{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/dispensary/","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_3895-markdown","title":"How to Be a Cannabis Budtender","slug":"how-to-be-a-cannabis-budtender","content":"### How to Become a Cannabis Budtender\n\nThe modern-day budtender is more than a salesperson, they're the face of a dispensary. Budtenders provide valuable information to cannabis customers, including advice on what products to buy and how to use them. Often, medical patients will use their budtender as the go-to for cannabis.\n\nThe U.S. cannabis industry [now supports over 420,000 cannabis jobs](https://www.leafly.com/news/industry/cannabis-jobs-report), and there's no better time to make a move into the marijuana industry. Working in an emerging industry is fun, but working in a role where you get to advocate for and legally dispense cannabis is exhilarating. \n\nBut getting started is not as simple as quitting your current role and wandering into your local dispensary asking for a job. There are some essential steps you must take before becoming a dispensary budtender. \n\nLet's break down how exactly you can land your dream dispensary job. \n\n![Untitled16.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Untitled16_31abb2963e.png)\n\n### What is a Cannabis Budtender?\n\nA budtender is an employee of a cannabis dispensary. They act as a salesperson for customers to lean on for advice, recommendations, and information regarding marijuana. \n\nBudtenders also help dispensaries by maintaining regulatory compliance. They are required to check IDs, handle cash, track sales, and properly use the dispensary's Point of Sale system. \n\nEssentially, a budtender is the face of a dispensary. They're the first (or second) person that a customer will see and must be able to navigate communication with marijuana consumers, which isn't always easy.\n\n![Untitled17.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Untitled17_7a62b89867.png)\n\n### How Much Do Budtenders Make? \n\nDispensary budtender salaries can range somewhat significantly. Remember that experience often plays a role in pay. First-time budtenders will often make less than those who have worked at the job for longer. \n \n- [According to Vangst](https://vangst.com/blog/how-to-become-a-budtender), budtenders make an average of $14.90 per hour. Ranges varied from $12.50 to $18 per hour. \n\n- [ZipRecruiter](https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Dispensary-Budtender-Salary) found average budtender salaries to be around $34,000 or $16 per hour. \n\n- [Indeed](https://www.indeed.com/career/marijuana-budtender/salaries) has budtender hourly pay at around $14.39 per hour or $33,545 per year. \n\n![Untitled14.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Untitled14_0c884f5ae7.png)\n\n### What are the Requirements to Become a Budtender?\n\nRequirements for becoming a budtender often means additional research on your part. Budtender requirements vary by state and can be as rigorous as obtaining a state-licensed MED Badge in Colorado to only needing a high school diploma and background check in Oklahoma. \n\nYou need to check with your state's cannabis website for confirmation on the requirements for budtending in your state. \n\nSome common requirements* for budtenders are:\n\n- High school diploma\n- Knowledge of cannabis strains and their medicinal benefits\n- A valid marijuana worker's permit or license\n- Organizational skills\n- Analytical and problem-solving skills\n- Retail experience\n\n**This list is not inclusive and may vary by state. *\n\n![Untitled33-min.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Untitled33_min_6a29400eb1.png)\n\n### How to Find a Budtender Job at a Dispensary\n\nNow that you understand what it takes to become a budtender, you'll have to begin the application process. \n\nSome of the best places to look for budtender jobs in the cannabis industry include:\n\n- [Vangst](https://vangst.com/): This site lets you search for cannabis job postings, build your cannabis network, and join the conversation with thousands of other cannabis pros — all for free when you join the Vangst Network.