Finding a dispensary nearby is not as straight forward as you think. There are lots of illegal cannabis shops and some dispensaries are better than others; so we created this guide. The rise of dispensaries allows for all sorts of shopping opportunities, whether you’re located anywhere from Massachusetts to California. But if you’re a newcomer to the world of cannabis stores, you might find them a little intimidating.
Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think to become a regular at your local shop. Learn how to find a dispensary nearby, no matter your location, with the help of FlavorFix. It’s an essential skill if you’re traveling and want to visit multiple stores to sample their unique product lines. We’re always here to help with our convenient dispensary map, and we can provide tips on how to use it.
What Is a Dispensary, Anyway?
It’s the one question you don’t want to ask your friends. We won’t disclose your unfamiliarity with this type of retail outlet. A dispensary is a store that sells marijuana products, not just paraphernalia as you’d find at a smoke shop or head shop. They’re only found in states with legal medical or recreational marijuana, while those other shops are found in all 50 states.
How to Find a Dispensary Nearby
Do you want a cannabis store convenient to your home, or one nearby in an unfamiliar city while traveling? We can help either way. Start with our dispensary map, which is constantly updated with the latest stores offering a wide range of THC products. You’ll find flower, cannabis drinks, edibles of all kinds, tinctures, and much more at all of these stores.
While you’ll find plenty of information on the dispensaries listed on our map, you may still need a specialty location that offers delivery or medical card options. Check off our filters until you find the right place. If you’re still looking, consider a general search for keywords like “dispensary with (desired feature) + (your local area).” For example, in New York City, you might type “dispensaries that deliver in the Bronx, NYC.” This will help you narrow down your options more quickly.
Where Are Dispensaries Found (and Legal)?
You’ll only find dispensaries selling actual THC products in states where that’s legal. Other states may allow the sale of hemp products, but that doesn’t make every store selling them a dispensary.
It’s best to understand how each state is approaching marijuana legalization before searching for a dispensary nearby. We have listings in all 50 states, but some stores may only offer hemp products, devices such as vaporizers and bongs, or related products. Explore our guides to legalization and state-by-state cannabis regulations before starting your search for a dispensary.
General Tips for Finding a Dispensary Nearby
- Consider visiting multiple nearby stores to compare prices, selection, and service.
- Check the listings on our map to verify details like opening hours, medical card or ID requirements, and cash/card acceptance.
- Contact the dispensary if you need specific strains or products and want to confirm availability before you arrive. Many businesses may offer to set them aside for you or process your payment online to ensure you get precisely what you want.
- Check out videos and photos of the business, if they’re available, to get a feel for the vibe of the place and a glimpse at their selection.
- Confirm age requirements set by your county or state. Most states with recreational marijuana only allow adults 21+ to go into these businesses, while medical dispensaries may allow 18+ guests or have no age limit at all.
What to Do When You Visit Your First or 50th Dispensary
Whether you’re a newcomer or not, you need to know a few things when visiting a new dispensary.
First, try to feel out the etiquette unique to the business by checking their website or social media profile. They may ask you to check in via an app upon arrival, and you may need to show your ID multiple times before completing the sale. Don’t interrupt other customers and ask the salesperson helping you any questions you have before making your choices.
Second, you will need to present a valid ID at all licensed dispensaries. Some states will require you to present a medical card or certificate from your doctor as well. Know what you need before you arrive, or call and ask if you’re unsure. Don’t wait until you arrive at the dispensary to find out what you need, since you’ll likely be turned away at the door.
Third, learning to choose the right products primarily comes down to trial and error. Discussing your desired effects and preferred methods of consumption will help the salesperson or budtender guide you to the right strains. But you should try to do a little research on your own first, so you have some idea of what you’d like to try, since most dispensaries don’t offer free samples.
Check out the Flavor Fix dispensary map to find businesses near you, no matter where you’re located or visiting. You’re sure to find a new favorite cannabis shop to frequent with just a few minutes of searching.
