Find a weed dispensary near you
Understanding Marijuana Dispensary Basics
Dispensaries, also known as “cannabis stores,” “pot shops,” and “weed shops,” are small businesses that sell locally grown cannabis products. The different types of dispensaries that exist in the U.S. are recreational dispensaries, medical marijuana dispensaries, and CBD dispensaries (sometimes called CBD Stores). These dispensaries are licensed, highly regulated, and are only allowed to operate in states where marijuana has been legalized.
What to Know about Recreational Dispensaries
Recreational marijuana dispensaries, also known as “adult-use dispensaries,” are licensed retail dispensaries that serve recreational customers. In order to enter a recreational dispensary, states require you to be at least 21 years of age or older with a valid photo ID present, such as a driver's license. Recreational dispensary menus will vary by state, depending on the unique marijuana laws and regulations of each state. For example, some states only allow recreational dispensaries to sell cannabis flower. Some states may be allowed to offer a full spectrum menu ranging from edibles to tinctures and concentrates. States may also set strict purchase limits for the amount of recreational weed that can be bought at one time. It’s important to make yourself familiar with your state’s marijuana laws before you decide to visit a recreational dispensary.
What to Know about Medical Marijuana Dispensaries
Medical marijuana dispensaries, sometimes called “medical cannabis dispensaries,” are licensed marijuana dispensaries that serve medical marijuana patients. Medical marijuana dispensaries are different from adult-use dispensaries because they require you to have a valid medical marijuana card in addition to a valid photo ID card. In some states where medical marijuana is legal, medical cannabis may be taxed at a lower rate than recreational cannabis. Medical cannabis patients may enjoy less restrictive purchase limits compared to recreational customers. If you’re thinking about visiting a medical dispensary, make sure you have a medical marijuana card.
What to Know about CBD Dispensaries
CBD dispensaries, also known as “CBD stores,” are a type of marijuana dispensary that only sells CBD products. Some states allow adults 18 years old or over to enter CBD dispensaries. Dispensaries that only sell CBD have less restrictions than medical or recreational dispensaries because the cannabinoid CBD (cannabidiol) is non-intoxicating.
Marijuana Dispensary Information
Visiting a dispensary can be a fun and exciting experience. Much like other local businesses, every dispensary has their own operating procedures, offerings, and perks. Before you head out on your cannabis adventure, make yourself familiar with your options and what to look for.
- Dispensary Hours
Most dispensaries have regular business hours, but some also offer special hours such as early morning or late in the evening. You may find dispensary hours in some states have stricter rules than in others and may only be allowed to operate under strict conditions. For example, not every state is allowed to have dispensaries open 24/7, but some states can. In most states, you can usually count on dispensaries being open during most holidays and special events. You can check your local dispensary hours at any time on Leafly.com.
- Dispensary Menus
When you visit a dispensary, you’ll order from a menu. You can view dispensary menus online using the Leafly app, or you can read the in-store menu after you arrive. The size and diversity of dispensary menus varies based on many external factors, such as the marijuana laws of the particular state and the cannabis resources available in the area to create cannabis products. Common dispensary menu items include cannabis flower, pre-rolls, vapes, concentrates, edibles, tinctures, and topicals.
- Dispensary Deals
Dispensaries often offer special discounts or deals on weed. Sometimes these deals are targeted at new customers, while other deals reward current customers for ongoing loyalty. Additionally, dispensaries will sometimes offer deals like BOGOs to help move inventory quicker, or to help promote a new grower or brand. Common dispensary deals include first-time customer discounts, early bird specials, loyalty rewards, percent off deals, veteran discounts, and more. You can see what dispensary deals are available near you at any time using the Leafly app.
States that have recreational dispensaries
- Traveling? The following states allow recreational dispensaries:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Illinois
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington, DC
- Guam
States that have medical dispensaries
The following states that have medical marijuana dispensaries:
Georgia
Frequently asked questions
Dispensaries, also known as “cannabis stores,” “pot shops,” and “weed stores,” are defined as licensed businesses that sell legal and locally grown cannabis products. Dispensaries can be medical, recreational, or CBD-only.
No, dispensaries cannot take credit cards.
Dispensaries make money from selling locally grown and licensed cannabis products for medical or recreational use.
There is not an official limit on the amount of dispensaries you can visit in one day. However, the total amount of cannabis that can be bought collectively cannot exceed the legal limit set by the state you’re buying in.
No, weed dispensaries do not take insurance.
In some states, dispensaries may be required to track how much weed you buy.
Generally, no. Most dispensaries require you to be at least 21 years old to enter. However, some states have more lenient laws that allow for adults 18 years of age to receive a medical marijuana card, which allows them to enter a medical dispensary in their state.
Yes, you can go to a dispensary without a medical marijuana card. You only need a medical card if you want to enter a medical marijuana dispensary. Recreational dispensaries do not require medical cards, although you will be required to present a valid photo ID.
Yes, but it depends on where you live. Where weed is legal, some states allow delivery for both medical and recreational cannabis. Check out if there's a delivery dispensary near you with Leafly.