Whether you’re new to cannabis or just visiting Salem, there are a few things to know before you purchase your first product at a dispensary.
The first thing to know is that dispensaries are cash only, and your ID must be presented for all purchases. This is because cannabis is still illegal on a federal level, so dispensaries cannot process credit cards or other forms of payment.
Know Your Limits
When buying cannabis at a Salem dispensary, you need to know your limits. This includes both a limit for your possession of marijuana and an amount that your dispensary is not allowed to oversell you.
For example, in Massachusetts, you can have up to one ounce of marijuana flower, and not more than five grams of marijuana concentrates.
But other things determine how much marijuana you can buy, and your budtender is your best resource for finding those answers.
If you’re a first-time cannabis consumer or want to try new strains, pick out something with low THC levels. These products have more CBD than THC, which can help balance the psychoactive effects.
Know Your Strains
As you might imagine, there are a lot of different strains of cannabis out there. The effects of each type can vary, so it’s essential to know your options before you head out to a dispensary.
Strains that are higher in THC tend to produce more substantial psychoactive effects. Alternatively, songs with a more balanced ratio of THC to CBD are often preferred by those looking for a more relaxed experience.
Know Your Products
When visiting Salem’s dispensaries, you must know your products. That way, you’ll be able to find what you need and avoid getting stuck in a long line.
Luckily, many Salem dispensaries have knowledgeable and helpful budtenders who will be able to answer all of your questions about their products.
If you have arthritis, for instance, a budtender may recommend a topical infused with cannabis oil or lotion that can be applied directly to the affected area for pain relief. Or, if you have a sore throat, you could ask your budtender about a tincture that you can take orally.
Know Your Budtender
Almost every dispensary features an experienced budtender who is prepared to answer your questions about the products they have on hand. They’ll help you find the best product for your needs, and they’re knowledgeable about medical marijuana, flower, concentrates, and edibles.
Most dispensaries are cash-only, so bringing some money with you is always a good idea. Many local dispensaries will also accept gift cards, which is a great way to avoid the hassle of paying with your credit card.
If you’re unsure whether a dispensary can legally sell cannabis, you should check state and federal regulations. You can find this information on government websites. This knowledge will prevent you from being a victim of a fraudulent dispensary or being unable to purchase cannabis.
Know Yourself
If you’re a first-time visitor to Salem or haven’t tried cannabis in years, the budtenders at dispensaries are here to help. They are trained to answer questions about medical marijuana, flower, concentrates, edibles, and pre-rolls.
They can also recommend products that may benefit your specific condition or situation. But don’t just rely on their knowledge — be honest with them about what you want from weed and how you plan to use it, and collaborate.
The most popular cannabis products are flowers and pre-rolls, but some customers were surprised by how many different types of tinctures are available. These extracts essentially remove all the THC from the cannabis flower to create something that looks like a sticky oil or a gummy bear.
