Dispensary Shopping Guide
We ran this info by April Hatch , RN , in past issues . Because we ’ ve had a large volume of request from new readers to provide this , we have decided to run a abbreviated version again here . You can also see the complete November 2020 article on our website .
Missourians can potentially be overwhelmed when walking into a dispensary for the first time . I ’ m share my shopping guide in the hopes it will help potentially overwhelmed shoppers to better prepare for what to expect and make appropriate purchases . I encourage not only new consumers but also experienced consumers who want to get the most medical benefit to use this shopping guide as a resource before you make your first trip to a dispensary .
Cannabis treatment can be overwhelming with the abundance of options available . Please use this as a guide for your trip to the dispensary . If a medical patient , don ’ t forget your ID , MO medical card and bring cash .
Determine Your Goals for Treatment . Common treatment goals include :
● Get six-eight hours of restful sleep every night
● Complete daily activities without experiencing significant pain
● Reduce the amount of pharmaceutical pain medications taken
● Decrease anxiety and enjoy life again
Most dispensaries categorize their products by Indicas , Sativas , and Hybrids . Here is a brief introduction to these common types of products . Please note : the same cannabis product can have a varying effect on different patients .
● Indicas provide a calming , relaxing effect and may be better for pain relief and sleep .
● Sativas provide energy and mental stimulation and promote creativity .
● Hybrids are designed to offer a balance of both .
Find a Reputable Dispensary That Offers High Quality Products . You can do this by :
• Talking to other patients and your certifying physician .
• Find them within this magazine .
• Reading online reviews or joining an online support group .
Research Potential Dispensaries . Visit the dispensary website to review their menu and call before your first trip to ask the following questions . Their responses will help you determine if they are friendly , patient-focused , helpful , and provide quality medicine . 1 . Do you use an independent laboratory to test potency , cannabinoid profiles , and contamination ( mold , bacteria , pesticides , solvents )? 2 . What non-smokable products do you offer ? 3 . Do you have 1:1 CBD / THC products available ?
Delivery Method |
Onset |
Duration |
Topical |
5 minutes- 2 hours |
1-12 hours |
Transdermal Patch * |
1-2 hours |
4-12 hours |
Edible |
30 minutes-2 hours |
4-12 hours |
Capsule |
1-2 hours |
4-12 hours |
Tincture / Oil |
10-45 minutes |
2-8 hours |
Smoke Inhalation |
1-5 minutes |
1-6 hours |
Vapor Inhalation |
1-5 minutes |
1-6 hours |
Suppository |
15-60 minutes |
4-8 hours |
Concentrate |
Immediately |
2-8 hours |
* A transdermal patch may last up to 48 hours if it is still in place . |
Determine Your Budget . At the first dispensary you visit , you will want to buy a small amount of a few different products that you would like to try . Cannabis treatment does take some experimentation . It ’ s not cheap , so don ’ t spend too much before knowing if it helps and how it affects you .
Determine What Supplies You May Need . These may include a grinder , dry herb vaporizer , and safe or storage container with a lock is a must .
You will find that you have more success at the dispensary if you take a few minutes now to answer these questions ( take this with you ).
My goals for treatment include : The medicinal effects I am looking for are :______________________ ______________________________________________________
I would like to try : ( check one or two ) Topical / Patch Edible / Capsule Oils / Tinctures Inhalation / Flower Rosin / Badder Other Concentrates
Dispensaries I would like to visit :____________________________ ______________________________________________________
Products I would like to purchase : ___________________________ ______________________________________________________
Other Supplies : _________________________________________ ______________________________________________________
My Budget : $_____________
Beginners : Please be aware that some products are not suitable for those who consider themselves beginners . Concentrates are very potent forms of cannabis and should be avoided along with high potency THC strains . Vape pens also may contain additives that have not been studied long-term — use caution and ask what ’ s in the product .
As always , happy healing !
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For more information please visit
www . cannabiscareteam . com . If you would like to speak with a cannabis nurse , please call 888-810- WELL or email nurse @ cannabiscareteam . com .
April Hatch is a Registered Nurse and the co-founder of Cannabis Care Team where she provides education , support , and advocacy for cannabis patients . She can be reached at
april @ cannabiscareteam . com .
Notice : The information contained herein is not intended as medical advice , but rather a sharing of knowledge and information based on research and experience . It is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice , diagnosis or treatment .