Walking into a weed dispensary for the first time ever is not unlike reliving your very first bar experience. You’ll notice that the smells are unfamiliar while your eyes are darting back and forth, trying to take in all the different types of people and new scenery. And more likely than not you’ll be double-checking – nay, triple-checking your driver’s license/ID card, white-knuckling it all the way up to the counter.

But this is where the similarities end.

Walking into a marijuana dispensary is a surprisingly organized and professional shopping experience when compared to the laidback, social bar scene.

Here’s What to Expect for the First Time:

Once you have selected your dispensary, be sure to keep your eyes wide-open in order to actually locate the shop from the street (many dispensaries are discreet with their signage so you’ll have to have your wits about you). Have your identification card(s) in hand as you enter the dispensary, as this is the first ID checkpoint. Depending on the dispensary, you may be directed to grab a number (like at the deli) and then further directed to sit in a waiting room away from the product offerings.

When it becomes your turn, you’ll be led to the shopping area where you are introduced to your server, where you’ll have another ID checkpoint. After verifying your credentials, your server will engage you in conversation about your medical marijuana needs. This is the part where they’ll ask you about your desired experience – whether you’re looking for pain relief, rest and relaxation, creative juice flow, whatever! They’ll also introduce you to the variety of methods in which you can take in weed – edibles, buds, wax, drops, etc. Depending on what you’re looking for, they’ll direct you to the appropriate products.

Cash is King

Now that you’ve selected your products, it’s time to check out. Be sure to have cash on you!

With the legalization of marijuana, be it for recreational or medical purposes, it is still not a nationally recognized law. This means that federally operated banks are hesitant to support local businesses that sell marijuana on a state level. The state vs. federal gray zone is murky when it comes to the business of weed so many dispensaries accept cash only.

Shopping for marijuana at a dispensary can be an extremely exciting and fun new experience. By being prepared with cash and knowledge of what to expect, you’re now ready to walk into your very first weed dispensary and you’re well on your way to enjoying your medical weed!