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If you’re in New Jersey and haven’t visited one of its 35 adult-use weed dispensaries yet, you probably have no idea how to navigate the experience.
Purchasing legal weed is pretty straight-forward. While most stores have experienced and knowledgeable staff there to help you make choices, there are a few less obvious things you should know before you go.
Here are the top five things to consider to make your first legal purchase hassle-free.
On the way in
You will need a valid ID to prove that you are at least 21 years old to enter the facility.
Your first stop as you enter the building will always be the security desk, where staff will scan the barcode located on the back of your ID card.Saed Hindash | For lehighvalleylive.com
The first thing you should know is that you will need a valid ID to prove that you are at least 21 years old to enter the facility. Children of any age — yes, even babies — are not allowed.
Your first stop as you enter the building will always be the security desk, where staff will scan the barcode located on the back of your ID card.
This is to help prevent customers from going over the limits of daily transactions — adult-use consumers are limited to purchasing one ounce and medical patients are limited to three ounces per day.
Different companies have different waiting areas and line systems set up before you can enter the building or the sales floor.
For example, the Ayr dispensary in Woodbridge has a seated reception area where you wait to have your name called for your turn on the sales floor. Nova Farms in Woodbury has a security desk, but they have iPads kiosks for online pre-ordering that they offer to expedite customers as they wait in line outside.
Menus at each location can change daily
Each dispensary is different in many ways. They vary in atmosphere, size and product offerings. Luckily, the market has developed to the point where most recreational stores carry each other’s products.
The menus change almost daily. Sometimes the stores run out of popular items or cycle-in new brands and strains (flavors of weed). Some flavor profiles are classically popular and are produced by many brands, but they tend to have varying names.
An example of this is the fact that most dispensaries consistently stock a strain dominant in bright citrus and pine aromas that mostly gives stimulating and upbeat effects, though the name, brand and company will vary.
There are many ways to consume weed
Don’t be afraid to ask the budtenders about the difference in products. That’s what they are there for, and no question is too basic.
Most workers are experienced and can offer you recommendations based on what you are looking for.
Joe Lamberti | For NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Cured (dried) flower is by far the most popular cannabis product available at dispensaries, but there are many ways to consume weed. Most stores stock a wide range of products.
Flower can come in buds of all sizes and be sold in packages of different weights, or be pre-ground and pre-rolled into joints.
Second in high demand are vape cartridges. These come in disposable pens, or semi-disposable catridges that can be screwed on and off of a rechargeable stick battery.
Hard and soft lozenge edibles are popular in the Garden State and are available in most locations. Flavors, textures and quantity vary by brand and company. There are also tinctures, pills and fast-acting drops to add to food and drinks.
Other product offerings like concentrates and topicals may be available for purchase at many locations, but not all.
Cash is king, but you have options
The last very important thing to know before visiting a dispensary is what your options are to pay.
Cash is king at all locations, and many will have at least one ATM (if not more) on their premises. Some locations let you pay with a debit card, but none accept credit cards.
Most stores who don’t directly accept debit cards utilize third-party payment processors like Aeropay, CanPay or DutchiePay that allow you to use your debit card or connect to your bank account.
Take advantage of any online pre-ordering options on your local retail locations website to save time on your trip. You can look at all the products they currently have available and know exactly how much money you will need. Some stores even have online payment options.
Cash is king at all weed retail locations, and many will have at least one ATM (if not more) on their premises. Some locations let you pay with a debit card, but none accept credit cards.NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Know the rules
Don’t be afraid to ask the budtenders about the difference in products. That’s what they are there for, and no question is too basic. Most workers are experienced and can offer you recommendations based on what you are looking for. (Psst. Don’t forget to tip, as you might a waiter or bar tender.)
Please note that once you pick up your products, you are not allowed to open up your package in the facility or parking lot. Meaning, wait until you leave the premises to consume your green.
While inside the store, do not take photos, video, or phone calls. There are laws in New Jersey prohibiting these actions to protect every customer’s privacy.
Also, it is best policy to not have kids with you on this errand, not even in your vehicle, as some stores have policies against it.
A little research prior to a visit to your local dispensary will go a long way.
Visiting their website to find out about menu options, security procedures and payment options specific to that location will help you have a quicker and more productive trip.
Happy exploring!
Have a question about consuming weed? Ask me anything.
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All the ways to consume cannabis
Complete list of all the medical weed stores in N.J.
Summer trends to check out at N.J. legal weed stores
List of the 35 stores where you can buy legal weed in N.J.
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Gabby Warren is NJ.com’s Cannabis Life reporter. She’ll be covering all things weed retail, commerce and culture.
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