Your first dispensary visit: what to expect

Walking into a legal cannabis store for the first time can feel intimidating. It shouldn’t, here’s exactly how it goes, so you can walk in relaxed.

At the door

You’ll be asked for government photo ID proving you’re of legal age, every time, regardless of how old you look. No ID, no entry. That’s the law, not the staff being difficult.

Inside

• You usually can’t self-serve. Most provinces require product to be behind a counter or in sealed displays. A staff member (a “budtender”) helps you.
• Smell jars are common, sealed containers that let you smell strains without opening sellable product.
• Everything is packaged plainly with the standardized cannabis symbol and lab-tested potency.

How to ask for what you want

Budtenders help people of every experience level, you won’t surprise them. Useful things to say:

• “I’m new, I want something mild.”
• “I’d like something for relaxing in the evening.”
• “What’s a good low-THC option?”
• “Can you walk me through edibles dosing?”

You don’t need to know strain names. Describe the experience you want and let them guide you.

Before you buy

Check the THC/CBD numbers and the packaged-on date for freshness. Start with a small quantity your first time. See our first-time guide and how to read a label.

Sources

• Health Canada, Cannabis in Canada