What to Know Before Walking Into a Dispensary

Before we get to the FAQs, it’s important to build a little knowledge about what you can expect from recreational cannabis. If you're planning to walk into a dispensary for the first time, there are a few things to learn about cannabis ahead of time to help make your experience smooth and enjoyable.

• Bring your ID - Dispensaries are required by law to verify your age, so make sure to bring a valid government-issued ID with you.
• Conduct a little research - Take some time to research the dispensary you plan to visit, including its menu and pricing. This will help you determine what you know – and what you need to find out – during your visit.
• Know what you're looking for - Consider the type of experience you want to have, whether you're looking for a product to help you relax, something to energize you, or even a product that can alleviate a medical concern. Understanding what you're looking for can help the staff recommend products that meet your needs.
• Ask questions - Don't be afraid to ask questions. The staff at the dispensary are there to help you and answer any questions you may have about products, dosages, and consumption methods.
• Understand the legal requirements and restrictions - Be aware of the laws in your state regarding recreational cannabis use. It's especially  important to know the legal limits for the possession and consumption of cannabis products as a recreational consumer.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can walk into a dispensary with confidence and make the most of your experience.

Medical vs. Recreational Cannabis

While both medical and recreational includes cannabis-infused products, there are some differences between the two programs. The primary difference between medical and recreational cannabis is the product’s intended use, which dictates the way it is regulated.

Medical cannabis is used to treat specific medical conditions or symptoms, such as chronic pain, nausea, or seizures. It is prescribed by a healthcare professional and is typically used to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. In most medical-cannabis-only states, you must be added to a medical registry and carry a medical cannabis card with you into a medical-only dispensary.

Medical cannabis patients may also have access to different cannabis forms, dosages, and strains, and their possession and purchase limits may be different than those of recreational consumers.

Recreational cannabis, on the other hand, may be used for relaxation, socializing, or enhancing creativity. Though many recreational cannabis clients use recreational cannabis to treat a variety of ailments, it is also used by adults who are looking for a recreational experience or want to use cannabis for its psychoactive effects. Recreational cannabis is legal in fewer states than medical cannabis and is subject to different regulations. However, recreational cannabis is still tightly regulated, and the law in most states sets forth a large number of requirements cannabis dispensaries must adhere to.

While there may be some differences in the types of products available for medical and recreational use, the chemical compounds in cannabis are the same on a basic level. Both can include cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, terpenes like limonene and pinene, and a variety of flavonoids and other beneficial compounds.

What Does Recreational Cannabis Actually Mean?

Cannabis used recreationally is used for non-medical objectives, including social interaction, relaxing, or fostering innovation. Those who wish to experience the euphoric effects of THC, the main psychoactive component in cannabis, often use it recreationally. In places where it is legal, adults may purchase cannabis products from licensed dispensaries, which offer a range of products; while these products by state due to program rules, product options often include flowers, edibles, concentrates, and topicals.

Recreational cannabis use can have a range of effects on individuals, depending on the product used and factors such as dosage, frequency of use, and personal tolerance. Most people experience feelings of relaxation, euphoria, and heightened sensory perception. Some even report a positive side effect of recreational cannabis use: the easing of symptoms of physical and mental health conditions.

The History of Recreational Cannabis

The use of cannabis for recreational purposes has a long history that dates back thousands of years. In fact, cannabis has been used in various cultures and regions for its psychoactive effects and medicinal properties as early as 5,000 years ago. Whether spiritual, medicinal, or creative purposes were involved, cultures as far-flung as Africa, China, India, and more participated in cannabis use.

In the United States, recreational cannabis use was common in the early 1900s, with many people using cannabis for both euphoria and healing. However, as the 1900s went on, the US government began a campaign to demonize cannabis, claiming that it was a dangerous drug that led to criminal behavior and insanity. News reports from Mexico involving “Mexican loco-weed" fed into this fear.