\n- [FlowerHire](https://flowerhire.com/join-a-team/): Get connected to cannabis employers and even take a quiz to find out if working in cannabis is right for you!\n- [Indeed](https://www.indeed.com/): While this isn't a cannabis-only website, brands do post job openings there, including dispensary manager, grower, and trimmer positions.. Just search for cannabis and add your location to find jobs near you.\n- [Glassdoor](https://www.glassdoor.com/index.htm): This is another site that is not exclusive to cannabis, but still has a lot of postings in the marijuana industry on their job board.\n- **Instagram / LinkedIn**: Look out for cannabis job postings on social media networks. Follow brands you would like to work for on both Instagram and LinkedIn, then jump on opportunities as they are posted and promoted.\n- **In person**: It's always worth walking into your favorite local dispensary to check on open positions. Make sure to smile, remember names, and follow up via email or phone call!\n\n![Untitledval97.png](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Untitledval97_60116a8aa4.png)\n\nOnce you've worked as a budtender and experienced the various roles at a dispensary, you can branch out to other positions or move upward to management. \n \n Remember that the cannabis industry is constantly growing. Be patient and keep your nose to local job listings. If cannabis isn't legal in your area yet, it may be very soon!\n\n### Get a Medical Marijuana Card Online\n\nIt's easy to get your medical marijuana document with the online [Telehealth service HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/get-started). Register, pay, and receive an online medical consultation with a licensed practitioner and purchase medical cannabis today. You don't pay unless you're approved!","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/965f774c9689644476b7b0557def680c/ee604/9843e0925fb19d25a428f3dc2dbaee44.png","srcSet":"/static/965f774c9689644476b7b0557def680c/69585/9843e0925fb19d25a428f3dc2dbaee44.png 200w,\n/static/965f774c9689644476b7b0557def680c/497c6/9843e0925fb19d25a428f3dc2dbaee44.png 400w,\n/static/965f774c9689644476b7b0557def680c/ee604/9843e0925fb19d25a428f3dc2dbaee44.png 800w,\n/static/965f774c9689644476b7b0557def680c/f3583/9843e0925fb19d25a428f3dc2dbaee44.png 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/965f774c9689644476b7b0557def680c/58556/9843e0925fb19d25a428f3dc2dbaee44.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/965f774c9689644476b7b0557def680c/61e93/9843e0925fb19d25a428f3dc2dbaee44.webp 200w,\n/static/965f774c9689644476b7b0557def680c/1f5c5/9843e0925fb19d25a428f3dc2dbaee44.webp 400w,\n/static/965f774c9689644476b7b0557def680c/58556/9843e0925fb19d25a428f3dc2dbaee44.webp 800w,\n/static/965f774c9689644476b7b0557def680c/99238/9843e0925fb19d25a428f3dc2dbaee44.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3865-markdown","title":"The Best Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in New York City","slug":"the-best-medical-marijuana-dispensaries-in-new-york-city","content":"The cannabis sector is experiencing accelerated growth in both the US and Canada. Between rapid product innovation and changing government regulations, understanding the current environment can be difficult for the average person, whether a patient, recreational consumer, or employed in the industry. \n\nBelow we highlight our pick for the best legal dispensaries in New York City.\n\n![Cannabis is legal in New York](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_25_at_8_32_18_PM_ab015938ae.png)\n\n### What is a Dispensary?\n\nThe definition of a dispensary from [Cambridge Dictionary](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/dispensary) is \"a place where medicines are prepared and given out\". The term marijuana dispensary typically refers to a legal store where patients can access medical marijuana or cannabis. \n\n![CBD may help boost the metabolism](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_06_at_4_16_56_PM_16f70a9d60.png)\n\nThese establishments can also be called compassion clubs or just retail shops. Depending on where you live, dispensaries can sell cannabis to either medical or recreational consumers of legal age. Cannabis dispensaries can be found online and can have storefronts. Depending on the state you live in, some dispensaries or online retailers will deliver cannabis to your door.