A Beginner’s Guide to Shopping at a Dispensary: What to Know Before You Go

Visiting a cannabis dispensary for the first time can be both exciting and intimidating. Whether you’re completely new to cannabis or a seasoned enthusiast looking to experience legal purchasing for the first time, the process of buying cannabis in a dispensary can be quite different from other shopping experiences. From understanding the variety of products available to knowing the rules and regulations, being prepared can help you make the most of your visit.

At Exit 31 Exotic, we pride ourselves on providing a welcoming, informative, and enjoyable shopping experience for all customers—whether it’s your first time or your hundredth. This beginner’s guide will walk you through everything you need to know before your first trip to a dispensary, so you feel confident and ready to explore the wonderful world of cannabis.

Understanding the Basics of Cannabis Shopping

Before stepping into a dispensary like Exit 31 Exotic, it’s important to understand a few key concepts about cannabis. This will not only help you feel more comfortable but also ensure you get exactly what you’re looking for.

1. THC vs. CBD: Know the Difference

One of the first things you’ll notice when shopping for cannabis is the distinction between THC and CBD, the two most common cannabinoids.

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): This is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that gets you “high.” THC is responsible for the euphoric, relaxing, or sometimes energizing effects people often associate with cannabis. Different products contain varying levels of THC, so it’s important to pay attention to the potency if you’re new to cannabis.
CBD (Cannabidiol): Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive and does not produce a high. It is known for its therapeutic benefits, such as reducing anxiety, alleviating pain, and promoting relaxation without altering your state of mind. Many people use CBD products for wellness purposes or to manage certain conditions without the psychoactive effects.

Most products in a dispensary will contain one or both of these cannabinoids in different ratios. It’s important to understand what you’re looking for, whether you want something psychoactive (THC) or something more relaxing and medicinal (CBD).

2. Types of Cannabis Products

When you enter a dispensary, you’ll likely encounter a wide array of cannabis products, each with its own method of consumption and effects. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:

Flower (Bud): This is the dried and cured form of the cannabis plant, commonly smoked in a joint, pipe, or bong. It’s the most traditional form of cannabis and allows users to experience the full effects of the plant’s cannabinoids and terpenes.
Edibles: Cannabis-infused foods, drinks, or candies. Edibles are popular for their convenience and discretion, but they can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in. They also tend to be more potent, so dosage is important.
Concentrates: These are highly potent cannabis extracts that come in various forms like wax, shatter, or oil. Concentrates are consumed using special devices like dab rigs or vaporizers, and they deliver a powerful, fast-acting high.
Vapes: Vaporized cannabis products are a popular choice for those looking for a smoke-free option. Vapes are available as cartridges filled with cannabis oil, which can be attached to a battery-operated device for inhalation.
Tinctures: Tinctures are liquid cannabis extracts typically consumed sublingually (under the tongue) for fast absorption. They’re easy to dose and offer a discreet way to consume cannabis.
Topicals: These are cannabis-infused creams, balms, or lotions applied directly to the skin for localized relief of pain, inflammation, or skin conditions. They don’t produce a high and are used mainly for therapeutic purposes.

Each product offers a different experience, and at Exit 31 Exotic, our knowledgeable staff can help you choose the right one based on your preferences and goals.

What to Expect When Visiting a Dispensary

Now that you have a basic understanding of cannabis products, let’s dive into what you can expect when you actually visit a dispensary, specifically Exit 31 Exotic.

1. Be Prepared to Show Identification

Whether you’re shopping at a recreational or medical dispensary, one thing is certain: you will need to show a valid ID proving you’re at least 21 years old (or 18 with a medical cannabis card, depending on state laws). It’s important to bring government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. Exit 31 Exotic follows all legal requirements, so your ID will be checked upon entering the store.

If you’re a medical cannabis patient, be sure to bring your medical marijuana card along with your ID. Medical patients often have access to a wider range of products and may be eligible for tax breaks or higher purchase limits.

