What Is a Cannabis Dispensary? (2024)

“What is a dispensary” is a question that invariably comes up when individuals are considering their first forays into the cannabis world. The increasing legalization and acceptance of cannabis has led to increased interest in cannabis products and where to purchase them; this is where a dispensary comes in.

Marijuana stores—or dispensaries—offer a safe and easy way to purchase recreational and/or medical marijuana. As a consumer, you'll find a wide range of products in your local dispensary. Keep in mind that the types of products sold will depend on the legal status of specific products in your state.

What Is a Dispensary?

A dispensary is a store that sells marijuana to recreational or medical marijuana users. Licensed marijuana dispensaries offer a legal and reliable way to purchase high-quality marijuana products. Dispensaries require a number of licenses to be able to sell marijuana legally and are subject to the laws surrounding the sale of cannabis in their state.

What Do Dispensaries Sell?

Most dispensaries sell a wide range of cannabis-related products. This can include cannabis flower, concentrates, edibles, and cannabis-related paraphernalia like bongs and rolling paper.

The marijuana market is constantly innovating and as a result, there are a huge number of cannabis-based products to choose from. Specialists in dispensaries can walk you through different products and how to use them, and make recommendations depending on what you're looking for.

If you're a first-time consumer, you may not know what to expect when visiting your first dispensary. You might even feel a little intimidated, but rest easy because the staff in your local dispensary will be delighted to welcome you.

Recreational vs Medical Dispensaries

In some states, there's an important distinction between recreational and medical dispensaries.

Recreational Dispensaries

A recreational dispensary is a marijuana store licensed to sell cannabis-based products to recreational users. Consumers don't need a prescription or a medical marijuana card to purchase recreational cannabis. This means dispensary owners can choose their products based purely on what the consumer wants or likes rather than what might be helpful for certain health condition(s).

Recreational marijuana dispensaries offer a space for enthusiasts to gather and compare notes on different products. Your local recreational marijuana dispensary will likely offer a wider range of products than a medical marijuana dispensary as they can offer products not produced by exclusively medicinal brands.

Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

Unlike recreational dispensaries, MMJ dispensaries focus on providing medical-grade marijuana for patients with certain qualifying conditions. The range of products will be more limited as they can only stock products intended for medical use.

Benefits of Dispensaries

Legal dispensaries offer several benefits:

• The products are laboratory tested: The products that licensed marijuana establishments sell are generally required to be tested for things like potency, cannabinoid content, terpene content, pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, and contaminants. These tests are intended to protect your health and safety.

• The products are clearly labeled: Having a place to purchase cannabis products that are clearly labeled and regulated makes buying and consuming products a lot safer. Consumers can read the label of a product like any other food item and make informed choices about what they wish to consume.

• Secure packaging: All cannabis products must follow strict packaging requirements. For example, law WAC 314-55-105 in Washington State requires cannabis edibles to be sold in child-resistant packaging.

• On-Site Security: Dispensaries must conform to minimum security requirements. These include 24/7 camera systems, vaults, and well-lit parking areas. A dispensary is a safe place, which facilitates a smooth experience for its customers.

• Expert staff: Workers in dispensaries are trained to help consumers choose a product that’s right for them. Staff will make recommendations based on your needs, preferences, and experience levels.

• Legal compliance: Cannabis dispensaries are required to follow the most up-to-date laws. The staff will make sure that your purchase is within legal limits and can explain how to transport and consume the products legally.

A Brief History of Dispensaries

The right to buy and sell cannabis has been a long, winding, and unfinished tale in American history. The demonization and illegalization of cannabis were spurred by an influx of Mexican immigrants at the beginning of the 20th century. Indeed, the name "marijuana" was coined to associate the product with immigrants from south of the border.

Until 2014, many different administrations maintained cannabis's—and dispensaries'—illegal status. However, 2014 saw the opening of the world's first recreational marijuana dispensary in Denver, Colorado. This marked a watershed moment in overturning anti-cannabis laws. Other states followed in Colorado's footsteps and allowed dispensaries to sell recreational cannabis to consumers over 21 years old.

As of 2024, there are only four states where cannabis is still fully illegal.

How to Find a Dispensary

Finding a cannabis dispensary is easy in recreational states. Search online or, better still, get recommendations from cannabis enthusiasts near you. There are more than 50 licensed dispensaries in Seattle, WA, so there’s sure to be one near you.

Things to Know Before Visiting a Dispensary for the First Time

Cannabis dispensaries function much the same as any other store. However, be aware that you will need to prove your age or—if purchasing medical cannabis—your eligibility for medical marijuana. Keep the following tips in mind when visiting your first dispensary:

Take Your ID With You

When you arrive at a dispensary, you'll be asked to show a government-issued photo ID to prove your age. You'll then be able to enter the store and browse the products.

Find out Which Payment Methods Are Accepted

Many dispensaries accept a range of payment methods including cash, credit and debit cards, and cashless ATMs. However, others are limited in terms of payment processing as certain banks may be reluctant to work with cannabis businesses.

For this reason, be flexible with how you pay and be prepared to pay in cash if your local dispensary doesn't offer electronic payment methods.

Be Aware of Purchase and Possession Limits

Adult possession limits may differ from state to state. Recreational consumers who purchase marijuana from dispensaries in Seattle, Washington, face possession limits of up to one ounce of useable cannabis. This rises to 16 ounces of marijuana-infused products in solid form or 72 ounces of cannabis-infused products in liquid form. Dispensaries must enforce purchase limits to ensure consumers don't break the law.

Find Out Where You Can Consume Cannabis Products

Cannabis purchased in a dispensary is for private use. You cannot consume cannabis in a public place in Washington State unless it was obtained under medical prescription. Consuming marijuana in a moving vehicle is considered a traffic infraction. Read up on the rules that relate to cannabis purchase and consumption to keep yourself on the right side of the law.

Join the Community at Your Local Recreational Dispensary

Both medical and recreational marijuana users can find support and a sense of community at their local dispensary. Meeting like-minded people and getting insights from seasoned cannabis enthusiasts is the perfect way to find products you love.

If it's your first time, don't be afraid to ask for advice about different products and how to use them. Wherever you are on your cannabis journey, you will feel welcome and supported at your local dispensary!