Are you satisfied with current marijuana dispensaries? Poll & Discussion

green2brown · May 4, 2015

The marijuana dispensary model has a pretty standard setup:

You walk into a "waiting room," usually after walking by a security guard or bouncer and in some cases through a metal detector, where you check-in and wait to enter a backroom. After passing through a secured door, you're greeted by a budtender who let's you see and smell the strains you request before you make your purchase. This is the typical experience.

Are you satisfied with the current marijuana dispensary model?

Please respond to the poll and let's get some discussion going in this thread:

What do you like about the current dispensary model?
What do you dislike about it?
What changes would you like to see?
What would your ideal dispensary be like?
If you love your regular dispensary, what is the name? Share the wealth with other members here

Any and all input is valuable input.

macbill · May 4, 2015

For some reason, Clark Co., WA does not have brick & mortar dispensaries for medical mj. There are many delivery services available. While I do like some aspects of the delivery service, I would like to have some shops nearby. I can drive 40 miles north for a walk-in. I haven't been motivated enough to go, however.

lwien · May 4, 2015

Love both my walk-dispensary ---CornerStone Research
and my delivery dispensary-------The Honor Roll Collective

Wouldn't change a thing. Quality product, fair pricing, knowledgeable and friendly staff and quick, hassle free deliveries.

Enchantre · May 4, 2015

We bypass the dispensary model by shopping farmers markets.

I would love to see dispensary models change a bit... more patient interaction, more of a social atmosphere for sharing, discussing, sampling, swapping... of course, I would like the model broadened, not changed. Add options, don't eliminate.

I do, occasionally, shop dispensaries. Usually when there is a particular med we really need, and no one at the markets has it.

I've never tried delivery. Live in a small apartment complex ... seriously doubt that would be discreet here. Just don't want it to be an issue.

lwien · May 4, 2015

Enchantre said:
I've never tried delivery. Live in a small apartment complex ...

Yeah, I do as well. I just have the delivery guy ring me on the phone when he get here and I meet him outside. I hop in his car we do the transaction. A bit sketchy though......

I can just hear our neighbors thinking, "Now what is that 71 year old guy doing getting into that car with that young Asian boy.......?" :lol:

Joel W. · May 4, 2015

My local recreational shop is 4 times the price of the medical guy that delivers the same stuff.

Like: Rec shop is inside a fenced maze with mass security
Like: Med guy delivers

Dislike: Rec shop feels like I am going into a prison yard
Dislike: A guy comes to the house! (i'm torn here)

Want: Rec prices cheaper
Want: Med needs more variety and cheaper

Ideal: Rec and Med on grocery store shelves, drive through windows, vending and ATM machines, drone delivery, vacuum tube systems, Star Trek transporter, taco trucks on the corners and ice cream trucks roaming the streets. Put cats to work, lazy fuckers! I think it and it appears, there has gotta be an app for that.

Really though, I just want it everywhere so I don't feel like i'm doing a drug deal with witnesses in the room and people sitting in groups outside as I walk out to the car with a big sack

THC

mitchgo61 · May 5, 2015

Here in Maine we have 8 dispensaries. Some, like the Portland one, have a horrible rep (high prices, bad quality).

But then we have the "caregivers". You can only buy from one at a time (you give them your card, and you can't buy from another grower or dispensary until you get the card back). But man, there are HUNDREDS of these folk here, with great websites, great delivery, great prices. My guy is amazing...I meet him in the lot of the supermarket I shop at, so while I'm getting food, I get my supply. He has really great prices, and amazing product, and will grow on request for patients.

It's not a perfect system, but somehow I like just meeting someone I have a relationship with rather than a colder, dispensary vibe. Be interesting to see how the system changes if/when we legalize for recreational use.

Amoreena · May 5, 2015

I've been going to Southern California Collective Pre-ICO for nearly a year: https://weedmaps.com/dispensaries/the-collective-center. Usually the menu has a greater variety of strains than it shows today. Anyhow, it's only a few blocks away. Prices were similar to or less than other dispensaries nearby last time I looked around. It was cleaner and seemed better organized. Employees are pleasant.

Am usually done in less than 10 minutes. Quality is always good and weight is always right. It's discreet: no sign or green cross on small office building's exterior. So I'm satisfied with my current dispensary but can't comment on satisfaction with all dispensaries.

