The world is finally coming around to what many of us would call “common sense.” For decades, cannabis has been demonized by politicians and major pharmaceutical companies. Of course, the relationship between these two entities should not be overlooked.
Pharmaceutical companies often take on major roles in lobbying and campaign funding. They also have a lot to lose if the benefits of cannabis ever come to light. Well, that time is upon us and we are learning the true medicinal properties of this amazing plant.
Therefore, it’s easier than ever to find an online store for cannabis. But how do you choose the best one?
We can help you there. Keep reading for a quick guide on what to look for when buying cannabis online.
Legalities
First, you need to make sure it’s legal to ship cannabis products to your home. Primarily, this depends on where you live. The federal government has left the legalities of marijuana to each state.
Before you buy cannabis products of any kind online, find out what your state laws are regarding its usage. In some states, only non-THC products are legal. In other states, only medical marijuana use is allowed.
Finally, more progressive states have completely lifted all bans regarding cannabis. For example, if you live in Oregon or Denver, you don’t have to worry about anything.
Credentials
After identifying the products you can buy legally, it’s time to do a little digging to find the best online store for cannabis. You don’t want to buy your cannabis products from a random backyard grower. In fact, doing so could be dangerous.
Instead, verify the credibility of the company by ensuring they have a medical marijuana business license or a retail marijuana business license. Their licensing and credentials should be listed on their site.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, reach out to the company and ask them to provide proof that they are a licensed cannabis store.
Recommendations
If you hang around and associate with like-minded people, you probably know someone who has an online store for cannabis that they use regularly. Talk to friends, co-workers, family members, and neighbors about buying cannabis online.
They might be able to provide you with a list of trusted retailers they’ve used in the past. Find out what online stores they used and what they thought of the products they received.
Available Products
Once you know you’re dealing with an online store for cannabis you can trust, you can begin to browse through their inventory. There are endless lines of different cannabis products. There are different strains of cannabis, non-THC products, and different delivery systems.
First, how do you want to consume your cannabis? Some people prefer to smoke both THC and non-THC products while others prefer droplets of oil under the tongue. However, there are also:
- Gummies
- Baked goods
- Vape products
- Pills
- And more
Shop the online store’s product inventory to find the right delivery system for your needs.
Next, find out what strains of cannabis the online store carries. Are you looking for Sativa, Indica, or something without THC, like CBN distillate?
Customer Reviews
When looking for any type of product, reading online reviews is essential. Use the experiences of other consumers to gauge the credibility and quality of the online store for cannabis. What do their previous customers have to say about the retailer?
Are most customers happy with the online cannabis store? Did they receive their products in a timely manner? Did they find the products to be of high quality?
What about customer service and communication? Do you see any concerning issues or common complaints left by dissatisfied customers?
Looking at reviews and testimonials is one of the best ways to find the right online store for cannabis for your needs. Obviously, you should avoid retailers that have a large number of negative reviews or what seems to be recurring issues.
Shipping Methods
As noted earlier, shipping some cannabis products to certain states is illegal. However, the legalities of your purchase are not the only areas you should worry about regarding shipping.
When buying cannabis online, find out how the products are shipped. What types of packaging do they use? If you’re ordering raw cannabis leaves, what does the company do to disguise or hide the odor?
Just as importantly, how long does shipping usually take? How soon can you expect your package?
Furthermore, what are their shipping prices? Are they included in the price of the products or will you need to pay separate fees?
Finally, what are their policies on returns? If they send you the wrong product or the product comes damaged, can you return/exchange the product for free?
Product Prices
Lastly, when searching for the best online store for cannabis, comparing cannabis costs is not a step you should neglect. Cannabis providers charge vastly different fees. If you can get the same product from one vendor for $100 cheaper, why wouldn’t you?
However, be careful of falling into the trap of buying low-quality products for super low costs. If the price of a product is substantially lower than those of other retailers, it’s okay to be a bit skeptical. In most cases, if a price is too good to be true, it’s because the product leaves something to be desired.
If you encounter low prices that make you raise an eyebrow, confirm that the retailer is a licensed cannabis store. Then, verify their credibility based on client reviews. If everything checks out, then you’re safe to order what you need.
It’s often the case, however, that you get what you pay for. If you buy a power tool that usually costs $300 for $120 online, it’s probably going to fail or break sometime soon. Similarly, buying different cannabis products for super low prices likely means sacrificing quality.
Looking for a Credible Online Store for Cannabis?
When buying anything online, it pays to do your homework and verify the provider. This is especially important when looking for an online store for cannabis. Follow our tips listed above to make the best choice for your cannabis needs.
And if you’re looking for more lifestyle or consumer advice, you’re in the right place. Stick around for a while and look through some of our other articles to find more engaging and informative content.