Medical cannabis is being legalized in more states across the U.S. If it was recently legalized in your state, then you might be excited to visit a real medical dispensary for the first time. Make sure you apply for and receive your medical marijuana card before your first visit. Here are some other, more specific tips to follow throughout the experience.

Bring identification.

The specifics of security vary between states. But in every state where medical cannabis is legal, there are some security requirements that must be met in order for one to enter a dispensary or buy medical marijuana. At the very least, you will need to show your photo ID and medical marijuana card to buy the cannabis. In some cases, you may have to show these documents to even enter the store. So, make sure you have your ID and medical card before you leave your house.

Bring a list of other medications and supplements.

Cannabis is safe to combine with most other medications and supplements. However, it can interact with and be modified by certain other supplements. So, it's a good idea to bring a list of medications you're taking. Share this list with the budtender when asking for strain and product recommendations. It may affect the products or doses that they recommend for you.

Browse the product offerings online.

If the dispensary you're visiting has a website, take a look at their product list, or "menu" as it is sometimes called, before you go. This will give you an idea of what strains you may be most interested in. You can then ask the budtender about those specific strains, rather than open-endedly asking them for recommendations. You might also discover some types of concentrates or edibles you were not aware existed before. This way, you can be prepared to seek them out and look at them more closely when you arrive.

Set a budget.

It's easy to get pulled in by all of the great options and creative products. But especially for your first visit, you don't want to overdo it and overspend. Set a budget before you go, and choose products that fit within that budget.

If you follow the tips above, you should have a great first visit to the cannabis dispensary. It's pretty amazing that medical cannabis is becoming so much easier to access, and you deserve to take part in that. 

For more info, contact a local dispensary.