Key Takeaways
- Dispensary prices vary with state regulations and market maturity, which heavily influence costs.
- An ideal dispensary experience combines quality products, informed staff, fair prices, and personalized service.
- Compare MSOs, SSOs, and independent shops to match personal needs.
Thanks to legalization, dispensaries have grown in market presence across several US states. With more accessibility, consumers have more options than ever to find their favorite dispensary.
Choosing the best dispensary to buy from goes beyond convenience–it’s about finding a trusted location that offers quality products, fair pricing, and an experience tailored to individual needs. Product selection, pricing, staff expertise, and many other components should produce a more satisfying shopping experience.
What is a Dispensary?
A dispensary is a brick-and-mortar retail store where consumers can legally buy cannabis products. Some stores specifically cater to medical or recreational-only consumers. However, the market has grown to the point that ample dispensaries now offer hybrid services.
To meet demand, most top dispensaries carry a variety of popular products to buy, including:
Many stores also sell accessories and merchandise, providing consumers with an ideally one-stop shopping experience.
What to Look for in a Good Dispensary
Product Selection
One of the most critical factors is a dispensary's product selection. The ideal shop carries a range of products for virtually every type of consumer, and each option should include several reputable brands.
Smaller specialty shops may focus on one or two key product types in less common cases. For example, some independent or single-state shops may cater to connoisseur consumers and emphasize sourcing the best flowers and concentrates in the state.
Quality vs. Quantity
Consumers should take some time to read consumer reviews before deciding what to buy. Listening to the staff is wise in many cases.
Helpful, Informed Staff
A knowledgeable staff is indispensable. These pros are pivotal in guiding consumers to the right products and information.
For example, an ideal staff goes beyond the inaccurate indica vs. sativa language to describe a cultivar’s expected effects. A top-tier budtender or salesperson may suggest products based on the consumer’s desired effects, such as relaxation or energy. From there, they may explain how terpenes and cannabinoids interact with the body.
MSO vs. Mom-and-Pop Dispensaries
The type of dispensary a shopper goes to may significantly impact their shopping experience. Shops are grouped into one of three categories:
- MSOs (Multi-State Operators): These large-scale businesses operate across two or more states, typically operating as the same brand. MSOs aim to offer consistent pricing, shopping experiences, and inventory.
- Single-State Operators (SSOs): These dispensaries exist within a single state, often operating more than one shop in-state under the same brand. SSOs typically follow the same intended customer experience as MSOs, emphasizing locally produced products and accessories.
- Independent Shops: These smaller, singular operations are often deeply rooted in their communities. Many emphasize craft, local cannabis products, which may lead to limited selections. Some states also allow microbusiness licenses, permitting small-scale operators to grow, process, and sell cannabis products. This model encourages entrepreneurship and diversity in the market, often resulting in hyper-localized offerings.
Price
Price is a significant consideration when choosing the best dispensary to frequent. Costs vary based on product quality, quantity, brand, location, and taxes. These various aspects can make it difficult for some buyers to find what they want at their set price points.
Consider this hypothetical scenario: A consumer visits a dispensary with a budget of $50. They must choose between a $40 premium eighth of flower (pre-tax) or a $20 option (pre-tax) of lower quality. While the premium product offers better effects and flavor, the lower-cost option allows for additional purchases like edibles or pre-rolls, allowing the shopper to stock up.
Ultimately, the decision is based on personal preferences. Some are willing to pay more for “better” products, while others take the opposite approach.
State-by-State Prices
Pricing disparities across states play a significant role, creating pain points in some markets and substantial savings in others.
In New Jersey, cannabis prices remain high due to strict regulations and taxes, often exceeding $60 for an eighth. Conversely, Michigan's more mature market offers competitive pricing, with some dispensaries charging as little as $5 and $15 for certain edibles and strains.
Convenience and Features
Depending on the state and the store, a dispensary may offer several additional perks to convince shoppers to buy from them regularly. Consumers looking for a dispensary with extra perks should be on the lookout for one or more possible features:
Discounts
Many dispensaries offer price cuts on products for some individuals, including veterans, seniors, students, medical patients, etc. Check local stores or visit their websites for a list of discounts.
Member Benefits
Many of the top dispensaries offer loyalty programs, member discounts, and/or early access to exclusive product drops.
Add-Ons and Gifts
The best dispensaries go the extra mile by providing free samples, branded merchandise, or educational materials–and these perks aren’t exclusive to members.
Interactive Experiences
Dispensaries occasionally host “vendor days,” where consumers can meet farmers and processors to learn more about the brands, products, and the industry. Anyone looking to work in or become more involved in the industry should consider prioritizing these events.
Dispensary FAQ
What is the best dispensary at which to shop?
Everyone is different, so the best dispensary varies depending on several factors.
Some shoppers prioritize variety and quality in product selection. Others may focus on pricing, location, and/or customer service. The key is to find a dispensary that aligns with personal needs and preferences, whether a large multi-state operator (MSO) offering consistency or a mom-and-pop shop with a more local touch.
Why are prices so different across the country?
Cannabis prices vary due to state regulations, taxes, and market maturity. For example, New Jersey’s high taxes and limited competition result in eighths selling for over $60. On the other hand, Michigan’s more competitive market and favorable regulations produce prices as low as $5 and $15 for some popular products.
Similarly, states with well-established markets and supply chains, like Colorado and Oregon, may offer even lower prices.
Do dispensaries take credit cards?
Most dispensaries don’t let customers pay with credit cards. This is due to federal banking restrictions. Some dispensaries claim to take cards. However, they typically can only process payments as a debit ATM transaction or through cannabis-specific payment apps.
Despite payment options expanding, federal banking laws still pose significant barriers to them in the cannabis space.
What makes for the best customer experience?
An ideal dispensary experience depends on personal expectations. Typically, customers appreciate knowledgeable and friendly staff, a wide variety of high-quality products, and fair pricing.
I hear MSOs are bad. Is that true?
Bad is a subjective term and isn’t entirely true of MSOs. Whether they are “bad” often depends on individual priorities and market impacts.
Critics argue that large brands stifle competition, hurt small businesses, and can compromise product quality and consistency. Supporters typically highlight MSOs’ role in expanding access to cannabis and providing recognizable, consistent retail experiences.
The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
