For a patient who has never been prescribed medical marijuana before, finding a dispensary can feel like a scary and overwhelming task. It can be hard for the unaware consumer to discern a reputable dispensary from others, especially if they don’t know what they are looking for, or are content to shop at the first location they find. After all, it isn’t the type of thing a person can ask their friends, family, or coworkers about. Even setting the stigma aside, most people don’t have a lot of experience in this area. To help make things easier, here are some tips on how to find Illinois medical marijuana dispensaries.
Consult Government Lists
One good place to start is to look at government lists and databases. This gives you assurance that the locations you are viewing are reputable, licensed, and operating within the confines of state and federal law. For patients in the state of Illinois, the Illinois Cannabis Industry Association has a list of dispensaries, and their locations. Another online database you can consult is Leafly. They host a list of dispensaries, their locations, and, if applicable, user ratings.
Ask Your Physician
Your doctor may be able to recommend one dispensary over the other or may be able to help you find a list of dispensaries in your area. In some cases, he or she may be associated with a particular dispensary, or may have worked closely with their staff. In other cases, he or she may not be familiar with specific locations but should be able to help you start your search.
Turn To Search Engines
If all else fails, you can always turn to online search engines. Keep in mind that anyone can set up a website for anything, and be discerning when you browse online. Be sure that the location you wind up choosing has a physical storefront, and that they are licensed. One good way to check, is to see if they have an accreditations or associations listed at on their homepage.
For more information on finding Illinois medical marijuana dispensaries, contact Greenhouse at https://greenhouseil.com. Follow us on our Google+ page.