Whether you enjoy marijuana recreationally or use cannabis for pain, legal cannabis availability in Canada has made it easier than ever to get what you need.
With recreational cannabis legalization comes an amazing increase in the sale of cannabis as well as the availability of cannabis.
But exactly how does one find access to these products?
No longer do you have to meet a dealer in a shady alleyway but, if you’re not familiar with how cannabis dispensaries work, you’re in luck!
Here’s your guide to cannabis dispensaries and how to purchase your marijuana products:
Different Types of Cannabis Dispensaries
With the widespread availability of cannabis in Canada, you have options when it comes to how you can legally purchase a whole array of cannabis products!
Here are the three main ways you can buy and enjoy the benefits of cannabis and cannabis accessories:
Government-Owned and Operated Dispensaries
In every province and territory in Canada, cannabis products can be purchased through via cannabis delivery or through government-run retail shops. Some are strictly Crown-owned while others license the right to sell to privately run dispensaries.
In order to legally purchase marijuana products through stores, look for ones that display an approval seal from the Canadian government. The purchasing experience can vary from province to province.
Privately-Owned and Licensed Dispensaries
Canadians are also allowed to open legal cannabis dispensaries under Bill C-45 (Cannabis Act). This allows private retailers to cultivate and sell recreational cannabis.
Doing so is controlled by provincial governments, meaning that every single has a specific set of policies for licensed marijuana retailers.
Online Dispensaries
Some provinces and territories offer online cannabis sales where you can have enjoy cannabis delivery right to your home!
Although for most provinces this means ordering your products through the mail or having them shipped directly from a licensed dispensary. However, in Manitoba, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan, you can have your purchases delivered by a private delivery company.
Just be warned that not all online retailers are created equally. You need to be careful to only purchase marijuana products from reputable shops to avoid issues such as being scammed or receiving low-quality and potentially dangerous products.
Finding the Best Cannabis Dispensary In Your Area
In order to find the best cannabis dispensary in your area, start by doing a Google search or using an online tool such as WeedMaps.
While doing so, pay attention to customer reviews and their website – legit companies are usually active on social media and share information about their business on their website.
You can also take this opportunity to check out their online menu and prices. This will give you an idea of the type of cannabis they sell and how their products are priced as well as if they have a large variety of products and consumption methods.
Also, your cannabis shopping experience will depend on how knowledgeable the staff is and whether or not you enjoy the store’s atmosphere. You want to make sure you make your cannabis dispensary purchases from someone who can direct you to the products that best suit your conditions and needs.
The atmosphere is important too since it can affect your comfort levels – you may prefer a sterile doctor’s office-type feel or a more relaxed, Beatnik-type environment.
The increase in the availability of cannabis means that more stores are cropping up to serve your needs. This means you can choose a cannabis dispensary location that makes you feel comfortable and confident in your purchase.
What Can I Expect When I Visit a Cannabis Dispensary?
Once you have found a recreational dispensary, there are things you can do to make your experience even more amazing!
First off, make sure you have your government ID ready and check to see if the store accepts debit or handles cash only.
You can also save yourself some time by knowing the type of cannabis you are looking for – or, at the very least, have an idea of what effect you wish to achieve. Do you want to mellow out? Feel more energetic? Sleep better at night?
Knowing what you want will help the dispensary staff find you the perfect product!
When you enter a dispensary, expect to not have products available to grab on the sales floor. You’ll need to speak to an employee who will guide you through the store’s selection and offer you small samples to check out.
Never be afraid to ask questions. The employees are not licensed medical professionals but they are trained when it comes to product knowledge.
(That being said, if you are looking for medical marijuana products, it’s best to speak to your health care provider first.)
How Can I Have My Cannabis Products Delivered?
You may not be comfortable walking into a recreational dispensary and that’s okay! There are ways to enjoy the cannabis delivery experience.
As we mentioned above, provincially-owned dispensaries offer delivery services and, in some provinces, you can have cannabis products privately delivered from any privately-owned dispensary.
Otherwise, there is always the option of ordering online.
Rest assured that any product you choose to have delivered will arrive in an unmarked package by a delivery vehicle with no logos or advertisements. The process is private and discreet.
Just remember that the package must be accepted by someone who can prove they are of legal age. In some provinces, the person accepting the package may have to be the person to whom the package is addressed.
Visit Your Local Recreational Dispensary Today!
With the cannabis industry and the sale of cannabis ever-increasing, purchase methods are only going to grow from here! For now, you can enjoy the experience of visiting your local recreational dispensary.
