Welcome to the world of legal cannabis, where you get options. That’s right. You get to pick from a variety of strains with a variety of effects and tastes. There are all types of edibles and vaporizing options. If you are fortunate and find an educated bud tender on your first visit, congratulations! Unfortunately, that’s hit or miss.
My husband (Shane) and I have been visiting different cannabis retail shops to get a feel for the different types of cannabis shopping experiences available. When you are on a cannatour of Colorado, it helps to get some guidance from your bud tender (especially if it’s your first experience). This is not happening.
Shane and I made our first legal cannabis purchase last summer (July 2014) when we first moved to Colorado. We had the dogs with us so I volunteered to stay in the Jeep while he went in to make the purchase. The dispensary was probably once a small house. In was in the downtown distric of a small mining town, but it wasn’t “hip” like we expected it to be. It was very sparce, very impersonal. Shane waited in a small waiting room with freshly painted walls, black pleather chairs, and a loud t.v. He was then invited back to a small room with a few jars of bud and a case with some edibles. Shane told the young, male bud tender it was his first experience, but it was pretty much “what do you want?” and “pay and get out”. Back then, we were required to purchase an “exit bag” that we could re-use (it was a $3 child resistant zip lock bag). Additionaly, there was “tax shock”. The prices didn’t include tax, which can be up to 25% here in Colorado, so when you think you’re paying $150 for your purchase, it will probably be closer to $170-180. They didn’t warn him about that either… he had to come back to the Jeep for more cash.
I got to make the next visit. We went to the same shop as it was the only retail dispensary within 30 miles or so, I told them it was my first experience and I got the same service Shane did… no introduction, no guidance, pretty much “what do you want” and “pay and get out”. At least I was prepared for the tax situation. I asked the young man (same bud tender Shane had shopped with) what it took to get a badge to become a bud tender. He went in to detail how easy it was and then Later, I would realize the first shop we went to didn’t even have them marked as sativa, indica, or hybrid, and that’s important.
Another retail dispensary opened down the street from the first one we went to, so we gave that one a try. It was Shane’s turn again, so I waited in the Jeep with the dogs. He said he liked the decor better, but the service was pretty similar. There was no guidance, no suggestions… just a couple of cute girls in tight t-shirts weighing out bud with chop sticks and asking customers not to lean on the counter (it affects the weight on the scales). This shop also had an edible shelf, but there was no suggestion or upsale attempt or anything. Again, pretty much “what do you want?” and “pay and get out”.
How was the weed? It was good. Some way better than others. We were happy with the purchases we had made so far, in terms of the quality of the bud. It just felt very impersonal. We tried a couple more shops as they continued to spring up throughout the summer and it was pretty much more of the same, except we did come across a couple of shops whose bud we would consider “questionable”. We’ve shopped dispensaries in tiny towns and in the big D; we’ve tried to experience as many different shops as possible to see who has what and how they offer it.
We basically found there are 3 types of bud tender. #1 a true Bud Tender - someone who actually cares why you are there, has knowledge and experience with the products available, and will take the time to tell you what you want to know. #2 - the clerk - there to put your selection in a bag and take your money. There is no product knowledge or information shared, they are bored and would rather be anywhere else. You’ll find them at the “pay and get out” dispensaries. #3 - the salesperson - there to sell the highest priced products to whoever they can. Generally hasn’t tried the product but will lie and tell you otherwise. All about the sale, doesn’t matter why you are there, just tell ‘em how much you have to spend.
Sadly we found WAY more clerks and sales people than bud tenders. Shane and I were both badged by the Marijuana Enforcement Division last year (a requirement to work in the cannabis industry in Colorado). We took bud tending seriously and did everything we could to help customers find what they were looking for. We tried the product so we could share how it affected us. Customers appreciated legit recommendations. When we managed the dispensary we wanted to be sure we only carried products that were effective. We wanted to be your friendly bud guy who was always there with what you were after. We inclluded the tax in the pricing so you didn’t experience “tax shock”. Shane and I are both thankful we were able to do that for awhile.
Unfortuantely, circumstances changed and suddenly the owners removed the “service” element of the dispensary. They dropped all discounts (employee, local, military), let go the entire management staff, raised prices, and completely changed the vibe. It wasn’t about quality weed being affordable anymore, it became about money. They were looking for the #s 2s and 3s, they wanted sales people who will make you pay and get out. It was a blessing to not be there anymore, that wasn’t what we were about.
Based on the day to day operations of the retail dispensary in a town of about 5,000, approximately 50% of the customers we saw daily were “new” to the legal cannabis purchase experience. Weekends and holidays, probably 70% were canna-tourists. These customers need more than clerks and sales people. Canna-tourists are looking for information. There are a lot of people that could use guidance prior to purchasing and that service doesn’t seem to be happening enough.
So we’re here to help. Shane and I want to help you make educated cannabis purchases. We’ve tried A LOT of strains, a variety of edibles, and we have the insight of the inner workings of the cannabis industry in Colorado. There are a lot of regulations that are not being followed… THC testing, for example. Some shops offer NO THC information, some offer random numbers they look up on other shops websites, and some actually test. You want to make sure you’re going to a reputable shop.
Did you know a sativa strain can increase anxiety? Are you familiar with the differences between sativa, hybrid, & indica? Shane and I spent months helping customers find the right strains and edibles for different situations/circumstances. Whether the need was medical or recreational, we spent time educating ourselves about what works best for what. We tried every edible product we could to ensure we were offering qualified information to customers.
As cannabis customers, we’re not finding that at most shops we visit. Many bud tenders seem bored, like they are tired of sharing the information that matters. I’ll admit it, there were times behind the counter I felt bored with the repetition, but that’s retail… especially when you are talking about a brand new product. There are many new customers who need guidance and they’re not getting it. There are too many #2s and 3s and some bored bud tenders who just seem to go through the motions. They’re not ALL like that… but it’s been that way a lot, so Shane and I thought we’d help.
Get what you want. Now on facebook and on twitter and available to answer your basic cannabis shopping questions. Want to know about the vape pens? #Askyourbud Are there other options to edibles than just cookies & brownies? #Askyourbud Can I buy a 300mg cannabis candy bar? #Askyourbud
We’re not doctors or lawyers and can’t offer any advice as such. But we did learn about the cannabinoids and the difference between THC and CBD and how THC-A becomes THC. What we can tell you is what has worked for others for various purposes. Headaches. Back pain. Anxiety. We asked for feedback from as many customers as we could while at the dispensary, and we’d like to share that knowledge with you. How sativa & indica affect us. The difference between smoking flower & vaping oil. Ever heard of dabbing? We tried it so we could tell you about it. Being an educated shopper makes the experience much more fun!
Ask your bud! Now on Twitter https://twitter.com/askyourbud and on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Askyourbud/498340436999176
Please help us spread the word! We’re here to help you pre-canna-shop! Inquiries must be from canna-customers 21 years old and over. Cannabis is legal in Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, & Washington DC but cannabis cannot be taken across state lines. We can tell out about our Colorado cannabis experience and will help guide you and help you find answers to questions in the other states.
Time for more research. Hope to hear from you soon! Know before you go! #AskYourBud