Cannabis Dispensary Etiquette 101: What You Should and Shouldn’t Do

More places are starting to offer citizens access to medical or recreational cannabis dispensaries. But what should you expect when you visit one? Are there things you should and shouldn’t do in a dispensary? Let’s take a closer look at some of the things you should be ready for upon your first visit to a dispensary, as well as some of the main dos and don’ts of dispensary etiquette.

Be Prepared for High Prices Thanks to Taxation

On average, when a customer visits a medical or recreational cannabis dispensary, they spend between $10 to $300. Some people are overwhelmed by the final price. This is because many consumers are not used to paying such high taxes on consumer goods. Cannabis is one of the highest-taxed legal products in the US. Some places have tax on cannabis that is higher than 30%.

This means that on a $100 purchase, you are paying anywhere from $115-$130 and potentially more total for your purchase once the tax is added. In states where there are already high tax rates when you add on a special MJ tax and an additional excise tax, the numbers add up quickly.

Tipping Etiquette – Budtenders Need Cannabis Too!

When you buy a hundred dollars’ worth of product and pay much more than that for the out the door price, the thought of tipping your budtender might not even pop into mind. But should it? The legal cannabis sector is a rapidly-growing one. One that’s cultivating a budding workforce to go with it. Budtenders make up an enormous part of that workforce.

But should you tip your budtender? It depends. While many others in hospitality rely on tips as they are only paid minimum wage, budtenders do not rely on tips. An average budtender makes between $10 to $16 an hour. That doesn’t mean that don’t deserve a tip though. Budtenders need weed too, and since many can accept tips, why not throw in a couple of bucks to show that you appreciate their service?

Don’t Touch the Bud

While it shouldn’t have to be said, don’t touch the bud. While many dispensaries will allow you to view and smell the herbage they offer, it is not polite to touch the buds and often strictly prohibited. This is for many different reasons.

• By touching the bud, you remove precious trichomes that should be intact for the end consumer upon purchase. This degrades the overall quality of the product.
• It’s rude. I think everyone can agree that no one wants to consume cannabis that a bunch of random strangers has had their hands all over. This is why many dispensaries require budtenders, trimmers, and other staff always to wear gloves when handling the product.

Come Prepared BEFORE You Visit a Cannabis Dispensary

Preparation is key! When visiting a dispensary, there are a few things you will need. First and foremost, you will need identification. If you are a medical cannabis patient, you will also need to provide documentation providing your patient status upon visiting a dispensary. These two items are often required at all dispensary visits.

In most cases, you will also need to have cash to make a purchase. While some dispensaries have found ways of working around the banking conundrums of the cannabis sector, many still operate on a cash-only basis. For this reason, it is best to come prepared. The majority of dispensaries have an ATM on-site, but I have found that they tend to often be bone dry because of the cash-only aspect of the sector.

What tips do you have for others visiting a dispensary for the first time? Are there other aspects of etiquette that you would like to suggest to our readers? If so, drop us a line in the comments below!