in D.C. works, you may be wondering how you can find a dispensary to order from.

Finding the right dispensary for you is important. You don’t want to just choose the first one you find. Choosing the best dispensary can give you peace of mind that you are getting a quality product at a reasonable price. It also improves safety as the company should vet their products before selling them and comply with local cannabis regulations.

Here are seven tips to help you find the right dispensary for you:

1. Look at the location. Washington, D.C., is a big place, and traveling far and wide to order cannabis or have it delivered can be time-consuming and costly. Look for a dispensary that is near you and that you can easily travel to if you plan to pick up your purchase on your own. 
2. Are they licensed? If you are purchasing medical marijuana, you can use your card to buy cannabis from one of the seven licensed facilities. To stay compliant with your card, make sure they are licensed and registered for cannabis sales for medical use.
3. Make sure they sell the products you are looking for. You likely have a specific cannabis product or a specific cannabis strain you want to buy. Does your potential new dispensary sell it? Some may only offer cannabis buds, while others may specialize in edibles or other unique products. And others still may offer a wide range of products. Browse the dispensary’s menu to see the products they offer. 
4. Are you in their service area? If delivery is your chosen way to get your cannabis, see if the dispensary you are considering delivers to where you live. Some may only operate within a specific area, while others may be willing to travel all over the city. You should be able to find their delivery radius on their website or when using a site that offers dispensary listings for you to browse, like ours. 
5. Ensure their products are of high quality. Quality is important when it comes to buying (or being gifted) cannabis products. Some dispensaries may grow their products, while others purchase from wholesalers. While either is an acceptable option, it means the quality of products can vary between dispensaries. Look to see where their products are sourced and see if they have third-party testing results available for you to review to help judge the quality of the products the dispensary offers.
6. Is the price right? You probably have a budget you need to stick to when it comes to purchasing cannabis. Make sure you can find the product you need in a price range you can afford. Keep in mind that some dispensaries also have a minimum order amount and may charge delivery fees. You’ll want to factor these additional costs into your budget as you shop around.
7. Do they have good reviews? Finally, read reviews of your potential new dispensary. Were other customers happy with the service and the product? Hearing from others can give you peace of mind that you are choosing a good dispensary and will get a quality product. 

Tips for Your First Dispensary Purchase

Now that you have found the Washington, D.C., dispensary you want to purchase from, here are some tips to make it an easy process.

• Look at minimum purchase orders and delivery fees. We mentioned this as part of “things to look for,” but it is important. Knowing what you will spend is essential so you can be prepared for our next tip.
• Have cash ready. Most dispensaries do not accept cards or payment apps like PayPal or Venmo. You will need to have cash on hand to give them.
• Tips are appreciated but not required. Though you don’t have to tip your budtender or delivery driver, it is recommended. Have a tip prepared to reward for good service and fast delivery.

Final Thoughts

There are many dispensaries to choose from in Washington, D.C. Use our tips to help ensure you choose the right one for you and that you are prepared for your first purchase.