Guest Editorial: What to Expect When You’re Expecting (Marijuana)

By Gilbert Guru

Recreational Marijuana became legalized Friday, January 22, 2021, but going to the dispensary for the first time may be a daunting task. Read on to see what to expect when you’re expecting recreational marijuana.

For my first journey to a dispensary, I headed over to the Chandler location of Harvest because I knew all of their locations were approved to start selling recreational. First things first, be prepared to wait. I stepped into the recreational line about 10 minutes before the store opened and still waited about 30 minutes to get in. When I left the store, the line had almost tripled.

When you arrive, there will be two lines: one for recreational and one for medical. Make sure to enter the recreational line and begin your journey for recreational marijuana. Then wait.

When entering the building make sure to have an ID easily accessible because it will be checked three times. It may seem like overkill to check IDs that much, but it puts the opposition to rest. No fake ID is making it past three checks, so rest easy that anyone under 21 will be able to purchase marijuana from a dispensary.

When you enter the building, you will be asked for your ID and then head over to a desk to sign some paperwork. Then while you are signing the paperwork, have your ID ready as it will be checked again there.

Then, begin your experience of purchasing for the first time. Harvest was immaculately clean inside and their employees are extremely knowledgeable, a holy grail for all marijuana novices. The employees answered all of my questions expertly, and eagerly. However, note that popular items, such as certain edibles, that are low on stock will be held for medical patients so do not go in with your heart set on the most popular edibles.

Overall, the experience at the Chandler location of Harvest was amazing, and it will be my go-to dispensary.