\n\n### What Makes a Good Medical Marijuana Dispensary? \n\n![What makes a good medical marijuana dispensary?](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_26_at_9_17_14_AM_f3103b6b30.png)\n\nCharacteristics of a good medical marijuana dispensary include:\n\n- A comfortable environment for customers, with high security and discretion\n- Well-trained staff of pharmacists or bud-tenders, who are friendly and approachable\n- A wide variety of high-quality products at competitive prices\n\n### The New York State Medical Marijuana Program\n\n![Medical marijuana has many health benefits](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_25_at_6_41_03_PM_1c31d55096.png)\n\nPatients in New York State have had legal access to medical cannabis [since 2014](https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/marijuana.page). According to [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_in_New_York), the initial legislation awarded five contracts to private marijuana growers who would each be allowed to operate four dispensaries, which is why there are so few storefronts. \n\nWith a [medical or weed card](https://hellomd.com/get-started/new-york), patients can purchase medical marijuana products from legal dispensaries and can also grow 6 plants at home. Find out [how to get your legal weed card in the State of New York](https://hellomd.com/articles/how-to-get-your-legal-weed-card-in-the-state-of-new-york). \n\n![A New York Medical Card from HelloMD](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_26_at_9_19_46_AM_df5dd4ee5b.png)\n\nIn New York, [Telehealth for medical marijuana certification](https://hellomd.com/get-started/new-york) is legal. With [HelloMD, you can see a doctor online](https://hellomd.com/get-started/new-york), discuss your health concerns, and get expert cannabis advice for a nominal fee. Assuming your conditions map to the list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana certification in the state of New York, you will be approved for a medical marijuana card. It's easy, fast and discreet. \n\nOnce you have your medical card, you can purchase cannabis legally within a New York dispensary. In the state of New York, all dispensaries have at least one pharmacist on-site, so you will always have access to expert cannabis advice.\n\n### Top 5 Legal Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in New York City\n\nBelow we list our top 5 picks for the best medical marijuana dispensaries in New York City.\n\n### Verilife\n\n![Verilife dispensary in NYC](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_26_at_9_21_57_AM_37b21d7743.png)\n\nFocused on patient care, [Verilife](https://www.verilife.com/ny) dispensaries offer a great selection of products, a rewards program and a price match guarantee. With 4 stores across the state, including a location in The Bronx, NY.\n\n### Etain Health\n\n![Etain medical marijuana dispensary in NYC](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_26_at_9_27_49_AM_c0ffc89ca0.png)\n\nFamily-owned and operated [Etain Health](https://etainhealth.com) has a wide variety of product formats for patients with 4 locations in the state of New York, including one in the heart of Manhattan.\n\n### The Botanist\n\n![The Botanist medical marijuana dispensary in NYC](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_26_at_9_28_52_AM_319716a042.png)\n\n[The Botanist](https://www.shopbotanist.com) has an elegant and sophisticated-looking website, a strong but basic product offering and has 4 shops open in New York, with one located in Queens, NY.\n\n### MedMen\n\n![iStock-1171629016.jpg](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/i_Stock_1171629016_6ef14337a2.jpg)\n\nA retailer that has a strong brand following, [MedMen](https://www.medmen.com), also offers a consumer rewards program. With 4 storefront open in New York State currently, featuring their shop on Fifth Avenue (Bryant Park), NY.\n\n### The Sunnyside\n\n![The Sunnyside is a new type of medical marijuana dispensary in NYC](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_26_at_9_32_38_AM_6f204b723c.png)\n\nThe [Sunnyside](https://www.sunnyside.shop) website focuses on cannabis education, features a huge selection of medical marijuana products and has 4 dispensaries open in New York State, including the location in Brooklyn, NY.