Dispensary Etiquette 101 – Being a Responsible Cannabis Consumer
A trip to the dispensary can be intimidating for first-time consumers. Thankfully, there are many things you can do to make the experience a positive one for yourself and others.
A little preparation and understanding of the critical terminology can help you make your dispensary visit a success. In addition, following basic etiquette can lead to a better overall experience.
Arrive on Time
If you are planning on visiting a cannabis store, you need to be prepared to wait in line. Depending on the size of the dispensary in Portland and its operating hours, you may have to stay inside or outside for a time before you are called into the shop to purchase your products. It is generally polite not to talk on your phone while waiting, as it can distract other customers and staff members.
If you need to make a call or use your phone, do so before entering the dispensary and return your attention to the products once your turn is up at the counter. It is also important to arrive on time, as you don’t want to be the person who keeps everyone else waiting while you linger at the door or loiter around the dispensary after your purchase.
Select products and chat with the budtenders once it is your turn at the counter. They are there to help you and will work with your budget and preferences to find the best product. It’s important to ask questions when talking to experts. They will gladly answer and help you learn.
Pay in cash when ready to check out, as most dispensaries do not accept credit cards. It is due to federal restrictions that prohibit banks from providing services to marijuana businesses.
Upon leaving the dispensary, close your bag and lock your car. It is illegal to have an open container of cannabis in your vehicle in most states, and the last thing you want is for someone else to discover your stash while driving accidentally!
It is also polite to thank the budtenders for their assistance and to leave a positive impression of the dispensary in general. It can be done by expressing your appreciation in person or leaving a positive review online. Either way, your gratitude will go a long way in creating a welcoming environment for the next visitor!
Be Mindful of Other Customers
If you’re at a dispensary and someone else is already in front of you, let them complete their transaction before approaching the counter. It’s not courteous to crowd them or take too long. It could annoy them and make them feel like you’re rushing them. Additionally, if they are unaware of the various strains or products on offer, you can make their experience more pleasant by answering any questions they may have.
When unsure about something, asking a budtender for help is okay; don’t act overly confident or arrogant. They’re there to assist you, and they are not your therapist. It’s best to keep your questions short and simple if you are waiting in line to purchase your cannabis products. It will allow the rest of the customers in your queue to have their turn, too.
Remember to tip your budtender at the end of your visit! It is a big part of American culture and a sign of respect. It’s important to remember that cannabis products are more expensive than your average grocery store items, so a tip is a great way to show your appreciation.
If you see a customer being rude or exhibiting bad behavior, it’s best to de-escalate the situation as quickly as possible. It is also in the employee’s best interest not to confront the unruly patron, as this can lead to an unnecessary confrontation and potentially escalate into a physical altercation.
Whether you’re a regular at a particular dispensary or just visiting for the first time, following these tips will ensure your experience is as pleasant as possible. Remember to be polite, arrive on time, and respect the personal space of other customers. You’ll be amazed at how much your experience is elevated by adhering to these simple rules!
If you’re interested in learning more about cannabis and how it affects your health, visit our site for more information. We have many helpful guides, videos, and resources to help you feel comfortable and confident in your cannabis journey.
Be Polite
Many dispensary employees are incredibly knowledgeable and will gladly help you find precisely what you want. It’s important to remember to be polite and respectful to these employees, as they work hard to provide the best possible experience for their customers. It also helps to say thank you when you receive assistance, as this will make them feel appreciated and will likely lead to a better working relationship between you in the future.
Another way to be polite is to avoid giving other patrons unsolicited advice or asking them questions unless they ask for it. It can quickly become annoying and may even make other customers uncomfortable. It’s a good idea to do your research beforehand so that you know what you’re looking for and can easily communicate this to the employee helping you.
It is also essential to be aware of your surroundings and to respect security measures. Some dispensaries have security guards and cameras inside their stores, while others have visible security cameras outside the entrances. It’s essential to respect these measures and avoid trying to circumvent them, as this could result in you being kicked out of the store.
Finally, it’s important to remember to bring your ID with you to the dispensary. It is a requirement in most states, and trying to get around it is impossible. Employees must check IDs by law, so it’s a good idea to bring yours with you just in case.
Leave a Positive Impression
Dispensary customers need to leave. It’s a positive impression when they visit. It helps the store gain customers and ensures current ones feel welcome.
The first step in making a positive impression is to greet the customer warmly while making eye contact. It will immediately set a warm tone and allow the budtender or sales associate to assess how much help the customer may or may not need. It will also give them a chance to get to know the customer a bit and see how they interact with cannabis, such as what type of consumption methods the customer prefers.
Another way to leave a positive impression is simply by thanking the staff for their service and showing gratitude for their hard work. It is something that any customer can do, and it goes a long way in creating a friendly atmosphere at the cannabis store.
Many dispensaries have rules about taking photos within the shop. Always ask if taking photos before you snap any images is okay. Some stores might want you to refrain from doing so since they may consider it a security issue.
If you’re purchasing something at a dispensary, be mindful of the people in line behind you. Managing your time is essential to ensure other customers get through the queue. It’s also important to avoid asking questions that could delay the process of serving other customers.
A dispensary employee will likely be able to answer all of your queries, but if there’s a line to purchase, it’s best to hold on to your questions until you can get through the queue.
It’s also essential to note that a customer might only be interested in hearing about some of the different products available at a dispensary. That is particularly true for newcomers who may need to be made aware of the differences between ingestion methods and how they affect the experience. It’s best to avoid offering customer-specific requests.
