As more states legalize recreational and medical cannabis, the industry continues to expand and grow. For the longest time, the only option for obtaining legal products has been to visit a licensed dispensary. While there’s something to be said for physically being in a cannabis shop, let’s face it. Getting there isn’t always the most convenient thing in the world. You live a busy life, and you might not have the time to get to your local dispensary during regular operating hours. In some states, including California, legal cannabis delivery services are starting to pop up. They’re answering the needs of consumers who can’t get to a nearby shop.
Visiting a Cannabis Shop: Pros and Cons
One of the biggest draws of visiting a cannabis shop is that it’s a whole experience. When you walk in, an array of products and familiar aromas greet you. When you’re browsing the product selection, you can physically inspect each item, read the labels, and see what you like best.
Other benefits of shopping at a dispensary include:
- Access to budtenders who can answer any questions you might have. They can give you more details about various products, provide recommendations, and more. There’s nothing quite like interacting with a store expert face-to-face.
- Some shops allow refunds if you buy a defective product or you aren’t satisfied with your purchase.
- No delivery fees. Since you buy your cannabis in person, you don’t have to worry about paying for delivery.
While these are all great benefits, there are some drawbacks, too. You have to drive to a dispensary to buy your products. If the shop doesn’t have what you want, you have to go to another one. You may be too tired to go, or you might not be able to go during business hours. Not to mention, walking into a dispensary isn’t the most discreet action.
The Rise of Cannabis Delivery Services
Cannabis delivery services are on the rise. Some shops are partnering with delivery services. You can order from your favorite dispensary’s website, and they’ll get your order to you. You can purchase products directly from cannabis delivery companies. In either case, you browse the product options from your computer or phone, place your order, and select your delivery time. Depending on the online store, you can opt to receive your order ASAP, or you can choose a specific date and time.
A third option that’s gaining popularity is cannabis subscription boxes. They’re not unlike other subscription services, such as ready-to-make meals, ugly produce, and custom-created outfits. With a cannabis subscription box, you can get a custom-curated box of goodies, including buds, concentrates, smoking devices, and cool paraphernalia, delivered to your door every month.
Pros and Cons of Cannabis Delivery
The main benefit of cannabis delivery is that it’s convenient. You can shop online at any time, day or night. While you might not be able to receive an order right away (depending on the time you place your order), you can choose a time that works best for you. You can browse to your heart’s content without having to worry about other people in a shop waiting their turn.
Other benefits of delivery include:
- Discreet shopping. When you shop from the comfort of your home, you don’t have to worry about other people taking notice. There’s no risk of someone you know (who doesn’t know you partake in cannabis) seeing you walk into a shop.
- In today’s world, going out to shops isn’t what it used to be. If you feel uncomfortable shopping in-store for any reason, shopping from your computer provides a much safer shopping experience.
- Delivery at your convenience. Again, you can have your items shipped when it works best for you.
While growing in popularity, there are still some drawbacks to cannabis delivery. For one, you may have to pay more to get what you want. Delivery services typically charge a fee for bringing your products to you. You generally have to pay upon delivery, and you must have the appropriate form of payment. Not all delivery services accept cards, so you may need to ensure you have cash on hand. Finally, delivery services can’t leave your order on your porch or hidden in your mailbox. You have to be home to accept it.
Should You Shop In-Store or Online?
So, should you take the time to visit a dispensary in person, or should you order all of your products online from now on? There’s no correct answer here. The best option is the one that makes the most sense for you. Some people enjoy walking into a store and seeing the products up close. They love the whole experience, the sights, the smells, the conversations with budtenders.
Other people love ordering their go-to products online and having them delivered right to their door. It’s easy, convenient, and you don’t have to make any extra trips out of the house.
For some, both options work. Sometimes, you might want to visit the dispensary and spend some time browsing new products. Other times, you might be too tired after a long week of work to go. So, you have your items delivered instead. No matter what option you choose, it’s the right one, so long as it works for you.