\n\nAs recently as 2021, New York State legalized recreational cannabis use for adult consumers. However, [some municipalities](https://www.forbes.com/sites/chrisroberts/2021/12/30/new-york-is-already-doing-marijuana-legalization-wrong/?sh=2b992a73f9f8) will likely of this legislation. No licenses for recreational-use cannabis stores have been given out yet and aren’t expected to be anytime soon, as the city discusses in [their latest article](https://www.thecity.nyc/2021/12/21/22848537/waiting-to-inhale-legal-weed-shops-may-not-hit-nyc-in-2022) on the subject. \n\n![Medical marijuana regulations in New York - what you need to know](https://hellomd-cms.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screen_Shot_2022_01_25_at_6_45_24_PM_bee3eb6485.png)\n\nAny storefront selling cannabis with [no medical card required](https://www.businessinsider.com/inside-nyc-recreational-cannabis-club-photos-2021-10) is illegal at this time.\n\n### Get Your Medical Document & Purchase Medical Cannabis\n\nIt's easy to get your medical document with the online [Telehealth service HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/get-started). Register, pay, and receive an online medical consultation with a licensed practitioner and start purchasing medical cannabis today.\n\n\n ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/85374f76877e63215b23713270f7d195/14b42/36120a10812c282a38b05078a375dbbd.jpg","srcSet":"/static/85374f76877e63215b23713270f7d195/f836f/36120a10812c282a38b05078a375dbbd.jpg 200w,\n/static/85374f76877e63215b23713270f7d195/2244e/36120a10812c282a38b05078a375dbbd.jpg 400w,\n/static/85374f76877e63215b23713270f7d195/14b42/36120a10812c282a38b05078a375dbbd.jpg 800w,\n/static/85374f76877e63215b23713270f7d195/47498/36120a10812c282a38b05078a375dbbd.jpg 1200w,\n/static/85374f76877e63215b23713270f7d195/0e329/36120a10812c282a38b05078a375dbbd.jpg 1600w,\n/static/85374f76877e63215b23713270f7d195/3715c/36120a10812c282a38b05078a375dbbd.jpg 4164w","srcWebp":"/static/85374f76877e63215b23713270f7d195/58556/36120a10812c282a38b05078a375dbbd.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/85374f76877e63215b23713270f7d195/61e93/36120a10812c282a38b05078a375dbbd.webp 200w,\n/static/85374f76877e63215b23713270f7d195/1f5c5/36120a10812c282a38b05078a375dbbd.webp 400w,\n/static/85374f76877e63215b23713270f7d195/58556/36120a10812c282a38b05078a375dbbd.webp 800w,\n/static/85374f76877e63215b23713270f7d195/99238/36120a10812c282a38b05078a375dbbd.webp 1200w,\n/static/85374f76877e63215b23713270f7d195/7c22d/36120a10812c282a38b05078a375dbbd.webp 1600w,\n/static/85374f76877e63215b23713270f7d195/96651/36120a10812c282a38b05078a375dbbd.webp 4164w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_3740-markdown","title":"Pennsylvania Weed Map - Guide To Getting Safe & Legal Weed","slug":"pennsylvania-weed-map-guide-to-getting-safe-and-legal-weed","content":"### Getting Legal Weed in Pennsylvania\n\nWhile Pennsylvania legislation passing Adult-Use cannabis is a [complicated prospect](https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2021/02/25/marijuana-has-been-legalized-many-states-why-pa-hasnt-joined-them/4513018001/) and most likely years off in the Keystone State, Pennsylvania is embracing medical cannabis wholeheartedly. Well, almost. Marijuana edibles in Pennsylvania, (in case you’re late to the party), are NOT on the menu. \n\nUnderstandable. Billowing out of Colorado, (the Wild West for recreational legalization in the U.S. in 2014) were [tales of trouble](https://www.wsj.com/articles/colorado-grapples-with-risks-from-edible-marijuana-1399675707) involving mindless consumption of legal, powerful, weed-food, almost as soon as it became available to the stoked, if inexperienced, Centennial State. For most of the other 49 states, Colorado’s legalization became a cautionary tale for [how NOT to do legalized marijuana](https://www.wsj.com/articles/colorado-grapples-with-risks-from-edible-marijuana-1399675707). Meanwhile the rest of the country pondered the question: How much weed is too much weed?