Dispensary Shopping Guide
We’ ve offered this Dispensary Shopping Guide by April Hatch, RN, in past issues. Because of the large volume of requests from new readers to provide this, we are offering an abbreviated version 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 join 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 they offer 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. |
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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.