The cannabis industry has grown a lot over the last few years. Almost 80% of US states have a medical cannabis program, while just under half have a recreational or adult use program. Its popularity continues to grow, too. According to a 2021 Gallup poll, nearly half of all US adults have tried cannabis, up from 40% in 2015 and 30% in 1985.
With state legalization comes the appearance of cannabis dispensaries. Knowing what these essential shops are and how to find the best ones will help ensure that you find quality products and have more positive experiences.
What Is a Dispensary?
A dispensary is a specific type of shop that sells cannabis products. There are two types — medical dispensaries and adult-use dispensaries. The former caters specifically to patients with a Massachusetts medical card, while the latter sells items for recreational use. Both types sell a variety of cannabis products, including flowers, vapes, concentrates, edibles, and topicals.
How To Find the Best Dispensary for First-Time Patients
Here are a few tips that can help you find the best dispensary for first-time patients:
Determine Your Goals and Your Budget
Your goals will help you narrow down the best products/strains for what you want. Your budget will also help you find the best products and get the most for your money.
Run a Local Search Online
A quick online search for nearby dispensaries can provide you with several results. Explore their websites to learn about each dispensary, including who they are and what they have to offer.
Look at the Product Variety
The best dispensaries offer a wide variety of products. They’ll also feature a range of potencies within each product category, allowing them to cater to a broader audience of cannabis enthusiasts.
Read Past Customer Reviews
While you can learn a lot by visiting dispensary websites, you can learn even more by reading reviews from past customers. That information can give you an idea of the type of experience you can expect with a particular shop.
Consider the Location
You don’t want to have to go too far out of your way to purchase cannabis. However, you also shouldn’t settle for a dispensary close to your house if it has poor ratings or doesn’t offer your preferred products. Look for ones that have convenient locations and feature everything you need or want.
Check Out Shops in Person
Visiting dispensaries in person will give you an idea of what it’s like to travel there regularly, allowing you to see how convenient and safe the location truly is. When you walk through the door, pay attention to the atmosphere of the shop and how you feel being there.
Talk to a Budtender
One of the things that make top dispensaries so great is their budtenders. The best shops have knowledgeable budtenders who know their products inside and out. If you aren’t sure where to start, these individuals will also be able to help you find the right products and strains for your needs.
Find Out If There’s a Loyalty Program
Great dispensaries find ways to show their customers how much they appreciate them. One popular way they do this is with a loyalty program that rewards them for their repeat business and keeps them coming back for more.
Are You a First-Time Dispensary Patient in Massachusetts? Check Out Harbor House
Whether you’re a first-time patient or a veteran user in Massachusetts, Harbor House Collective has the highest-quality cannabis products for you. We offer a wide range of products, many of which we cultivate and manufacture ourselves. We also stock an assortment of premier products from other trusted licensed cannabis companies in the state. For more information, check us out online or visit us at our Chelsea dispensary today!