His_Highness · May 5, 2015

I don't live in a legal state.....The funny/weird thing for me after reading some of these posts is how legalization hasn't changed some of the transaction's 'flavor'.

If I'm reading some of these posts correctly .... folks are coming to your house and your wondering if its cool for you and your neighbors or you are meeting someone somewhere (in a parking lot?) or getting in a car with someone to complete the transaction. Some of these purchases have a undertone of the old days to them.

I recently did a completely legal transaction for vapor related stuff but met the person in a parking lot. And yeah...there was still that slight undertone of paranoia.

I'm glad to see some of the opposite too - dispensaries where the price is ok, people running the establishment are personable and the ambiance is good.

Excellent thread...I've been curious about all this.....

mitchgo61 · May 5, 2015

His_Highness said:
I don't live in a legal state.....The funny/weird thing for me after reading some of these posts is how legalization hasn't changed some of the transaction's 'flavor'.

If I'm reading some of these posts correctly .... folks are coming to your house and your wondering if its cool for you and your neighbors or you are meeting someone somewhere (in a parking lot?) or getting in a car with someone to complete the transaction. Some of these purchases have a undertone of the old days to them.

I recently did a completely legal transaction for vapor related stuff but met the person in a parking lot. And yeah...there was still that slight undertone of paranoia.

I'm glad to see some of the opposite too - dispensaries where the price is ok, people running the establishment are personable and the ambiance is good.

Excellent thread...I've been curious about all this.....

Interesting observation. I was describing this to a friend, the whole "meeting the guy in his truck in a parking lot" thing, and he said "it's nice that you retain that illicit drug deal vibe!" :lol:

For me it's really a matter of discretion....it's a completely legal transaction, but if we were to conduct biz in the local Starbucks' or bagel shop or wherever, it would likely make other people uncomfortable, especially if there are kids around. It's really more about consideration than any kind of paranoia, obviously.

Just because it's legal doesn't mean we have to be obnoxious about it.

jim-bob · May 7, 2015

I really like my local dispensary (oakland, ca). It's fairly new (not even a year old yet), great space, and incredible vibe. Nobody I've seen there, from security to reception to the folks behind the counter, has been any less than 100% super friendly and welcoming.

Some of the budtenders are a little lacking in knowledge but I can see them learning as they go - like every time I come in they know more and more, and then there are some that are full on knowledge banks. Prices seem about inline with everyone else, selection is killer, and they're not afraid to send you somewhere else if you're looking for something they don't have.

I'm still trying to find a place I like as much on the other side of the bay in SF.

I was down in LA in february, and tried two of the downtown LA dispensaries. They definitely felt sketchier, (weird basement spaces, lots of metal gates and such), but once you made it through the labyrinth the folks were pretty good and so were the meds..) Although coming from Northern Cali, it's really weird to walk in and see a gazillion OG Kush phenos!

I don't think I'm entirely satisfied with the current state of dispensaries in general, but there are definitely some that have been able to excel under the current regulations.

ntaylor · Nov 6, 2015

jim-bob said:
I really like my local dispensary (oakland, ca). It's fairly new (not even a year old yet), great space, and incredible vibe. Nobody I've seen there, from security to reception to the folks behind the counter, has been any less than 100% super friendly and welcoming.

Some of the budtenders are a little lacking in knowledge but I can see them learning as they go - like every time I come in they know more and more, and then there are some that are full on knowledge banks. Prices seem about inline with everyone else, selection is killer, and they're not afraid to send you somewhere else if you're looking for something they don't have.

I'm still trying to find a place I like as much on the other side of the bay in SF.

I was down in LA in february, and tried two of the downtown LA dispensaries. They definitely felt sketchier, (weird basement spaces, lots of metal gates and such), but once you made it through the labyrinth the folks were pretty good and so were the meds..) Although coming from Northern Cali, it's really weird to walk in and see a gazillion OG Kush phenos!

I don't think I'm entirely satisfied with the current state of dispensaries in general, but there are definitely some that have been able to excel under the current regulations.

@jim-bob - - What is the Oakland dispensary that you're referencing?

Magnolia Wellness is my favorite in the East Bay area, but I'm new to NorCal and still exploring.
http://www.magnoliawellness.org/
Sipping some of their Purple Champagne from my Launch Box right now!

jim-bob · Nov 9, 2015

ntaylor said:
@jim-bob - - What is the Oakland dispensary that you're referencing?

