Shopping at a Virginia dispensary for the first time is a thrilling experience, and preparation is key to a successful trip!
Virginians may not be able to legally obtain adult use cannabis until 2024, but medical marijuana is booming in the Commonwealth. Considering the long list of qualifying conditions, most every adult in Virginia is likely to be eligible for therapeutic cannabis, and dispensaries carry a huge selection of medical marijuana products for you to choose from.
Your first visit may feel a bit surreal, considering Virginia’s history with cannabis law enforcement. But being able to walk into a dispensary, confidently make your selection, get in your car with your bag full of cannabis, and drive home without constantly watching for the police out of your rearview mirror is priceless.
In this post, we are going to take a look at what to expect when you go to a Virginia dispensary, and how you can prepare for the first trip on your new journey to wellness.
Can You Just Walk into A Virginia Dispensary and Buy Cannabis?
It’s almost that simple, but not quite. In order to be able to buy cannabis at a Virginia dispensary, you first need to get a marijuana card issued by the state program. This is an identification card indicating that you have had a doctor recommend medical marijuana, and that you are registered.
At Virginia Marijuana Card, we have simplified the process, and we offer convenient telehealth services for a marijuana evaluation that is quick and painless. Schedule an appointment with one of our marijuana doctors, and we’ll have you on your way to better health in no time.
We are here six days a week, to answer your questions and walk you through the process. For more information, give us a call at (888) 633-5808, or visit our website at www.virginiamarijuanacard.com.
After your evaluation, it generally takes about six weeks for the Virginia Department of Health Professions. Once you have your medical card, you can shop at any dispensary in the state and choose the products that work best for you!
What Can You Buy at Virginia Medical Marijuana Dispensaries?
With the medical marijuana program now in full swing, you can find a wide variety of products available at dispensaries. As of July 2021, all dispensaries are carrying tinctures, edibles, vape pens and cartridges, and topicals.
Some dispensaries also carry a limited selection of concentrate formats, capsules, and even suppositories.
Is Botanical Smokable Flower Available at Virginia Dispensaries?
The good news for people who are looking for prices of cannabis sold at dispensaries to come down (and for those who just prefer an old-school packed bowl), your day is coming. Smokable flower is projected to be on the shelves in Virginia dispensaries by September 2021.
Growers are working on getting their strains ready for sale, and getting your marijuana evaluation now means you’ll be one of the first in line to get medical-grade cannabis buds as soon as it’s available.
You Can Still Get Cannabis Even if There are No Dispensaries Near You
Some Virginians look at the list of open dispensaries in the state—there are four—and get discouraged. You’re going to have to make a bit of a trek if you live in Lynchburg.
However, GLeaf in Richmond, Dharma in Abingdon and Beyond/Hello in Manassass have large delivery areas. This means that most Virginia residents can order their medical marijuana online and have it delivered right to their door no matter where they live.
How to Prepare for Your First Visit to a Virginia Dispensary
Imagine if someone handed you a crisp five dollar bill and then pointed you to the closest candy store at age ten. Now let’s pretend candy is a brand new concept, and you’ve never tried 90 percent of the candy that you had to choose from.
That’s kind of what it’s like trying to decide what to get on your first trip to a Virginia dispensary. Being prepared will help you get your bearings to make sure your time and money are well spent and your first trip is successful.
1. Have Your Virginia Marijuana Card and ID Ready When You Walk In
Don’t find yourself fumbling from the moment you walk in the door. Instead, set yourself up for success by having everything in hand when you walk into the dispensary. You’ll first make a stop in the lobby, where you will need to show your Virginia marijuana card and your state-issued photo ID.
Once you’re checked in, someone will escort you back to the room where all the magic happens. There, you can talk to someone who will help you find the products that are right for you and make your selections.
2. Do Your Shopping Online First
Every Virginia dispensary has the majority of the products they carry listed online. You can place an online order that will be ready for pickup when you go, or you can just browse through to get an idea of what they have.
Either way, it’s nice to be able to do your research ahead of time so you can shop with confidence.
3. Know Your Budget Ahead of Time
If you are going to visit the dispensary before you make your medical marijuana choices online (it is nice to talk to a budtender if you are unsure of how to use something or to learn the actual effects you can expect), make sure you have your budget in mind ahead of time. Otherwise, you could end up spending too much on products that might not be necessary.
4. Prepare a List of Questions
Have a list of questions ready to ask your budtender when you get to the dispensary, so that you don’t forget anything. If you’re a newbie, you might not know where to start, so here are some questions you may want to ask:
What is this strain/product good for?
How do I use this product?
Do I need any additional accessories (battery, etc)?
What is the potency?
What is the terpene profile?
How much should I start with (consider if you have a higher or lower tolerance)
What’s the best way to store this product?
How long will it stay fresh?
Get a Marijuana Card to Shop at Virginia Dispensaries Today!
You can now get medical marijuana in Virginia legally, and most residents live within a dispensary delivery zone. You have a right to natural relief, and getting a Virginia marijuana card will allow you to exercise that right with ease.
Give us a call at (888) 633-5808, or schedule an appointment to get a telehealth evaluation today. We’re here six days a week to answer your questions and help you get on the path to wellness you’ve been waiting for!
Doctors Who Care. Relief You Can Trust.
At Virginia Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to MMJ. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (888) 633-5808, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
Check out Virginia Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the medical marijuana conversation in Virginia!