Whether you're brand new to cannabis or just new to The Berkshires, the first trip to a dispensary can feel intimidating. Here's what we wish we'd known.
Before you go
Every licensed dispensary in The Berkshires is required to verify your ID at the door. Bring a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, state ID, or passport all work. Dispensaries are cash-preferred in most cases because cannabis remains federally restricted, though many accept debit at the register.
What to expect on the menu
You'll see flower (dried bud), pre-rolls, vapes, edibles, tinctures, and topicals. Every product is labeled with its THC and CBD percentages, strain type (indica, sativa, or hybrid), and a batch number you can look up if you want to see the lab results.
Start low, go slow
If you're new, ask your budtender for a low-dose recommendation. 5mg of THC in an edible or a few puffs of a 1:1 strain is plenty for a first outing. You can always take more — you can never take less.