\n\n### An Edible Weed Disaster\nHeck, even though she [caught crap](https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/mbvd/twitter-reacts-hilariously-to-new-york-times-maureen-dowd) from razzing stoners, New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd and her [personal weed horror story](https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/04/opinion/dowd-dont-harsh-our-mellow-dude.html) can be credited — at least in part — with highlighting the need for (cannabis dosing guidelines)[https://hellomd.com/articles/dosing-cannabis-edibles-safely]. \n\nDispensaries and across the country started adopting [dosing charts](https://leafly-cms-production.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/21142924/DosageChart-v2-FB-1200x628%401x.jpg) and catchphrases. \n\nIn response to Dowd’s experience (and finger-pointing), Colorado wagged back and launched its [Consume Responsibly](https://www.cnn.com/2014/09/17/us/colorado-marijuana-edibles-billboard-maureen-dowd/index.html) “Start Low and Go Slow” campaign, with billboards paying homage to Dowd’s terrifying trip. (Lesson One: Don’t mix edibles with alcohol. And especially not Chardonnay. *Shudder.)\n\n### Pharmacists at Dispensaries in Pennsylvania\n\nBut we’re an older and wiser cannabis culture now, aren’t we? And Pennsylvania’s one of a handful of enviable states that require pharmacists onsite at dispensaries to educate staff and patients, and help guide new users in their choices. \n\nIf ever there was a perfect setup to safely launch marijuana edibles, Pennsylvania’s got it going on. Meanwhile, so long as Pennsylvania remains restrictive in its weed legalization and sticks to its guns with its no-edible policy, it will support, as prohibition always does, the [continued acceleration of the traditional market](https://www.abc27.com/news/local/lebanon/pa-state-police-seize-500000-worth-of-thc-edibles-during-traffic-stop-in-lebanon/). \n\nBesides, there’s a certain rite-of-passage/live-and-learn aspect to educating oneself on how to properly dose edibles. You overmedicate. You live through it (which you always do, cannabis in itself is NOT lethal, though it can be quite uncomfortable), and you learn. Boy do you learn. You learn fast. \n\n### Getting Your Medical Marijuana Card in Pennsylvania\n\nMeanwhile, you can get just about anything else as a medical cannabis patient in Pennsylvania. You can meet virtually with a Licensed Professional through [HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/get-started/), or in person with a [Medical Marijuana-Approved Practitioners](https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/Documents/Programs/Medical%20Marijuana/DOH%20Approved%20Practitioners.pdf) and sign up for [Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana Program](https://hellomd.com/articles/how-to-get-a-pennsylvania-weed-card/).\n\n### Our List of Pennsylvania Dispensaries\n\nDispensaries are open all over the state, with pharmacists on staff to guide you. Be sure to call ahead and see if you need an appointment. Here are just a few of your choices:\n\n[Keystone Shops](https://keystoneshops.com/) are open in Devon, Philadelphia, King of Prussia.\n\nWestern PA’s [Rise Dispensary](https://risecannabis.com/dispensaries/pennsylvania/monroeville/) has a great blog on their website. They’re in Monroeville. \n\n[Verilife](https://www.verilife.com/pa) has four dispensaries in Chester, Philly, Williamsport and Shamokin, with several more opening soon.\n\n[Beyond / Hello](https://beyond-hello.com/pennsylvania-dispensaries/bethlehem/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=bethlehem) has over a dozen locations and a rewards program with points that can be accumulated and used at any location.\n\n[Columbia Care](https://col-care.com/) has Allentown, Wilkes-Barre, and Scranton locations.\n\n[Cure Pennsylvania](https://curepenn.com/) dispensaries are in Philadelphia, Lancaster and Phoenixville. Check out their [educational podcast](https://curepenn.com/podcast/), too, hosted by patient consultant/assistant manager Noah.\n\n### Need Your Medical Marijuana Card?\n[HelloMD](https://hellomd.com/get-started/) can help you with online virtual medical consultation and get your medical card fast, easy and private.