You might associate buying marijuana with back alley deals in dingy apartment complexes or weed men working out of dingy apartments. StilChicago’so’s dispensaries are more like Apple stores or smoothie shops. They’re clean, safe and consumer friendly.
When you first walk in, you must show your state-issued ID and medical or recreational marijuana card. Then, you’ll be greeted by a budtender and seated in the sales area.
Know Your Limits
Whether you’re buying recreational or medical cannabis, state regulations require that you show your government-issued ID to verify your age. Some states also restrict how much you can buy, and smoking or consuming products in public is illegal.
Once the staff has verified your identity, ‘I’ll let you know if you can purchase recreational or medical cannabis. They’ll usher you into the sales area and introduce you to a budtender. The budtender can help you navigate the selection and purchasing process, particularly if you’re a first-timer.
Know What You Want
You need to figure out what to get; ask your budtender for recommendations. They should be able to walk you through the entire inventory of gummies, pre-rolled joints and tinctures. It may help to jot down what symptoms you want to alleviate or what type you’re looking for.
Chicago residents can purchase up to 30 grams of cannabis and possess up to 5 grams of concentrate daily, while non-residents can buy half. This information can help you narrow down your options when visiting dispensaries in the city. Some stores have menus available online so you can know what to expect. You can also see a dispensary website to learn more about their products and prices.
Know How Much You Want
In most dispensaries, you must scan your ID and fill out a form before being allowed on the sales floor. Depending on the size of the shop, that process can take some time during busy times.
When you’re inside, look for a place that stocks various products. It’s also a good idea to compare prices between shops before purchasing.
The best dispensaries in Chicago offer a straightforward approach to cannabis. Its staff is happy to nerd out over flowstrains’ns’ cannabinoid and terpene profiles, but it’s easy to walk away with a bag of potent extracts and a new vaporizer for less than you might expect. Plus, you can get a quick bite across the street.
Know How to Shop
Many options exist, with 21 recreational dispensaries in Chicago and more in the suburbs. Here are some tips for navigating the choices and finding what you want.
Before you start shopping, it’s good to understand what kind of effects you want clearly. This can help you narrow your selections; it’s helpful for your budtender to know why you hope to get out of your experience.
Most weed showsn’tn’t have products on display; you’ll need to check in with a budtender and show them your. They’ll guide you through the menus and pull samples for you to ask. They’ll also answer any questions you might have. Most of the time, you’ll pay in cash.
Know What to Expect
You’ve never visited a dispensary before; it can feel like a foreign place. But employees are usually friendly and eager to answer any questions. They may even offer some tips on using marijuana for the best results.
The menus in dispensaries are often loaded on iPads or giant LED screens, akin to those at restaurants. But some dispensaries still hand out printed menus, including prices and tax.
A few dispensaries also host interactive experiences celebrating what makes Chicago great. For example, a jazz-themed cannabis experience where tourists can play games and use sanitized rigs. Many visitors bring cash to complete their transactions, as dispensaries cannot accept credit cards. But some shops now offer ATM transfers, although these typically come with a fee.