This campaign culminated in the passage of the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937, which effectively banned the use and possession of cannabis in the United States. The prohibition of cannabis continued for decades, with many people being arrested and incarcerated for cannabis-related offenses.

In the 1990s and 2000s, there was a growing movement to legalize cannabis for medicinal purposes. California became the first state to legalize medical cannabis in 1996, and many other states followed suit in subsequent years. More recently, residents and representatives alike have joined the movement to legalize recreational use, and several states have approved adult-use cannabis. Today, recreational cannabis is legal in over twenty US states, as well as in Canada and other countries.

Cannabinoids 101

Cannabinoids are a group of naturally occurring chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. They interact with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates multiple physiological and mental responses, including pain regulation, appetite, sleep, memory, mood, and more.

There are over 100 different cannabinoids found in cannabis, but the two most well-known and studied cannabinoids are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects commonly associated with cannabis use, while CBD is non-psychoactive and often demonstrates potential therapeutic benefits.

Other cannabinoids found in cannabis include cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabichromene (CBC), among others. Each cannabinoid has unique properties and potential therapeutic benefits, and scientists are continuing to study the effects of different cannabinoids and their potential medical uses.

Cannabinoids can be consumed through a variety of methods, including smoking flower, vaping, edibles, tinctures, topicals, transdermals, capsules, oral products, and more. The intended effects can vary depending on the strain used to create the product, the method of consumption, the dose, and the individual's tolerance.

Dispensary Employees: Knowing The Role They Play

Employees of any industry should be knowledgeable about their space. In cannabis, this includes a variety of cannabis strains, products, and consumption methods available at the dispensary, as well as ability to provide guidance and recommendations based on  preferences and needs.

The role of a dispensary employee typically includes greeting customers, answering their questions, and providing information about the various cannabis products available. They may also help people select the right products, choose strains of cannabis flower, discuss edible dosing, clarify the various forms of concentrates, and more. They are also responsible for maintaining a safe and welcoming environment within the dispensary, ensuring that customers are aware of the laws and regulations surrounding cannabis use and are adhering to state and local regulations regarding the sale of cannabis products.

Cannabis Advisors at Zen Leaf dispensaries receive extensive training and education about cannabis and its effects, as well as the various products and strains available. As such, they can and do fulfill all the roles stated above at our recreational dispensaries. Think of advisors as thoughtful, personal guides to the wide variety of options available.

Recreational Cannabis FAQs

While the above information is vital to know before you make your first trip to a recreational dispensary, you may still have some pressing questions about recreational cannabis. Here are the most common.

Are Medical Edibles the Same as Recreational?

Medical edibles and recreational edibles are often made from the same cannabis flower and contain the same active compounds, especially THC, CBD, and even terpenes, though there may be some differences in the  dosages and labeling requirements.

In some states, edibles may be exclusive to the medical program. Too, more potent edible dosing may be reserved for medical cannabis patients.

What Is Considered Recreational Cannabis?

"Recreational" generally refers to activities or products that are engaged in or consumed for enjoyment, relaxation, or leisure rather than for a specific purpose or benefit. In the context of cannabis, "recreational use" refers to the non-medical use of cannabis for purposes such as euphoria, creativity, and social situations. Recreational use is legal in some states but subject to specific regulations and restrictions.

Recreational purchasers are subject to limits on the amount that can be purchased or possessed, where it can be consumed, and how it can be transported. The products available for recreational purchase may vary by state and even by dispensary.

Can I Sell My Leftover Cannabis to Another Legal User?

No, it is illegal to sell cannabis unless you are a verified dispensary, even if you have extra left over and are selling to another legal user. In most states and countries, selling or distributing cannabis without a license can result in legal consequences such as fines, imprisonment, or other penalties.

What Is the Difference Between Cannabis, Hemp, and Marijuana?

Cannabis, hemp, and marijuana are all terms used to refer to the cannabis sativa L. plant, but they may be used differently. Cannabis is the shortened name of the plant genus that includes both hemp and marijuana varieties of cannabis. It is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Cannabaceae and contains various chemical compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.