Magnolia Wellness is my favorite in the East Bay area, but I'm new to NorCal and still exploring.
http://www.magnoliawellness.org/
Sipping some of their Purple Champagne from my Launch Box right now!

Wow, I thought this thread was long gone!

My local favorite is Telegraph Health Center - i've been going there almost a year now and I don't think they've ever let me down.
Sometimes if I feel like checking out some place different I hit Magnolia on a Wednesday or Sunday (4.5g 8th days), but Telegraph Health Center is definitely my regular spot. Doesn't hurt that they're between my house and BART, so picking up on the way home becomes almost too easy.

kellya86 · Nov 9, 2015

You lucky lucky buggers. If I could walk into a shop and buy my herb I wouldn't moan about it.

Or would I ?

It seems to be human nature to always want more. And to want what you haven't got.

Amoreena · Nov 9, 2015

kellya86 said:
... I wouldn't moan about it.

Or would I ? ...

Doubt it. I sure don't. Am damned appreciative of having options. :cool:

ntaylor · Nov 9, 2015

jim-bob said:
Wow, I thought this thread was long gone!

My local favorite is Telegraph Health Center - i've been going there almost a year now and I don't think they've ever let me down.
Sometimes if I feel like checking out some place different I hit Magnolia on a Wednesday or Sunday (4.5g 8th days), but Telegraph Health Center is definitely my regular spot. Doesn't hurt that they're between my house and BART, so picking up on the way home becomes almost too easy.

Thanks @jim-bob ... Next time I venture out of the house I'll visit Telegraph Health Center for sure! Their web site looks pretty good.

Have you (or anybody) tried Berkeley Patients Groups out on San Pablo Blvd? I've heard good things, but haven't been there yet.

kellya86 said:
You lucky lucky buggers. If I could walk into a shop and buy my herb I wouldn't moan about it.

Or would I ?

It seems to be human nature to always want more. And to want what you haven't got.

Amoreena said:
Doubt it. I sure don't. Am damned appreciative of having options.

It's absolutely freakin' fantastic being able to choose between several local MMJ dispensaries ... most with a large variety of high grade flowers and concentrates, safe, well lighted, guarded, have delivery service, and often have extra services (counseling, haircuts, massage, etc).

What more could we want?
For my part, I want free top shelf herb for anybody over eighty!

jim-bob · Nov 9, 2015

kellya86 said:
You lucky lucky buggers. If I could walk into a shop and buy my herb I wouldn't moan about it.

Or would I ?

It seems to be human nature to always want more. And to want what you haven't got.

If all you're getting from this thread is "people moaning about it", i suspect you may be reading it wrong. Why shouldn't things be as good as they can possibly be?

ntaylor said:
Thanks @jim-bob ... Next time I venture out of the house I'll visit Telegraph Health Center for sure! Their web site looks pretty good.

Have you (or anybody) tried Berkeley Patients Groups out on San Pablo Blvd? I've heard good things, but never been there.

I stopped by BPG when I first got my rec, and I wasn't too impressed. Felt very impersonal and the guy behind the counter got impatient with questions almost instantly. Never went back, so I don't know if that's a fluke or just how they do.

I've been meaning to check out Craft Cannabis for delivery, but it's hard to wait around for delivery when I've got a great place just down the street.

Farid · Nov 9, 2015

Here in MA, the dispensaries are a bad joke. I'll stick with my caregiver @ 275 an oz versus the dispensaries for $120 a quarter...

kellya86 · Nov 9, 2015

jim-bob said:
If all you're getting from this thread is "people moaning about it", i suspect you may be reading it wrong.

When you have spent too long waiting in dark alleys for dodgy criminals, just for some herb that may have crushed glass on it, does sound like your moaning a bit.

Frank Reynolds · Nov 9, 2015

I think Colorado's system is insane. I could work for the government but I can't get my license to sell pot.

They also don't allow dispensaries to start growing until the day they physically open the shop for business which is insane. They also can't start to grow without members and they can't get members without anything to offer...kind of a real fucked up catch 22.

The town I live in (tiny) also has only two shops total (both rec) that both really suck and over charge and no one else can open one here because of the way the laws are written.

The overall bud quality is extremely disappointing also. There's maybe 3 or 4 shops (that's being generous) in all of Colorado Springs that are even worth shopping at. The rest are selling stringy fluffy hay.

ntaylor · Nov 9, 2015

Frank Reynolds said:
I think Colorado's system is insane. I could work for the government but I can't get my license to sell pot.