\n\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/f50e89cb5bc03a241af2f859ff3174d2/ee604/782305f1e3551210735673c30e409567.png","srcSet":"/static/f50e89cb5bc03a241af2f859ff3174d2/69585/782305f1e3551210735673c30e409567.png 200w,\n/static/f50e89cb5bc03a241af2f859ff3174d2/497c6/782305f1e3551210735673c30e409567.png 400w,\n/static/f50e89cb5bc03a241af2f859ff3174d2/ee604/782305f1e3551210735673c30e409567.png 800w,\n/static/f50e89cb5bc03a241af2f859ff3174d2/f3583/782305f1e3551210735673c30e409567.png 1200w,\n/static/f50e89cb5bc03a241af2f859ff3174d2/5707d/782305f1e3551210735673c30e409567.png 1600w,\n/static/f50e89cb5bc03a241af2f859ff3174d2/d7e9e/782305f1e3551210735673c30e409567.png 2784w","srcWebp":"/static/f50e89cb5bc03a241af2f859ff3174d2/58556/782305f1e3551210735673c30e409567.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f50e89cb5bc03a241af2f859ff3174d2/61e93/782305f1e3551210735673c30e409567.webp 200w,\n/static/f50e89cb5bc03a241af2f859ff3174d2/1f5c5/782305f1e3551210735673c30e409567.webp 400w,\n/static/f50e89cb5bc03a241af2f859ff3174d2/58556/782305f1e3551210735673c30e409567.webp 800w,\n/static/f50e89cb5bc03a241af2f859ff3174d2/99238/782305f1e3551210735673c30e409567.webp 1200w,\n/static/f50e89cb5bc03a241af2f859ff3174d2/7c22d/782305f1e3551210735673c30e409567.webp 1600w,\n/static/f50e89cb5bc03a241af2f859ff3174d2/d40b7/782305f1e3551210735673c30e409567.webp 2784w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2062-markdown","title":"My First Time Visiting a Marijuana Dispensary","slug":"my-first-time-visiting-a-marijuana-dispensary","content":"You might imagine that the Chief Medical Office of HelloMD would be an\r\nauthority on dispensaries. I'm not. It makes me sound like Dr. McCoy,\r\nbut \"I'm a doctor, not a distributor.\" Well, eventually I came to\r\nrealize that being a good doctor means that sometimes you have to be a\r\npatient. Though I am quite familiar with, and have written about, the\r\nbenefits of cannabis as part of a health and wellness program, I have\r\nnever been the recipient of a recommendation for cannabis. That is,\r\nuntil now.\r\n\r\nWhile I am in relatively good health, I do have difficulty with chronic\r\nstress, as many in the medical community do these days. I also suffer\r\nfrom insomnia quite regularly. These are classic symptoms that we\r\nencounter here at HelloMD on a regular basis. I decided that it was time\r\nfor me to see a doctor other than myself for a change. I wanted to know\r\nfor certain if medicinal cannabis could help alleviate my symptoms. I\r\ncan tell you now, I'm tremendously glad I did.\r\n\r\n**How I Learned To Do the Opposite**\r\n\r\nThe entire process, beginning to end, was extremely illuminating for me.\r\nIt helped me see things from the patient's point of view. First of all,\r\nI was relieved to find that it was fairly simple to fill out the online\r\napplication on our site and enter my medical history and other\r\ninformation. Next, I scheduled an appointment with one of our physicians\r\nfor the online face-to-face interview. I was glad to see that, when I\r\nwas speaking to one of our physicians, the training and expertise that\r\nwe ask of our doctors really paid off. In the end, it felt more like a\r\nvideo call with a knowledgeable friend, only the subject was my stress\r\nand insomnia.\r\n\r\nThe result was that he agreed with my assessment. He said he believed\r\nthat cannabis would make sense in my situation and so he issued me a\r\nrecommendation. My next task came in finding a nearby a dispensary. In\r\nthe California county that I live in, there are no dispensaries close\r\nby. The HelloMD site was helpful there, too. There's a Dispensary menu\r\nlink along the top of the page, so I clicked it and was brought to a map\r\nsearch. I used my zip code to find several dispensaries within a few\r\nmiles from my home.\r\n\r\n**Not What I Expected, At All**\r\n\r\nI'd heard stories that these dispensaries tend to be found in bad parts\r\nof town and are surrounded by beefy, armed guards. Some comments online\r\nmentioned triple security entryways, unprofessional workers and people\r\nhanging around outside. None of that was true. Yes, it turns out that\r\npeople posting comments on the Internet can be unreliable, to say the\r\nleast. Shocking, right?