5 Things to Know About Visiting a Dispensary

Recreational marijuana (aka adult use cannabis) is legal in Maine, and new stores and products are popping up everywhere. Still haven’t visited one of Maine’s many adult use cannabis retailers? Not sure where to begin? Here are a few things to consider before venturing into adult use cannabis:

Know what you are looking for in a retail experience
First, if you are looking to purchase adult use cannabis in Maine, you’ll want to find the correct venue. In Maine, medicinal and recreational cannabis cannot be sold in the same retail venue. Currently, there are over 60 recreational cannabis stores in Maine, with new stores coming on every month.

Next, you’ll want to find a store that is convenient for you. Are they located somewhere you can quickly pop in and out of? Are they in a city center or somewhere that you can only access via car? Do they have ample parking? Are their hours consistent? Do they offer pre-purchasing online?

You will also want to consider what vibe you are looking for … classic stoner head shops, larger supermarket type stores, pharmacy-style shops, unique boutiques, etc.

Finally, be sure to read the Google reviews. You can learn a lot about product quality, shop cleanliness, customer service, and the overall shopping experience.

Know what ID to bring and how to purchase cannabis
In Maine, adult use cannabis can only be purchased by those 21 and older. You must show a valid, government issued photo ID to enter an adult use cannabis store or dispensary. You do not have to be a resident of Maine or even of the US, but you will need to show valid ID. You should also be aware of laws as it pertains to the transport of cannabis across state lines.

Be prepared to pay in cash! Many dispensaries, including all Sweet Dirt stores, have an ATM in-store.

Know that there is a mind-boggling array of products – It’s more than just cannabis flower
Do you know how you want to consume cannabis? There are so many options – smoke it, dab it, eat it. It really comes down to your personal preference and the experience you are seeking. Do you want something to hit you right away? Do you prefer to ingest something rather than inhale? If it’s flower you are after, be sure to check out the 5 things to look for when buying flower. Not sure where to start? Ask a budtender for recommendations – which brings us to our next point.

Know that you should ask (and answer) questions
If you are new to cannabis, know that budtenders and other staff in the retail stores are skilled at asking and answering questions. They are here to guide you on your journey. Check out the list of top questions Sweet Dirt budtenders get asked.

Most importantly, know what experience you are looking for. Is it to be relaxed? Uplifted? Do you prefer to use cannabis in the morning? Or at the end of the day? If you aren’t sure what you want, that’s okay too. Budtenders are trained to ask you questions that will help them point you to strains or methods of consumption that might be the best fit for you.

You should also feel free to ask questions, such as, “How long will it take for me to feel effects?” “How will I know when I am high?” “What if I consume too much?” and so on.

Be sure to ask how the flower or product has been grown and/or produced and packaged. Was it organically grown? Treated with pesticides or other harsh chemicals? How is it packaged? Is the packaging recyclable or made from reused materials? Learn more about how we grow at Sweet Dirt.

Know to take it slow
If you are entirely new to cannabis, consider starting with a quality CBD or full-spectrum hemp product. These products are typically available at most adult-use cannabis retailers as gummies, jams, chocolate bars, honeys, smokable flower, and topicals, to name a few.

Edibles are also a great way to start slow and know exactly how much THC you are consuming. Remember to start low (THC) and go slow (it can take up to 2 hours for edibles to ‘kick in’ so be sure not to intake too much in your first experience. Check out this article about the array of edibles available and for more tips and guidelines on consumption of cannabis edibles. 

Start your journey
We are so fortunate to have so many quality cannabis retailers, cultivators, and food artisans right here in Maine. Let your gut guide you on how you want to consume cannabis and feel free to ask your budtender any questions you might. Finally, always research the grower and cultivator to be sure they use organic growing practices and produce clean flower. Support your local growers and those that give back to your community, as well as those who use sustainable packaging and deliver a buying experience you enjoy.