In the past two years alone, five more states have legalized marijuana for recreational use. As new shops pop up in states across the country, more people than ever are interested in learning how to order weed — either from a dispensary or an online retailer.
Here in Oregon, we look at ourselves as the pioneers of the weed retail (“weed-tail”) trade. After all, we’ve been legally selling weed since 2015. Given our elder statesman status, we’re offering up a little sage advice on how to order weed. Let’s get started!
How to Order Weed: A Step-By-Step Guide
The world of weed is rife with choices — everything from how you choose to consume to the type of high you want to achieve. With all the options, knowing how to go about ordering weed can be overwhelming. These simple steps are designed to get you started:
Step 1: Do Your Research
Ah, the age of information! Before stepping into a dispensary, it’s good to get a general idea of what you might want. Our Cannabis 101 guide is a great place to get the basics. We’ve also got a ton of info on our blog covering everything from the difference between flower and concentrate to how to use cannabis in your kitchen.
Knowing what you want out of your high can help, too. Do you enjoy an afternoon of mellow relaxation or a buzzy high that gets you up and moving?
How do you want to partake? Are you a classic joint person, prefer a vape or would rather ingest via a gummy or brownie?
Of course, you’re always welcome to stop in either of our locations and ask! Our knowledgeable budtenders are available to answer questions, make recommendations and generally offer a chill, no-pressure weed browsing experience.
Step 2: Know Your Terminology
Embarking on your green journey, you’re bound to bump into some buzzwords. The prolific slang around weed is rich, and much of it dates back to a time when we couldn’t talk openly about marijuana. Today, the language of weed is less about being covert and more about getting what you want. Here are some common weed terms that come in handy when shopping in-store on online:
- Flower. This refers to the smokable part of the cannabis plant. When people refer to weed, pot or bud, they’re often talking about the flower. It’s traditionally ground and smoked in joints, bongs or pipes.
- Extracts. These are potent forms of cannabis made by expelling plant material to have concentrated THC, terpenes and cannabinoids from the flower. They come in various forms, including:
- Shatter. A brittle, glass-like concentrate.
- Wax. A malleable concentrate.
- Oil. A liquid form often used in vaping.
- Ounce. This is the standard measurement for weed. One ounce is equivalent to about 28 grams. When ordering, you might opt for smaller quantities, like a quarter or eighth of an ounce.
- Tinctures. These are alcohol-based cannabis extracts. They can be dropped under the tongue or added to food or drinks.
- Edibles. Food products infused with cannabis are known as edibles. These can be anything from cookies to gummies to chocolates.
- Topicals. These cannabis-infused lotions, balms and oils are absorbed through the skin.
- Indica vs. sativa. The two primary types of cannabis plants. Generally, indica offers relaxing effects, while sativa offers a more energetic high. However, many of today’s plants are hybrids, combining traits of both.
Step 3: Order At The Dispensary
Before heading out for a day of shopping, locate your dispensary and look up their hours. We have two locations along Oregon’s western coast: Coos Bay and Cannon Beach.
Stop in and browse during opening hours and ask our friendly budtenders for recommendations.
Step 4: Order Online
While legally, we can’t ship you weed, you can order online through our Dutchie shop and pick up your stash at one of our dispensary locations. Pickup options are great for customers who know what they want and are ready to order.
Step 5: Ask Your Friendly Budtender
We don’t like to brag, but we have some of the best budtenders. Our staff are knowledgeable and passionate about all things weed and are always happy to share the love. Even if you feel like a total noob, don’t be afraid to stop in and ask. Here are a few questions to get you started:
- What are some of the most popular strains?
- What’s your favorite way to ingest weed?
- How do different strains compare to each other?
- Do you have any sales going on at the moment?
Don’t be shy, budtenders are happy to be your weed-wisdom gurus.
Important Reminders for First-Timer
First-timer? No problem. The weed community is generally a welcoming group willing to teach you the rules of the ganja game. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you set out to place your first order.
Always Bring ID. You must be 21 years old or older to purchase weed. If you’re a recreational customer, you’ll need a state-issued ID to prove your age before you can make a purchase.
Know Your Limits. Recreational customers cannot purchase more than the following amounts at any one time or within one day in the state of Oregon:
- Two ounces of usable marijuana
- Five grams of cannabinoid extracts or concentrates
- 16 ounces of a cannabinoid product in solid form
- 72 fluid ounces of a cannabinoid product in liquid form
- Ten marijuana seeds
- Four immature marijuana plants
Medical Users: Know Your Rules. For patients registered with the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP), you’ll also need your OMMP card and your ID. The purchase limits are different for medical marijuana users.
Know Your Local Laws. Here in Oregon, the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission outlines laws and guidelines for users and dispensaries on its website. Make sure you know the laws for purchase and consumption in your area.
Think Twice Before Traveling With Tokes. For tourists visiting our fair state, you are allowed to buy recreational marijuana and enjoy it while you’re here. However, carrying your green goodies across state lines is a no-go — even if you’re hopping between two weed-friendly states like California and Oregon. That’s because marijuana is still illegal on a federal level, and crossing state boundaries with your stash is a federal crime.
Get Your Green
Marijuana is best when enjoyed safely and in moderation. New users should start slow and work up to larger amounts. And, of course, never drive under the influence.
Now that you know how to order like a pro, it’s time to get out there and get your green. Enjoy the journey, and remember to go at your own pace.