Quick answer
A marijuana dispensary is a state-licensed store that sells cannabis products with THC. These stores operate in states that legalized medical or adult-use cannabis. Hemp-derived CBD does not need a dispensary. You can buy it in grocery stores, pharmacies, and online shops in most states.
Medical and adult-use licenses differ
Medical dispensaries sell to patients who hold a state-issued cannabis card. A doctor signs the certification, and the state health agency issues the card. Adult-use dispensaries sell to anyone age 21 or older with a government ID. Some states run both systems under one roof. Some states allow medical sales only. A few states allow no cannabis sales at all.
What to bring
- Photo ID that shows your birth date, such as a driver license or passport.
- A state medical cannabis card, if you shop at a medical dispensary.
- Cash in many states. Card payments face federal banking limits.
- Awareness of the purchase cap per visit. Common limits run from 1 ounce to 3 ounces of flower.
How to find a licensed store
- Open your state cannabis regulator website. Search for the license lookup or store list.
- Check that the store address matches the license record. Unlicensed shops sell untested products.
- Call the store to confirm hours, ID rules, and stock.
- Check the label for a batch number and a test result. Licensed states require lab testing for potency, pesticides, and mold.
CBD and hemp products
Federal law set the hemp THC limit at 0.3% delta-9 by dry weight in the 2018 Farm Bill. CBD from hemp is sold online, in gas stations, and in CBD shops. A dispensary is one of several places to buy CBD, not the sole option. Test results matter more than the store type. Ask for a certificate of analysis from an ISO 17025 lab.
Federal status
Cannabis with more than 0.3% delta-9 THC remains a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act. That status applies in every state. State law can permit sales. Federal law does not. Crossing a state line with cannabis is a federal offense. Counts of legal states change as legislatures vote, so check your state regulator for the current rule.