Your First Dispensary Visit: What you should know

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Before You Go: What to Bring

Government-Issued Photo ID: This is non-negotiable. Your ID proves you're 21+. Acceptable IDs include:

• Driver's license
• Passport
• State ID
• Out-of-state or international ID (accepted in Michigan)

Even if you look older than 21, you'll be carded. Every. Single. Time. Bring your ID.

Cash: Most dispensaries are cash only, with an ATM on-site. Cannabis card processing is complicated due to federal banking restrictions, so cash is the reliable option. Plan to bring at least $50 for your first visit.

Optional: Pre-Order Information: Many dispensaries like Olswell use online ordering platforms (we use Dutchie). You can browse products, build your order, and pick it up. This saves time and lets you research before arriving. Walk-ins are always welcome, but pre-ordering is convenient.

Optional: Shopping List: If you have a specific product or strain in mind, write it down. Staff can help if the exact product isn't available, but having a reference helps.

Before You Go: Do Your Research

Visit the dispensary's website or Dutchie listing to:

• See available products
• Check prices and brands
• Learn about strains and effects
• Read reviews

This takes 15 minutes and makes your visit smoother.

At the Dispensary: Step by Step

Step 1: Entry and Check-In

Enter the dispensary and approach the front counter. Staff will greet you. If it's your first time, mention it - they'll know you need a bit more guidance.

Present your ID. Staff will verify you're 21+. This is standard procedure, not personal.

Step 2: Browsing or Ordering

If You Pre-Ordered: Let staff know you have a pre-order. They'll retrieve your reserved items and bring them to the counter.

If You're Browsing: You'll be directed to browse displays or menus. Many dispensaries show products in categories:

• Flower (buds)
• Pre-rolls (joints)
• Concentrates (wax, shatter, rosin)
• Vape cartridges
• Edibles
• Tinctures
• Topicals

Some dispensaries have open displays; others show menus. Staff are available to answer questions.

Step 3: Ask Questions

This is crucial. Budtenders (dispensary staff) are knowledgeable and expect questions. Ask about:

Potency: "What's the THC content?" Higher THC is stronger. First-timers might prefer 15-20% THC rather than 25%+.

Effects: "What kind of effects does this have?" Staff can describe whether a product is uplifting, relaxing, balanced, etc.

Terpenes: "What does this smell or taste like?" Terpenes affect both flavor and effects.

Consumption Method: "What's the best way to use this?" Flower can be smoked or vaped. Concentrates need special equipment.

Price: "What's the price per gram?" Prices vary by quality and brand.

Recommendations: "What do you recommend for a first-timer?" Budtenders know beginner-friendly products.

Step 4: Making Your Selection

You'll receive products in sealed, labeled packaging. Each package includes:

• Product name
• THC/CBD content (%)
• Lab test results
• Producer/processor name
• Packaging date
• Warning labels
• Batch number

Never purchase products without labels or batch numbers. This indicates unlicensed, untested cannabis.

Step 5: Payment and Receipt

You'll proceed to checkout. Prices typically are:

• Flower: $8-15 per gram
• Pre-rolls: $8-15 each
• Concentrates: $20-80 per gram
• Edibles: $5-30 per product

Remember: Michigan adds 10% excise tax and 6% sales tax on top (about 16% total).

You'll receive a receipt and your purchase in a sealed bag. Keep your receipt.

Olswell's First-Time Welcome

At Olswell, first-time customers receive 25% off their entire purchase. You can use this discount at any of our four locations:

• Adrian, MI - 1465 W Beecher Rd
• Grand Rapids, MI - 1940 28th St SE
• Kalkaska, MI - 102 Northland Plz
• Traverse City, MI - 728 E Front St

Adrian location Grand Rapids location Kalkaska location Traverse City location

Pre-order through Dutchie to save time, or walk in anytime during business hours.

Etiquette and Tips

Do:

• Be respectful to staff
• Ask questions - they're there to help
• Move your time deciding
• Accept recommendations
• Ask for alternative suggestions if something is out of stock
• Mention if you're new or inexperienced
• Tip your budtender if they provide great service

Don't:

• Touch products (staff will hand them to you)
• Consume products in the store
• Take photos of products (some dispensaries prohibit this)
• Expect to negotiate prices (prices are fixed)
• Be rude or demanding

Product Types Explained

Flower: Raw cannabis buds. Smoked in joints, blunts, or pipes, or vaped in dry herb vaporizers. Most familiar product. Good for first-timers to understand effects.

Pre-Rolls: Already-rolled joints. Convenient for newcomers who don't know how to roll. Consistent dosing.

Concentrates (Wax, Shatter, Rosin): Extracted cannabis in various textures. Much more potent than flower. Requires a dab rig or similar equipment. Probably too advanced for a first visit, but our premium RKIVE Reserve hash rosin is worth exploring once you're comfortable.

Vape Cartridges: Pre-filled pens. Discreet, precise dosing. Good for first-timers who want something portable.

Edibles: Gummies, brownies, chocolates infused with cannabis. Slower onset (30 min - 2 hours) but longer-lasting (6-10 hours). Great for new consumers, but start with very low doses.

Tinctures: Liquid cannabinoids taken under the tongue. Fast-acting, controllable dosing.

Detailed product guide

Smart Choices for First-Timers

Choose Lower Potency: 10-18% THC flower is easier to manage than 25%+ potency. You can always use more later.

Start with Flower: It's the easiest to control. You can take one puff and wait to feel effects.

Avoid Edibles at First: Edibles are easy to overdo. The delayed onset can lead people to consume more before feeling effects, then being too high later.

Ask About Effects: Tell staff whether you want relaxing (Indica-leaning), energizing (Sativa-leaning), or balanced (Hybrid) effects.

Buy a Small Amount: Get a gram or eighth (3.5g) of flower to test before buying larger quantities.

After You Purchase

Storage: Keep cannabis in a cool, dark, dry place. Original packaging is fine. Airtight containers preserve freshness.

Starting Dose: If using flower, take 1-2 puffs and wait 15-20 minutes to feel effects before consuming more. If using edibles, start with 2.5-5mg THC and wait 2 hours.

Effects Timeline:

• Smoking: Onset 5-15 minutes, peak 30-60 minutes, duration 2-4 hours
• Vaping: Onset 5-15 minutes, peak 30-60 minutes, duration 2-4 hours
• Edibles: Onset 30 minutes-2 hours, peak 3-4 hours, duration 6-10 hours

Never Drive: Wait at least 6-8 hours after consumption before driving. Cannabis impairs driving.

Questions? Reach out to our team via Dutchie or visit a location.

Key Takeaways

• Bring valid ID and payment
• Ask questions - staff expect and welcome them
• Start with lower potency products
• Don't feel rushed
• Take advantage of Olswell's 25% first-time discount
• Start with small amounts and wait to assess effects

Related Articles

Complete Michigan Cannabis Guide Michigan Cannabis Laws Purchase Limits & How They Work Legal Consumption Locations Cannabis Products Explained

Ready for Your First Visit?

Olswell Cannabis welcomes first-timers with 25% off. Pre-order through Dutchie or walk in today.

Current deals and discounts Find a location near you