Shopping Haul: A Brief Introduction to Cannabis Retail in NYC
You’re walking down Broadway on a crisp summer’s day, and you’re noticing more greenery than usual. Along the way, you’ve noticed an influx of stores selling more CBD products, then more THC products, and now buying weed is as simple as a deli run on the way home. The biggest difference you’ve seemed to notice is the lack of security at some locations, but increased security at others. Why do some dispensaries, or “dispos” as they’re known throughout the city, have higher security standards than others? Why are some locations only employed by budtenders stoned off their gourd while others feel like actual airports? (I’m looking at you, The Travel Agency)
New York State’s recent legalization of Cannabis has been felt visually as the market faces saturation from licensed and un-licensed dispensaries. The main difference is simple: some dispensaries are licit, others are illicit. How do you know which dispo provides legitimately and reliably tested services?
A simple, three-pronged checklist does the trick:
Are you being directly advertised cannabis?
Per OCM regulation, Cannabis dispensaries are not allowed to advertise cannabis directly to consumers. Think: speakeasy. You know what’s inside but the store name tells you all you need to know (the word “cannabis” is usually in the store name, in the subheading). Any store that directly, and obviously, advertises cannabis is not one you might want to visit. You don’t see bar windows lined with bottles of top-shelf liquor, you find that inside.
Are you being properly ID’d?
Per OCM regulation, Cannabis dispensaries must check the ID of every single person that walks through the door. From your driver’s license to your passport, if it’s a picture ID issued by a governing authority and features your birthday, you’re fine to show it to a security guard or budtender when asked to present your ID.
Is your product legit?
This one’s easy. All cannabis products must visibly contain QR codes on their packaging linked to their testing company’s results. Testing companies are independent third-party laboratories ensuring your product is legit. If your QR code leads anywhere besides a company website listing batch test results, I’m sorry to tell you your product is not legit.
Has it expired?
Traditionally, no. Cannabis does not “expire” like food does. What does happen is a loss in potency, drier buds, and an increased possibility that you might be smoking mold. While the cart you’re hitting might be a Cookies cart, it might be an expired (or rejected) one. Please check the expiration dates on your product; Cannabis dispensaries are not allowed to sell product that is within three months of its expiry date.
Admittedly, dispensaries are not always accessible to everyone, as they’re sparse across the city, and even less across the state. Even if all three points on this list aren’t checked off, the simplest answer is always the best: Always scan the QR codes on your packages, and don’t be afraid to tell your budtender if the product you bought seems illegitimate. This is your money, and you’re also consuming these products. You should consume what you believe you’re consuming; Don’t be afraid to speak up if something feels off.
Smooth Smoking!