2. Expect a Security Check

Most dispensaries, including Exit 31 Exotic, have strict security measures in place to ensure a safe shopping experience. Don’t be surprised if there’s a security guard at the entrance or if your bags are checked when you enter. This is standard practice and part of maintaining a compliant and safe environment for all customers.

3. Friendly and Knowledgeable Budtenders

Once you’re inside, you’ll be greeted by a team of budtenders—the dispensary staff who are there to assist you with your purchase. At Exit 31 Exotic, our budtenders are not only friendly but also highly knowledgeable about cannabis products, from strains to dosages to methods of consumption.

If it’s your first time, don’t hesitate to ask questions! Budtenders can help guide you toward products that match your preferences, desired effects, and experience level. Whether you’re looking for a specific strain, a relaxing edible, or a topical for pain relief, they’re there to ensure you leave with exactly what you need.

4. Browsing the Menu

Dispensaries typically display their products in glass cases, on shelves, or on digital menus. You’ll likely see categories like flower, edibles, vapes, and more, each with detailed descriptions including strain names, THC/CBD content, and prices.

At Exit 31 Exotic, our product menu is updated regularly to reflect our latest offerings. You can expect to see familiar strain names as well as unique, hard-to-find varieties exclusive to our store. Take your time browsing the menu, and feel free to ask the budtenders for recommendations based on your needs.

5. Product Recommendations

When visiting a dispensary for the first time, many people aren’t sure what products to try. This is where the expertise of the budtenders comes in handy. Here are a few things to keep in mind when discussing product options:

Desired Effect: Be clear about the kind of experience you’re seeking. Are you looking for relaxation, pain relief, creativity, or social stimulation? Let the budtender know so they can suggest the appropriate strain or product.
Tolerance and Experience: If you’re new to cannabis, it’s a good idea to start with lower THC products or CBD-rich options. The budtender can help guide you to milder products that are less likely to overwhelm you.
Consumption Method: Decide how you prefer to consume cannabis. If you don’t want to smoke, there are plenty of alternatives like edibles, tinctures, and topicals. Let the budtender know your preference so they can point you in the right direction.

At Exit 31 Exotic, our budtenders take pride in providing tailored recommendations to help you get the most out of your cannabis experience.

6. Pricing and Payment

Cannabis pricing can vary depending on the product, its potency, and local market conditions. At Exit 31 Exotic, we strive to offer competitive prices across all of our product categories, ensuring that there’s something for every budget.

Most dispensaries, including ours, operate on a cash-only basis, as federal banking regulations make it difficult for cannabis businesses to accept credit or debit cards. However, Exit 31 Exotic offers an on-site ATM for your convenience, so you can withdraw cash if necessary.

Additionally, it’s common practice to tip your budtender, especially if they’ve taken the time to walk you through product options and offer personalized advice. While tipping isn’t mandatory, it’s a nice way to show appreciation for good service.

Navigating the Purchase Process

After you’ve chosen your products and completed the payment process, you’ll receive your cannabis in child-proof packaging as required by law. This packaging is designed to keep your purchase safe and secure while complying with state regulations.

Before you leave the dispensary, here are a few important things to remember:

Check the Label: The packaging will include important information about your purchase, such as the strain name, THC/CBD content, and recommended dosage. Be sure to read the label so you understand what you’re consuming.
Follow the Law: In New York, it’s legal to purchase and consume cannabis, but there are still rules to follow. Cannabis consumption is generally prohibited in public spaces, so plan to enjoy your products at home or in a private setting. Additionally, it’s illegal to drive under the influence of cannabis, so make sure you have a safe way to get home after visiting the dispensary.
Storing Your Cannabis: Once you get home, store your cannabis in a cool, dark place, and keep it out of reach of children and pets. Proper storage will help preserve the potency and flavor of your products.

How to Prepare for Your Visit to Exit 31 Exotic

Now that you have a good idea of what to expect, let’s talk about how to prepare for your visit to Exit 31 Exotic, one of the premier dispensaries in Utica, NY

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