This article is brought to you by The+Source, a leading Nevada dispensary with locations in Las Vegas and Henderson.
Whether you’re living in a state where cannabis is legal or just visiting, the first visit to a dispensary can be a little intimidating. To help you have a good first experience, we partnered with our friends at The+Source, who service hundreds of customers every day at their two stores in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada.
The awesome team members at The+Source—you can call them Sourcerors—are pros when it comes to shepherding people through their first cannabis purchase. Keep reading to find out how to make your first trip to the dispensary fast and easy.
Members of The+Source team are happy to make your first dispensary visit a great one. (Courtesy of The+Source)
What do you tell people who are nervous about their first time in a dispensary?
Kristen Baligian, Teller Manager
Something we like to tell folks is that while this may be their first time, it’s not our first time. We’ve helped a lot of different patients and customers from a lot of different backgrounds and walks of life, and when you walk in that door, whatever help you need or questions you have, our number one priority is making sure you have a good experience.
Walk us through the shopping experience at The+Source. Are people browsing shelves on their own, or is there some hand-holding from employees as well?
Allyssa Farnham, Reception Manager:
We try and keep the experience customizable, so that every customer can get what they want, the way they want it. If you need a helping hand or a little guidance, we have lots of great employees on the floor who are more than happy to help out with a guided tour. But if you know what you want already and you’re an experienced shopper, you can go your own way and be in and out in just a few minutes. And if you need something in between, we’ve got you there, too. We want to be flexible and help our customers experience the shop in the way that works best for them.
Dispensary staffers can help you find the right product, no matter what you’re looking for. (Courtesy of The+Source)
What are some key things every shopper should know before their first dispensary visit?
Brian Kollenbroich, Floor Advisor
You don’t need to know anything about cannabis before you come in. Every patient and customer is a new chance for our team to show someone the ropes, and that’s why we’re here.
With that in mind, there are a couple things we need to make sure we can give you that great experience. First, make sure you have valid, up-to-date identification, or we won’t be able to take you through our showroom and introduce you to our inventory. And remember that like most dispensaries, we are a cash-only business, but we do have an ATM on hand.
Other than those two things, the only thing visitors need to bring is an open mind and a willingness to try something new!
What product would you suggest for cannabis first timers, or people coming back after a long break?
Kristen Baligian, Teller Manager
The Prismatic disposable vape pen from 8|fold is a great product that lets you ease into cannabis at your own pace. They are simple to use, discreet, and make it easy to control the dose you take.
They’re also a great way to try different strains if you’re still learning what’s right for you. For someone who’s not very experienced, I’d suggest a hybrid like Hells OG or a maybe Connor’s Comfort, which has a nicely balanced THC to CBD ratio.
Got questions? It’s natural. Don’t be afraid to ask staffers walking the dispensary floor. (Courtesy of The+Source)
How long does a typical dispensary visit take?
Paul Traister, Floor Advisor
It’s kind of up to you how much time you spend in the store! Once we’ve checked your ID, you’re welcome to explore our showroom as much, or as little, as you want. Whether you’re just browsing and learning about new products or know exactly what you’re looking for, you can customize every trip to The+Source to be exactly the one you want.
And if you’re concerned about time, it’s a great idea to check out our menu before you come in so you start off with an idea of what you’re looking for. You can even order online and come into the store just to pick up!
What should people know about storing and securing their cannabis purchases once they get home?
Paul Traister, Floor Advisor
After you leave the dispensary, remember to treat cannabis like you would any other medicine and keep it in a secure place where only you have access to it. In particular, some edibles like gummies are easily mistaken for candy, so it’s especially important to keep them out of reach of children and pets—preferably somewhere you can lock them up.
If you’re buying flower, it’s worth remembering that it can be sensitive to the environment around it. That’s not an issue in our climate-controlled showroom, but many people like to add a humidity control packet to their orders. Those can be a big help in maintaining the texture and taste of your flower.
Any final pieces of advice for people preparing for a first dispensary visit?
Jason Terrones, Lead Teller
We know that coming into a dispensary can feel intimidating for new visitors. That’s why we go the extra mile to make it a really friendly, inviting experience. We have a lot of great people on staff who are all basically working their dream jobs. We’re excited to help you find the best products for your needs, and we can’t wait to show you around!
