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Since the first dispensary opened its doors in October of 2020, more than 135,000 Missouri residents have obtained their medical card. In less than a year-and-a-half, over 125 dispensaries popped up, so Missouri medical marijuana card holders have more cannabis options than ever before.
It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the vast array of cannabis options. In addition to flower product, there are vapes, oils, tinctures, edibles, topicals, and more. Additionally, there are strains to choose from, different dosages to consider, and products containing THC, CBD, and combinations of both. For someone new to cannabis, it can all be a little overwhelming.
There’s no need to fear, because Budtenders are there to help you make informed decisions and get the most out of your medical card. They’ll listen to your needs, answer your questions, and make informed recommendations. You don’t need to have an extensive knowledge of marijuana products before going to a dispensary, because that’s a budtender’s job!
What Is a Budtender?
The term “budtender” is derived from the word “bartender.” Much like a good bartender does more than simply mix drinks, the best budtenders do more than sell marijuana.
In simplest terms, a budtender is someone who works in a dispensary and deals directly with customers. They are employed to help marijuana patients with their purchases and are often considered the sommeliers of the cannabis industry. Budtenders have a vast knowledge of different strains and their effects.
Budtenders are also knowledgeable about the various marijuana delivery methods and how to use them correctly. They’re able to listen to a customer’s needs and make recommendations. The best budtenders understand the science behind cannabis to help customers make informed decisions.
In simple terms, your budtender is your friendly neighborhood marijuana guide. Your cannabis experience should be a welcoming one, and your budtender is there to help.
How to Prepare to Speak to a Budtender?
To get the most out of your relationship with your budtender, you should prepare before you arrive at the dispensary. Think about what you are seeking from your cannabis experience and have questions ready beforehand.
What do you want to get out of your cannabis experience? Marijuana affects everyone differently, so if you know how you’d like cannabis to make you feel, that can help the budtender make recommendations.
What are you using marijuana to treat? This is an important thing to think about. Many patients consume cannabis for their overall well-being, but others use marijuana to treat chronic pain, anxiety, and more than two hundred other conditions. Giving the budtender info about your conditions will help them point you in the right direction.
What will you be doing while consuming cannabis? Will you be at home or participating in an activity? This will help your budtender consult you on things such as dosage and delivery method.
Are you curious or confused about cannabis? Don’t keep that to yourself. Your budtender is there to help, so if you have a question, ask. They love talking about marijuana!
Of course, some things may come up in the moment, but if you prep some questions ahead of time, it will go a long way in helping your budtender find the strain and product that’s right for you!
Things to Avoid
If you are new to dispensaries, there are some common faux pas that you’ll want to avoid. Dispensary etiquette is important and will go a long way. The dispensary staff, including your budtender, will be glad to see you every time you pop into the store.
Don’t be a know-it-all. It’s okay to disagree, but remember - cannabis affects people differently. Your budtender doesn’t want to brace themselves for an argument every time you come in.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your budtender may use phrases that are new to you, such as “cannabinoid profile,” or get really excited about cannabis terpenes. Remember, the budtender is there to help. If you don’t understand something, they want you to ask. Budtenders LOVE talking about cannabis.
Don’t talk about illegal activities. Dispensaries must follow the law, and if you are discuss sharing marijuana with non-cardholders, transporting marijuana across state lines, or anything else that is against the law, you’ll probably be asked to leave.
Get off your phone. Most dispensaries have “no phone” policies. Be respectful of that rule and put your phone away until you are done shopping.
Don’t haggle, because prices at dispensaries are fixed. You aren’t making a drug deal. You are purchasing legal medicine, and you can’t bargain down the price. There are ways to ensure you are getting the best value for your marijuana dollar, but haggling isn’t one of them.
Don’t be rude to the staff. The legal cannabis industry is new and regulations are constantly changing. If you have a problem or issue, absolutely bring it to the staff’s attention, but be nice.
Should I Tip My Budtender?
The short answer is that you should absolutely tip your budtender. Tips aren’t a requirement, but they will definitely be appreciated. Tip them just as you would tip a bartender. You might tip a small amount if they simply filled your order, such as a couple of dollars, but if they took the time to give you extra service - answered questions and made recommendations - you’d probably tip more depending on the size of your order.
Be Kind
Remember, your budtender may know a lot about cannabis, but some things can stump them. The cannabis industry is in a constant state of flux, as new strains and products are constantly being introduced. If they get it wrong, let them know - they need that information - but be nice about it. Be kind to your budtender, and they’ll be kind to you.
It’s Time You Got Relief!
Getting the natural relief that cannabis provides has never been easier for Missouri residents. All you need is a state issued medical card, and if you don’t have your card yet, we can help you with that. Our medical staff is standing by to take you through a quick and easy evaluation to see if you qualify. Schedule an appointment with a marijuana doctor online by CLICKING HERE, or give us a call at (877) 303-3117 to talk to a patient support representative.
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
At Missouri Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (877) 303-3117, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
Check out Missouri Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the medical marijuana conversation in Missouri!