For most people, buying cannabis for the first time can be overwhelming. With so many choices and important factors to look into, it may get difficult to have a smooth first cannabis purchase. There are different rules and regulations involved, quality check, prices, dispensary reviews and the list goes on and on. So what do you do? You can always consult an MMJ doctor in San Diego online or at your nearest clinic to guide you in making a correct decision. In addition to getting professional help make sure that you are not checking the wrong boxes. It is possible for first-timers to make some very common mistakes when buying their first few stashes. So you must try to avoid them as much as possible.
Read ahead to familiarize yourself with the avoidable scenarios to make sure that your cannabis shopping is a smooth affair.
Not Buying From a Reputable Source
The first step towards making a good cannabis buy is to get it from a reputable source. Cannabis is still not legal in many states of the US and the Federal Government hasn’t given it a free pass yet. Amidst all this, there are illegal sources that sell cannabis to some people. Their customers are usually recreational users or those who do not have a medical card to visit a dispensary. If you have been using such a source, let go of it as soon as possible.
Unregistered sources pose a lot of risks to a consumer. First of all, they are illegal so you may be in trouble if caught. Secondly, the quality of the product they have is very questionable. Marijuana has to be dealt with care and kept under the right conditions. Change in any of the categories and you may harm your body by consuming such badly handled products. To be safe, dispensaries should be your only source.
Legitimate websites and dispensaries offer you a large variety of cannabis, dozens of edibles and different strains that you may have never even heard of. Most importantly, the products are of assured quality. They are properly tested and are according to the quality rules set by the government. So buy cannabis from licensed websites and dispensaries only.
Not Comparing Your Source
Even when you decide on buying cannabis from a dispensary or an online shop, don’t just settle for the first one that you come in contact with. They can vary from one another on several factors. And you can always find a better option after comparison.
Begin by comparing the quality of the products. Observe the way each dispensary handles their products. Find out the source of cannabis of each online shop and dispensary and the growing conditions practiced there to ensure quality. Variety is another important point to consider. One website or dispensary may have more variety than the other. They may also have a good store of cannabis accessories that can be beneficial for you. This way you may come across a better strain, edible or accessory that works better for you than the one you’ve been using.
The price point also varies between different sources. For example, a dispensary closer to tourist areas may be slightly expensive than the others. This is why it is important that you have a look at the prices of other sources and choose accordingly.
So remember to compare different aspects of dispensaries near you and choose the one that stands out as the best.
Choosing Price Over Quality
People are usually on a budget and try to fit cannabis within the same. But in the need to save money, most people fall for cheap prices and ignore quality. If you do not pay attention to the quality of your cannabis, you may in fact be paying much more than it is worth. And sometimes the poor quality can prove to be harmful to the body.
Most of the cheaper products may not be up to the claims they make. Their THC and CBD content may not match with what’s on the label. In the case of dried buds, you may get a product contaminated with silica, sand or sugar. Some products even have more stems, seeds and leaves than the dried buds. All these methods are used to increase the weight of the stash. So you may think that you have grabbed a great deal but in reality, you are only paying for unnecessary baggage.
There are several ways in which you can avoid falling for such traps. One, always buy from a reputable source and check the labels. Don’t waste your cash if there isn’t a third party lab test on the label. Second, learn how to differentiate between good and bad quality products by using your senses.
Not Doing Your Research Before Buying
Nobody expects you to enter a dispensary with knowledge about everything related to buying cannabis. However, you do need to have some idea about what you are getting into.
Before you decide to make a purchase, sit down and do some research. Learn about the different types of strains (Indica, Sativa and Hybrids) that may suit you the best. Also, go through the inventory of the medical dispensary online. You can check the different varieties of strains and products available in different stores near you. Remember to check the prices as well before heading out for your purchase. This way you’ll be prepared for your expense.
Another important aspect of your research should be customer reviews. Social proof is the best way to understand more about a store or website. You can understand the quality and variety of products, the behavior of the staff and most importantly if you need to buy from a particular store or not.
Not getting Your MMJ Card
Medical cannabis cards are made for a reason. They help you buy cannabis without much of a hassle. No cannabis dispensary or online website will allow you to make a purchase without valid proof. Patients should have a legitimate medical marijuana card and recreational users must have proof of their age. Do not forget to carry these proofs when shopping for cannabis.
You can easily get a medical cannabis card. Set up a consultation with an MMJ doctor in San Diego and they will help you with the process. The best part is you can even do it online. Possession of an MMJ card has its own set of benefits. Higher possession amounts and money savings are some examples.
Purchasing cannabis does not have to be hectic. Just do your research and avoid making these mistakes. Once you do that, you are good to go.