What To Know Before Visiting An NJ Dispensary
Whether you are an experienced dispensary customer or you are purchasing cannabis at a dispensary for the first time, knowing what to expect can help ensure a smooth, seamless visit. There are some things you need to know before you head out the door. So before you visit your neighborhood New Jersey dispensary, read through this helpful guide.
In this blog, you will learn:
What to expect when visiting a NJ dispensary
If there is a difference between medical and adult use dispensaries
What to bring when you visit a dispensary in NJ
Tips to keep in mind when visiting a New Jersey dispensary
What to expect when you walk into a New Jersey dispensary
A dispensary can feel remarkably similar to an elevated retail experience. Many dispensaries have displays with product packaging, menus with full cannabis product selections, and helpful associates, sometimes called budtenders, who can help you through your transaction.
While all dispensaries function slightly differently, all visits begin with an ID check. For New Jersey’s adult use program, customers must be 21 years of age or older. For those registered as patients in the New Jersey Medical Marijuana Program (NJMCP), you will need to show your medical cannabis program identification card as well. If you are a medical cannabis patient and it is your first time visiting the dispensary, the staff may also require you to complete some forms for their records. In either case, you cannot enter the dispensary without government-issued photo identification.
Once checked in, you will generally be allowed to enter the retail floor. At some dispensaries, you will see the products on the shelf. Others will only display empty packages, while others still may not show anything. This depends on state regulations.
Once it is your turn to order, an associate will assist you in assessing your options and determining the best product for your wants or needs. After selecting what you want, the associate will help you complete checkout and give you your products to bring home. Your ID will likely be checked one more time while completing your purchase.
What do you need when you go to the dispensary?
Coming prepared is the easiest way to make your first dispensary experience a smooth one There are a few things that you will need to bring with you when you head to the dispensary, such as:
Proof of identity: No matter what dispensary you go to, you will need to present a government-issued ID to verify your age and identity. For medical cannabis patients, an NJMCP identification card is required as well. You can bring a driver’s license, a non-driver ID, or a passport, to name some examples.
Cash or a debit card: With cannabis remaining a federally illegal substance, it is inherently difficult for cannabis businesses like dispensaries to obtain safe and secure banking services. For this reason, dispensaries do not take credit cards. Some may accept debit cards or have an ATM, but it is always good to be prepared with cash.
An idea of what you want: Take a moment to peruse the online menu before heading into the dispensary. While the dispensary associate will be there to help you, getting familiar with the menu beforehand can make the process much less intimidating, since you will already have an idea of what is available and might be the best product for you.
Your questions: Don’t be afraid to ask the dispensary associate your questions before making a purchase. The employees have extensive knowledge of the products in the store and are trained to help both experienced cannabis connoisseurs and first-time consumers.
Medical vs. adult use: Is there a difference in New Jersey?
On February 22, 2021, Governor Phil Murphy signed a bill legalizing adult-use cannabis for adults aged 21 years and older in New Jersey. Adult-use sales started on April 21, 2022, with a limited number of Alternative Treatment Centers (ATCs) approved to sell adult use cannabis products as well.
While adults in NJ can now obtain cannabis without a medical card, there are some significant differences between the medicinal and adult use cannabis programs.
Purpose and eligibility: Medical cannabis patients must obtain a medical cannabis identification card to purchase cannabis and participate in the program. This requires the patient to obtain a doctor referral for at least one of the 17 qualifying conditions approved under the NJMMP.
Product availability: Medical patients are guaranteed cannabis products by state regulations, while adult-use may run out based on demand. According to dispensary representatives at an NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) meeting, many dispensaries are implementing measures such as exclusive hours, special parking for patients, and home delivery for patients to prevent product shortages or access issues.
Taxes: Adult use sales in New Jersey are subject to the state sales tax. Medical cannabis is no longer taxed, as of July 1st, 2022.
Purchase limits: Adult use cannabis retailers in New Jersey are prohibited from dispensing more than one ounce of usable cannabis in a single transaction. Each consumer is free to possess up to six ounces total. For products in solid, liquid, or concentrate form, the maximum amount of medical cannabis that a qualifying patient or the patient’s designated caregiver is allowed by law to purchase is three ounces for a 30-day period. Terminally ill patients are exempt from these limits.
Additionally, In New Jersey, adult use products are currently only available at a select number of approved medical cannabis dispensaries. As the NJCRC continues to review applications, the state will eventually see openings of standalone adult use locations. If you are unsure of whether a medical cannabis dispensary offers adult use products at this time, check the company’s website or call ahead before you visit.
Tips to keep in mind when visiting a New Jersey dispensary
In addition to the basics, there are some extra tips to keep in mind when visiting a New Jersey dispensary.
Ask for a Certificate of Analysis: A certificate of analysis (CoA) is a quality check verifying that a product has been inspected by a third-party testing laboratory like True Labs for Cannabis. Asking the dispensary to see a CoA before purchasing a product is a great way to ensure that it is free from harmful contaminants and safe for consumption, as well as determine the cannabinoid and terpene profiles of the product. If you want to review the CoA of a product before buying, ask a dispensary associate to procure it for you.
Account for purchase limits: You may not be able to purchase as much as you want in a single transaction or visit to the dispensary. If you want to purchase more than one ounce (as an adult use consumer) or three ounces in a 30-day period (for medical cannabis patients), you will need to come back another day.
Do not forget about taxes: Like other retail products, the price of your transaction at the register will be higher than the prices listed at the dispensary. All adult-use transactions are subject to New Jersey sales tax of 6.625% plus a social equity excise fee of 1/3 of 1%, as described by the NJCRC. As of July 1st, 2022, medical cannabis patients do not pay tax on medical cannabis purchases.
Making high-quality purchases
While all dispensaries have a unique stamp on their customer experience, many essential functions in a dispensary are regulated by the state and therefore do not vary greatly from place to place. You can expect ID checks, purchase limits, and dispensary associates at any location you visit in the Garden State.
You can also rest assured that the products you buy in the dispensary have been tested for potency, safety, and quality. So, when you want the best cannabis products available in New Jersey, gather your essentials, head to your chosen dispensary, and always ask for a CoA.