\r\n\r\nSecurity at the dispensary was tight because it's a cash business and\r\n(guess what) they are selling marijuana!Bank transactions like credit\r\ncard purchases are not permitted at most dispensaries. Even that is\r\nchanging, though. The Department of Justice said it wouldn't pursue\r\nbanks processing legal marijuana purchases, so [47 percent of\r\ndispensaries in\r\nColorado](http://blog.credit.com/2015/04/despite-legal-uncertainties-some-pot-dispensaries-accept-credit-cards-115247/)\r\nnow accept credit cards or ATM purchases. Although California was the\r\nfirst state to legalize medical marijuana way back in 1996, our state is\r\nsadly still behind the curve on this one.\r\n\r\nOne thing I found to be true was that the dispensary I chose was not\r\nlocated in the prime business district. However, I was glad to park in\r\nthe secure lot and go through the front door beside a friendly security\r\nguard.\r\n\r\n**Approximately One Million Questions**\r\n\r\nI didn't have any idea what to expect when I went through that door.\r\nWould it be an Amsterdam coffee shop inside? Would it be an empty\r\nindustrial warehouse? What I found was practically identical with just\r\nabout every medical waiting room I'd ever been in. It was a clean,\r\nwell-lit space, not too creative in terms of décor, but functional. At\r\nthe counter, a vast array of choices lay before me.\r\n\r\nThe \"Budtender\" behind the counter didn't know me and I didn't mention\r\nthat I had any connection with HelloMD. I assailed this specialist with\r\nevery single question I could imagine that a new patient might ask. What\r\nexactly is medicinal cannabis? What's THC? What's CBD? What's involved\r\nin vaping and is it safe? What are edibles and are they less effective?\r\nWhat are my best options if I want relief from insomnia or pain or\r\nanxiety?\r\n\r\nMy questions went on and on. Perhaps he had his own prescription filled\r\nfor patience because he was honest, informative and friendly throughout\r\nit all. Clearly, this was not his first rodeo.\r\n\r\n**The Moral of the Story**\r\n\r\nI'd say my first dispensary experience was full of surprises, but it was\r\nalso a rewarding journey for me, both personally and professionally. For\r\none thing, now I'm much more comfortable about discussing the next steps\r\nafter a recommendation is given out. I can also understand a great deal\r\nmore about what patients might be thinking when trying medical marijuana\r\nfor the first time. If you've recently encountered some surprising\r\nexperiences along your medical journey, or have questions about the\r\nprocess, we'd love to hear from you. Remember, there's a first time for\r\neverything!\r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/fixem/4815843665/in/photolist-8kysxk-7Vbxda-8d9A8i-7sRNC-4h9Qjj-6NJiHD-aJe1pt-ayhvqL-rCFZ7U-cmYLtQ-euU1KV-ef8D5n-2oTGLT-7Y7LMC-7hDrqf-8raVcj-74fhHb-a9a4Br-nNaibf-4ua2iW-6eprkk-pePA3V-yUMWc-oJoTCc-9fEhR5-bnY3jk-5Ub4uc-iAmKh-51oXkS-euXhG5-NVieZ-7MjDxo-s82rvS-4AEfuU-kbeDx-79UKxt-5azkGj-oeZ1Vh-9jrft6-7MmB1p-aYbae-kxxF4-8ErPQc-4RoAFk-dZXryD-btSaaS-6Yc8sF-o9kM5u-4nNBEG-4NNLbx)\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.492537313432836,"src":"/static/b1e9d2b2281ae6a1f8736f2061cd0f33/14b42/447c43d449f8994371c6c4ef99d1de32.jpg","srcSet":"/static/b1e9d2b2281ae6a1f8736f2061cd0f33/f836f/447c43d449f8994371c6c4ef99d1de32.jpg 200w,\n/static/b1e9d2b2281ae6a1f8736f2061cd0f33/2244e/447c43d449f8994371c6c4ef99d1de32.jpg 400w,\n/static/b1e9d2b2281ae6a1f8736f2061cd0f33/14b42/447c43d449f8994371c6c4ef99d1de32.jpg 800w,\n/static/b1e9d2b2281ae6a1f8736f2061cd0f33/38862/447c43d449f8994371c6c4ef99d1de32.jpg 1021w","srcWebp":"/static/b1e9d2b2281ae6a1f8736f2061cd0f33/58556/447c43d449f8994371c6c4ef99d1de32.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/b1e9d2b2281ae6a1f8736f2061cd0f33/61e93/447c43d449f8994371c6c4ef99d1de32.webp 200w,\n/static/b1e9d2b2281ae6a1f8736f2061cd0f33/1f5c5/447c43d449f8994371c6c4ef99d1de32.webp 400w,\n/static/b1e9d2b2281ae6a1f8736f2061cd0f33/58556/447c43d449f8994371c6c4ef99d1de32.webp 800w,\n/static/b1e9d2b2281ae6a1f8736f2061cd0f33/a82bb/447c43d449f8994371c6c4ef99d1de32.webp 1021w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":0,"numPages":1,"currentPage":1,"id":5196,"name":"Dispensary","slug":"dispensary","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}