Marijuana is the term many states use to describe cannabis that is grown for its psychoactive properties and is typically high in THC. It is used for recreational and medical purposes and can produce a range of effects depending on the strain, method of consumption, and dose.

Hemp is an outlier. It’s a variety of cannabis that is grown for industrial purposes, such as textiles, paper, and building materials. It contains low levels of THC (less than 0.3% by dry weight).

Where Can I Smoke Cannabis?

In states where cannabis is legal, whether recreational or medical, consumption is typically restricted to private residences or privaty property with the owner’s permission. Some states may allow smoking in certain designated public spaces, such as licensed cannabis lounges or clubs, but this option is not yet widespread. It is important to be aware of the laws and regulations regarding cannabis consumption in your state.

It’s important to note that if you are renting, landlords may prohibit cannabis use on their property. Too, remember that driving under the influence of cannabis is always illegal.

How Much Cannabis Can I Purchase at a Time?

The amount of cannabis that can be purchased at a time varies depending on the specific state laws and regulations. Generally, states have established limits on the amount of cannabis that can be purchased in a given day and possessed by an individual for personal use.

For example, in Colorado, adults over 21 can purchase up to an ounce of cannabis at a time and may have that amount on their person. In California, adults can purchase up to one ounce of flower or up to eight grams of cannabis concentrate per day. Other states, such as Oregon, allow up to one ounce of flower, 16 ounces of solid edibles, or 72 ounces of infused liquids in each transaction.

Can I Have Cannabis in My Car?

In states where recreational cannabis is legal, there may be restrictions on where and how much cannabis can be transported in a vehicle. Many states require that the cannabis product remain inside the container it was sold in, sealed. Others states require individuals to transport cannabis in a closed container in the trunk of their vehicle, while others still may require it to be in a locked container.

It is important to be aware of the laws and regulations regarding cannabis transportation in your specific state. Traveling with cannabis, outside of transporting your purchases to your home, is not recommended. You may not transport cannabis across state lines, even if you are traveling to another legal recreational state.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Recreational Cannabis?

The minimum age to purchase recreational cannabis in states where it is legal is 21 years old, consistent with the legal drinking age in the United States.

It’s important to carry a valid form of identification when purchasing cannabis to verify that you are of legal age. The dispensary will ask to see your identification before allowing entrance.

How Much Cannabis Can I Consume in a Sitting?

The amount of marijuana that a person can consume in a sitting can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the individual's tolerance level, the potency of the cannabis, and the method of consumption. It is important to consume cannabis responsibly and in moderation, especially if you are new to using cannabis. The effects of cannabis can take several minutes to over an hour to fully set in, so it is important to wait and see how you feel before consuming more.

Can You Cultivate Your Own Cannabis Plants?

Even if cannabis is legal for recreational use in your state, you may still not be allowed to cultivate your own plants. Currently, 13 states allow cannabis cultivation for medical patients, while only 11 allow private cultivation for personal recreational use. In addition, most states limit cultivation to 4-6 plants, which must be kept out of the reach of the public and others who are not of age to consume. Check your local laws to determine if cultivating cannabis is legal if plant restrictions are in place, and regulations surrounding where you can house your plants.

Learn More About Recreational Cannabis in Your Area

Ready to learn more about cannabis and stay up-to-date on the latest news and trends in the industry? Head over to our cannabis educational blog for more information and answers to all your questions about this amazing plant. Whether you're a seasoned consumer or just starting out, our blog and cannabis learning center are great resources for discovering more about this incredible plant.

References:

1. DiLondardo, Mary Jo. (2021). CBD vs. THC: Properties, Benefits, Risks, & Legality. Retrieved March 8, 2023 from https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/cbd-thc-difference
2. Sullivan E, Austriaco N. A virtue analysis of recreational marijuana use. Linacre Q. 2016 May; 83(2): 158-173. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5102207/