They also don't allow dispensaries to start growing until the day they physically open the shop for business which is insane. They also can't start to grow without members and they can't get members without anything to offer...kind of a real fucked up catch 22.

The town I live in (tiny) also has only two shops total (both rec) that both really suck and over charge and no one else can open one here because of the way the laws are written.

The overall bud quality is extremely disappointing also. There's maybe 3 or 4 shops (that's being generous) in all of Colorado Springs that are even worth shopping at. The rest are selling stringy fluffy hay.

Aren't 3 or 4 enough?

Frank Reynolds · Nov 9, 2015

ntaylor said:
Aren't 3 or 4 enough?

Not when there's like 80 (not exaggerating, probably a light estimste) in town. At least half of those should be worth going to.

Farid · Nov 9, 2015

kellya86 said:
When you have spent too long waiting in dark alleys for dodgy criminals, just for some herb that may have crushed glass on it, does sound like your moaning a bit.

Before I was certified, I was going to my dealers' houses, which was still a better experience than going to a MA dispensary. When the difference in OZ price is over 100 dollars, and when the quality isn't even as good as illegal cannabis, it's not worth supporting dispensaries. I will go to them once a decent one opens, but not when I have better, cheaper, closer, options. I think supporting dispensaries that are not good allows them to continue to operate with their sub standard practices. If they are not getting business then they will be forced to change their practices. Giving them business just because they are the first dispensary to open gives them no incentive to change and get better.

Now that I'm certified I go to legal caregivers, but the experience is the same as picking up from a dealer. The only difference is that we exchange legal info, record the transaction, and don't feel the need to pretend that we're friends, when we're really just doing business.

ntaylor · Nov 9, 2015

Farid said:
Before I was certified, I was going to my dealers' houses, which was still a better experience than going to a MA dispensary. When the difference in OZ price is over 100 dollars, and when the quality isn't even as good as illegal cannabis, it's not worth supporting dispensaries. I will go to them once a decent one opens, but not when I have better, cheaper, closer, options. I think supporting dispensaries that are not good allows them to continue to operate with their sub standard practices. If they are not getting business then they will be forced to change their practices. Giving them business just because they are the first dispensary to open gives them no incentive to change and get better.

Now that I'm certified I go to legal caregivers, but the experience is the same as picking up from a dealer. The only difference is that we exchange legal info, record the transaction, and don't feel the need to pretend that we're friends, when we're really just doing business.

In my area there are a great many hardware stores.
Some small and some large.
Some have good prices, some don't.
Some have a good selection of products, some don't.
Etc., etc.

I buy my hardware at the three or four hardware stores that best meet my needs and ignore the others. The same applies to grocery stores, gas stations, liquor stores, and even marijuana shops.
And I spend zero time bitching about the remaining (below my standards) enterprises.

I'd rather catch a buzz and get on with life!

CarolKing · Nov 9, 2015

I also have been going to a Medical Farmers Market for cannabis where the growers sell their product. I live in the same area as @Enchantre It's nice to be able to talk to the farmers that grow the organic cannabis that I use and find out about the process.The price is less than the dispensaries. I need to be careful that the cannabis isn't too dried out though.

Times are a changing though come July 2016 here in WA state. Customers will only be able to buy from a state authorized store for medical cannabis.

I've been very happy with the dispensaries that I go to. For the most part are always kind and helpful bud tenders. If a dispensary doesn't have a good supply of product, I don't go back. For the most part the product is usually well cured and hasn't been handled a lot. We have about 16 dispensaries within a 15 miles of where I live. I've gone to several but have picked a handful that I go to. I'm able to smell the product but touching usually isn't allowed. Usually it's a one on one with a bud tender. Sometimes there is a wait because of the personalized service.

There are also about 7 retail recreational authorized cannabis shops within 10 miles. I haven't been in an authorized recreational shop yet because the prices are higher. I have seen build board signs advertising the rec cannabis shops. It blew me away when I saw the first sign. I almost ran into the car in front of me. Here's a pic of the sign.

Are you satisfied with current marijuana dispensaries? Poll & Discussion

Are you satisfied with the current marijuana dispensary model? See post below for more info.

Yes, I am completely satisfied and would not change anything.

Yes, I am somewhat satisfied, but would make some changes.

No, I am somewhat dissatisfied and would make many changes.

No, I am completely dissatisfied and would change everything.

I am indifferent.

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