6 Important Things to Look for in a Marijuana Dispensary

When choosing a marijuana dispensary, you should look for proper licensing, a clean facility, and knowledgeable staff. Other important considerations include in-house product cultivation, a professional appearance, and clear packaging and labeling to ensure quality, safety, and transparency in all products.

With an increasing number of states legalizing marijuana for medical and recreational use, it’s important to know what to look for when choosing a dispensary. No matter if you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced consumer, the right dispensary can make a big difference in your overall experience.

Freedom Road is a licensed full-service dispensary and grow-house with locations in Oklahoma City and Trinidad, Colorado, and we approach our cannabis operations with clinical precision. In addition to carrying a carefully curated selection of high-quality cannabis products, we also employ some of the best and brightest budtenders and cultivation experts in the business for a purchasing experience that’s simply sublime. From the front sales counter to the back room grow technicians, everyone at Freedom Road is passionate about providing exceptional cannabis products and helping you on your journey to a better life.

Deciding on the Right Marijuana Dispensary

With over 2,380 dispensaries in Oklahoma and more than 1,000 in Colorado, trying to choose the right one can be daunting, especially if you’re just getting started. Marijuana products purchased from a disreputable or unlicensed dispensary can do more than leave you with a bad taste in your mouth (thanks to inconsistent product), they can get you in trouble with the law or even harm your health. Purchasing from a good marijuana dispensary ensures you are receiving safe, laboratory-tested cannabis that is properly labeled and packaged and legal to sell so that your cannabis experience is a positive one.

Here are 6 things to look for when purchasing from a marijuana dispensary.

1. Proper Licensing and Regulations

The first thing you should check when visiting any dispensary is if they are properly licensed. In states where marijuana is legal, like Oklahoma and Colorado, dispensaries must follow strict guidelines. These rules are put in place to make sure their products are safe and compliant with state laws. This is particularly important when medical marijuana dispensaries are providing medicine for people with serious health conditions.

A licensed dispensary will be transparent about its credentials. They are just as interested in following the laws to protect their customers. Unlicensed dispensaries may cut corners on safety, product purity, and quality, compromising your health and the legality of your transaction. In many states, you can check a dispensary’s licensing online, and most dispensaries display their licenses in a prominent location.

2. Clean and Well-Maintained Facility

A clean, well-maintained facility is a true indicator of professionalism and care. Dispensaries should be held to the same standards as any place that sells consumable products — whether it’s food or medicine. A dirty or disorganized dispensary is a red flag to consumers. If they cannot maintain a clean appearance, they might also not be putting in the effort to maintain product quality or safety.

When you walk into a reputable dispensary like Freedom Road, you should feel comfortable. It should be apparent that cleanliness and professionalism are priorities. Floors, counters, and display cases should all be spotless, and there should be a sense of organization in how products are presented.

Dispensaries that take pride in their appearance and operations are more likely to be trustworthy. If you find yourself in a place that feels neglected or unclean, it’s best to take your business elsewhere. After all, their outward appearance reflects the attention they give to every aspect of their business, including product safety.

3. In-House Product Cultivation

One of the biggest advantages of shopping at Freedom Road is knowing that many of our products are grown in-house. When a dispensary cultivates its own marijuana, it has full control over the growing and testing processes and can provide higher-quality products. You’ll know where the product comes from and can be confident it’s grown with care.

At Freedom Road, we focus on providing the highest quality strains for both medical and recreational use. Our team oversees every step, from seed to sale, and makes sure that our plants are grown in the best conditions without using pesticides or other harsh chemicals. Customers can be confident they are purchasing fresher, more consistent products that will meet their needs.

In addition, dispensaries that grow their own cannabis can offer a wider selection of strains and products and provide specific information about how each is grown and processed. This translates to a higher level of control and care and a better experience for the customer.

4. Experienced and Knowledgeable Staff

For those new to marijuana, the first time you walk into a dispensary can feel intimidating. An experienced and knowledgeable staff can guide you through the process and put you at ease. Good dispensary staff are experts who understand the products as well as the needs of the customers.

At Freedom Road, our staff members are well-trained to help both new and experienced customers make decisions. You may be looking for something to manage chronic pain, improve your sleep, or help you relax, and our expert staff can help you choose from various options, such as flower, edibles, tinctures, or topicals.

When evaluating a dispensary, look for staff who are eager to answer your questions without rushing you or pushing you to make a purchase. A good dispensary will help you feel confident in your choice. If the staff seems disinterested or unhelpful, that’s a sign you need to find a different dispensary.

5. Proper Packaging and Labeling

Packaging and labeling aren’t just about looks. With marijuana, it’s about safety and transparency. High-quality dispensaries take time to properly package and label their products with all the necessary information. Look for:

• THC and CBD content
• Strain name
• Expiration date
• Batch number
• Other relevant details, like side effects

At Freedom Road, we clearly label our products so you can feel confident about your purchase. Our packaging also helps keep the product fresh and free from contamination.

Be wary of dispensaries that cut corners on packaging. Products without the proper labeling or information can be dangerous. You may not know the product’s potency or ingredients or even its origin. Steer clear of these signs of carelessness and unprofessionalism.

6. Professional Appearance and Location

A dispensary’s appearance and location matter more than you might think. Not all dispensaries are professional businesses, and even some legitimate ones may be less reputable than others. When you encounter a dispensary operating out of a rundown building or a questionable location, you might wonder about their professionalism and worry about product safety or quality.

First impressions are important, and that begins with a business’s exterior. How a dispensary looks on the outside will give you an idea of how they conduct business on the inside. Legitimate dispensaries, like Freedom Road, have a professional and welcoming appearance, inside and out.

Things to look for are a central location, clear signage, a clean interior, and a welcoming atmosphere. These elements will put you at ease knowing you’re in a well-run and legal establishment. Avoid dispensaries that seem hastily thrown together or are located in isolated, sketchy areas — they may compromise your safety with low-quality, questionable products.

Trust Your Recreational and Medical Marijuana Experiences to Freedom Road

It matters where you purchase your medical or recreational marijuana products. At Freedom Road, we focus on quality and customer service over maximum yield and profits, and our team of grow operators, managers, and budtenders take every aspect of our business seriously. We take our time, we do things right, and we take care of our customers. All of our products meet our exacting standards for taste, consistency, and potency, and they undergo stringent testing to ensure accurate dosing. They are also meticulously labeled to help you experience the safest, most reliable results possible.

No matter what your marijuana needs are, Freedom’s Road commitment to quality, safety, and customer care will provide you with the best customer experience and premium products. Visit us online or at one of our convenient locations in Trinidad, Colorado, and Oklahoma City.

Questions? Reach out to us today.