A Weed Dispensary is a place that sells cannabis products. Other terms for these stores include marijuana store, pot shop, and weed store.
To qualify for a license, you must meet certain requirements. These include proof of control over the property, meeting local zoning laws, and following state regulations. You also have to have a business plan and obtain necessary financial support.
What to Expect
First-time visits to dispensaries can be intimidating. But with the right research and preparation, your experience can be enjoyable and educational. In most cases, you will be served by a budtender, who can answer any questions about products, dosages and consumption methods.
Once you’ve checked in with a budtender, they can show you around the store and pull out product samples for you to smell. They can explain how different cannabis compounds, such as terpenes (which give the strains their scent and flavor) affect specific symptoms and conditions.
Bring cash, as most dispensaries are cash-only establishments due to federal banking laws. Some have ATMs in-house, although they will charge you an extra fee for using their services. You can also ask if there are any current or upcoming deals, as many shops will try to maximize your purchase and reward repeat customers.
What to Look For
Before you head to your local weed dispensary, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First and foremost, make sure to bring your state-issued ID or passport and cash. While some shops are experimenting with swipers that can accept debit cards, this service is not consistent and many banks shut down their accounts as soon as they realize you’re buying cannabis.
Look for a welcoming atmosphere that prioritizes a positive experience, from a well-organized layout to friendly customer service. A reputable dispensary will also have clear communication channels and protect your privacy, giving you peace of mind throughout your purchase process. In addition, they should prioritize lab-tested products to ensure safety and transparency for customers.
Shop at Regulated Dispensaries
The best dispensaries feature an online menu, so you can get familiar with the brand offerings and select your favorites before you ever step foot in-store. A well-designed menu also includes product information like THC content and terpene profile, so you can understand the products you’re purchasing.
Lastly, look for a dispensary that’s state-regulated. These are the vetted, safe-to-use shops that operate under the oversight of the Department of Consumer Affairs and Office of Cannabis Management.
New York’s legislation puts a strong emphasis on social equity and community support, so you can expect many of these stores to actively support local initiatives and charities. They may also participate in community-based programs that promote inclusivity and provide opportunities to communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition.
Cash Only
Many dispensaries are forced to be cash only because banks don’t have the infrastructure and established banking relationships to support cannabis businesses. This limits financial growth and makes it difficult to secure lines of credit for expansion. Cash-only businesses also attract bad actors and are prime robbery targets. Robbery and internal theft accounts for the majority of financial loss in the industry.
To combat these risks, dispensaries are exploring alternative methods like ACH transfers. This method allows customers to make payments directly from their bank account to the dispensary without the use of credit cards. It offers a safe and convenient payment option for consumers while improving inventory tracking and upselling techniques. Integrated payment data analytics also provide valuable insights for market research and evaluating the success of customer offers.
ATMs
Cashless ATMs in dispensaries are a convenient payment solution, but they often run into issues. This is because these transactions are disguised as ATM withdrawals instead of a purchase to circumvent credit card networks’ ban on cannabis-related transaction processing.
This practice teeters on unethical as the ATM withdrawal address is often different from the dispensary’s. This has led to the majority of major ATM transaction processors shutting down their services for cannabis-related cashless ATMs.
Alternative payment solutions like Swifter ACH and TreezPay are secure, compliant, and offer a more seamless experience for customers. This approach also bolsters compliance by reducing the need for cash on hand and simplifies tracking and reporting for state-mandated track-and-trace systems like Metrc. These solutions provide a better customer experience while improving operations for dispensaries.